The Advantage Travel Partnership has revealed that its dedicated cruise conference will return later this year.

The event – the first since 2019 and titled Back on the Water 2022 – will be held in October.

The company has partnered with Virgin Voyages and delegates attending the conference will board the line’s Valiant Lady in Ibiza on 7 October and disembark in Barcelona two days later.

In addition, Virgin Voyages has invited delegates to spend the preceding week on the ship, as it cruises around the Mediterranean.

The conference will focus on the return of the cruise sector and will look at what ocean, river and expedition itineraries offer clients, and how agents can promote these.

Advantage will also host dedicated sessions for its advantage managed service (AMS) members, focusing on achieving operational excellence.

Advantage ‘supporting the cruise industry’

Advantage Travel Partnership head of business development David Moon said: “We are delighted to be sharing the news that our popular cruise conference is back and we are really looking forward to bringing our AMS members together as a group for the first time since the pandemic.

“In addition to helping our AMS members improve their knowledge and sales in the cruise market, the conference will allow us to update them on our plans for AMS moving forward, and how we can further support the growth of their businesses through achieving operational excellence.”

Advantage’s commercial manager for cruise Jonny Peat added: “We are super excited to be bringing back our cruise conference and have been overwhelmed with the unprecedented response we’ve had from members already.

“More than 50 per cent of available places were snapped up within three days of registration launching, and we’re on track to have record numbers attend one of our cruise focused conferences.

“This conference underpins our commitment to support the cruise sector and ensure our members lead the way in helping grow the UK cruise market.”