CLIA to hold first expedition cruise forum
CLIA has revealed that it will host its first-ever forum dedicated to expedition cruising.
The event, which will take place in London on 28 March 2019, will delve into what is one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry.
The announcement was made at the CLIA Luxury 2018 summit, which is being held in Malaga.
CLIA also revealed that it has formed an expedition working group, to be chaired by Peter Shanks, Silversea UK managing director.
Cruise line members will include Celebrity Cruises, Aurora Expeditions, Ponant, Silversea, Holland America Line, Seabourn and Crystal Cruises.
Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland director, said: “We’re delighted to announce that CLIA will be hosting expedition cruise training events in the future. This, along with our dedicated working group, will help agents capitalise on the growing popularity in this sector.
“As travel agents see more requests from their customers for adventure voyages, it’s important that they can feel knowledgeable and confident in selling these types of cruises.”
In addition, two new members are to join CLIA’s executive committee.
Christopher Edgington, P&O Cruises vice president marketing, and Ben Bouldin, Royal Caribbean International associate vice president and managing director UK & Ireland, will take their places on the committee this month.
Tony Roberts, vice president Princess Cruises UK & Europe and CLIA UK & Ireland chairman, said: “We are delighted to have Christopher and Ben join the CLIA executive committee.
“As cruise lines, we are committed to working together to get more people to choose to cruise. We look forward to welcoming our new committee members, together working to lift cruising to new heights of sustainability, responsibility and opportunity.”
Jo Vaughton, Celebrity Cruises director of brand marketing and PR, is to chair the CLIA PR working group, and Stuart Perl, AmaWaterways managing director, will chair the river cruise working group.
