The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has unveiled plans to expand its 2024 calendar with two new overseas trade events.
The addition of Gibraltar and Barcelona as host cities highlights the association’s commitment to enhancing global engagement.
Gibraltar: A Strategic Showcase
From September 15-17, CLIA will hold a destination showcase in Gibraltar. This event will feature comprehensive business sessions, local tours, excursions, and ship visits, including Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam and Azamara Quest.
Exciting Opportunities for Agents
In partnership with Visit Gibraltar, the event will offer travel agents special accommodation rates.
With excursions and ship tours, agents can gather valuable experiences to enhance their cruise sales.
This will help them become more effective in promoting cruises.
Barcelona’s Clia Weekender: A New Experience
Set for October 24-26, the Clia Weekender in Barcelona promises unique ship visits for agents.
This event targets ships not regularly stationed at UK ports.
They can then tailor their services to meet a variety of client needs.
By showcasing ships in Barcelona, agents gain exposure to different cruise experiences.
Industry Leaders Voice Support
Andy Harmer, CLIA’s Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about these additions during the CLIA conference in Southampton.
“We’ve already heard today that demand for every type of cruise continues to increase,” Harmer stated.
He emphasised the importance of firsthand experience in understanding the cruise industry’s offerings.
Enhancing Global Cruise Engagement
The back-to-back events in Gibraltar and Barcelona reflect CLIA’s strategy to enhance agent engagement at international venues.
This aligns with CLIA’s broader mission to elevate cruise industry standards through education.
Future Prospects and Opportunities
These strategic events are set to open up new prospects for travel agents.
Agents can look forward to a deeper understanding of industry trends and more effective client engagements.
It aims to strengthen the network between agents, cruise lines, and destinations.
An Invitation to Explore
The strategic selection of these events is a testament to CLIA’s commitment to fostering better relationships between travel agents and cruise lines.
The experience offers a valuable opportunity to explore lesser-known aspects of the cruise industry.
CLIA’s addition of Gibraltar and Barcelona to its 2024 calendar marks a significant step in its mission to provide agents with enhanced experiential learning opportunities.
Through these events, CLIA continues to lead the industry in fostering strong, informed connections between agents and the global cruise market.
