Gallery: Clia River Cruise Conference Amsterdam
Clia deputy chairman Giles Hawke has launched an impassioned plea to agents to support its cruise line members.
Speaking at Clia’s River Cruise Conference in Amsterdam, Hawke talked up the benefits of river cruising before calling on nearly 300 travel agents to back only Clia members when they return to their businesses.
He said: “I have been impressed and delighted with the range and quality of product on offer. Cruise lines invest a huge amount of money and time in travel agents.
“I have a plea for all our travel agents and partners that when you go back to your shops you only support Clia member cruise lines.
“We invest a lot of time, energy and training in supporting travel agents. We are investing a huge amount in you and it would be nice to see that support reciprocated.
“We are doing everything we can to support you.”
He also added how he “applauded” U by Uniworld for launching millennial-only river cruise ships and hailed TV presenter Jane McDonald for producing programmes about cruise sailings.
He added: “I think Jane is going to do a huge amount for us. The fantastic Jane McDonald has brought cruise to a mainstream TV audience.”
Gallery: Clia River Cruise Conference Amsterdam
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