Clia reveals theme of annual conference 

‘Cruise Ready’ has been unveiled as the theme for this year’s Clia conference.

The largest annual travel agent event of its kind in Europe will bring together the cruise industry for ship visits, conference sessions, a trade fair and a celebratory party in Southampton on June 4-6.

An optional ‘New to Selling Cruise Day’ will take place on June 3, offering dedicated training and brand introductions for delegates who are keen to expand their cruise knowledge and boost sales.

The event has been developed to ensure agents have the knowledge, confidence and industry connections needed to capitalise on consumer demand for holidays at sea, according to the cruise lines’ trade body.

An ’early bird’ cost of £155 for agent members to join ends on January 30.

The first full day of the main conference will include business sessions at the O2 Guildhall in the port city, followed by an evening trade fair.

Delegates can choose to visit Cunard’s Queen Anne or P&O Cruises’ Britannia the following day, with an evening sailaway party at the O2 Guildhall.

The final day will feature ship visits to Celebrity Apex, MSC Virtuosa, Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Insignia or Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur.

Keynote speaker details will be announced in due course, according to Clia.

UK & Ireland managing director Andy Harmer said: “The theme ‘Cruise Ready’ reflects both the strength of demand we’re seeing for cruise holidays and the wealth of opportunities on offer for the trade. 

“With more customers than ever actively considering a cruise, our role is to ensure agents have the insight, confidence and practical tools to convert that interest into bookings.

"We’ll offer the training, first-hand ship experience and industry collaboration the trade need to further make cruise a core part of their business. And we recommend agents book as soon as they can to claim our special ’early bird’ rate."

Agents can register at trade.cruising.org/events/events-calendar