Bosses from AmaWaterways, Crystal Cruises and APT will speak at the upcoming CLIA river cruise conference, the association has confirmed.

AmaWaterways’ executive vice-president Kristin Karst, Crystal Cruises’ vice-president and managing director Walter Littlejohn, and APT’s chief commercial officer Debra Fox, have been named as the keynote speakers for the annual event, which this year will take place from 10-11 November in Amsterdam.

Each speaker will bring practical advice on how to sell river cruises and discuss the latest trends in the industry. The conference sessions will focus on how to sell the next generation of ships and itineraries.

Delegates will also have the chance to visit a number of ships and stay overnight on 10 November on either A-Rosa Flora or MS Douce France.

CLIA UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer said: “We’re delighted to have such a fantastic line up of speakers for our ninth river cruise conference and we look forward to them sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise of this growing sector.

“It’s great to see so many CLIA travel agents are keen to grow their river cruise business, and events such as the river cruise conference are essential to keep up to date with the latest industry insights and selling advice. Together, we can work to inspire the next generation of customers to take a river cruise by making them aware of the incredible experiences this type of holiday as to offer.

“The river cruise sector is diverse, with each individual cruise line having something different to offer their guests. It’s important that agents can feel knowledgeable on the unique selling points for each cruise line to ensure they’re able to sell the right cruise to the right customer.

“As the only event of its kind, the river cruise conference helps to equip agents with this knowledge through expert conference sessions and a wide selection of ship visits.”

Limited spaces are still available. CLIA travel agent members can book by visiting www.cruiseexperts.org/clia-agents/uk-ireland-events/