CLIA has confirmed that this year’s Cruise Week will take place from 16-25 September, with a ‘get on board’ theme.

The annual event will feature a number of trade-friendly cruise initiatives to help travel agents.

The ‘get on board’ theme also extends to holidaymakers, with the week showcasing the reasons why people choose to take a cruise holiday.

Specific trade activity includes shareable content for marketing and social media, and a focus on cruise destinations. A countdown will shortly begin online to help agents achieve maximum exposure.

CLIA will share sales tips from its trade working groups, to support travel agents looking to increase their sales, while special Cruise Week webinars will be held.

Exclusive cruise line deals and incentives will be published in the membership area of the CLIA website, which will also include a dedicated Cruise Week page offering a practical checklist of the ways in which agents can capitalise on the week and their CLIA membership.

Agents can join the conversation using the hashtags #CLIACruiseWeek and #LoveCruise.

CLIA UK & Ireland MD Andy Harmer said: “We’re very excited this year’s Cruise Week is on the horizon, and are eagerly counting down to the raft of trade initiatives we’ll be putting in place.

“We’re encouraging all agents to stay tuned via social media and our other communications platforms.

“There is so much positivity and enthusiasm in the industry, and Cruise Week is timed perfectly to help generate even more customer interest, engagement and enquiries.”

In a recent interview with Cruise Trade News, Harmer added: “If you look at this year and next, then it’s clear that this is a great opportunity for travel agents. There are many high-profile ships arriving, as well as new itineraries.”