CLIA UK and Ireland has reported a record-breaking first quarter of the year, with its overall membership up by 4% on 2023

In addition, accredited agents who have completed a minimum of the first level of CLIA training courses are up 22% year-on-year.

The industry body has also sold out its three main April and May events in the UK and Ireland, which include an expedition cruise event in Dublin and an expedition summit in Greenwich, both onboard Seabourn Venture, as well as a river cruise dinner in Glasgow.

Two new monthly webinar series, titled “Focus On” and “In Conversation”, have similarly attracted record audiences, with the next “In Conversation” episode on 25 April.

Meanwhile, a record-breaking 800+ delegates will attend the annual CLIA Conference, which will be held from 23-25 May in Southampton.

‘2024 will be a landmark year for cruise’, says CLIA UK boss

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “It’s amazing to see these levels of interest from agents in terms of industry networking, engaging with all cruise sectors including expedition and river, and gaining first-hand product knowledge.

“2024 will be a landmark year for the industry, with the trade riding on the crest of a wave, and I’d like to thank everyone for their positivity and enthusiasm as we further go from strength to strength.”

At the 2023 CLIA Forum, the organisation’s chair and Royal Caribbean vice president EMEA Ben Bouldin urged the cruise industry to avoid a “bloodbath” pricing war with land-based tour operators in 2024.