Gallery: Clia Cruise Forum
Clia has revealed the theme of its flagship conference in May and one of the event’s keynote speakers.
The theme – Next Generation – for the conference, running from May 15 to 17, explores what cruise lines are doing now to shape holidays for the future through innovation and investment.
Azamara Club Cruises’ president and chief executive officer, Larry Pimentel, has been named as the keynote speaker at the event.
Pimentel has held this role since 2009 is responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of the three-ship brand to maintain its growth.
Pimentel has more than 25 years’ of travel industry experience catering to the high-end consumer.
The three-day flagship event will include a trade fair, a full day of conference sessions and a gala dinner.
Delegates will have the chance to visit two of the three ships in port for the event: Celebrity Edge which launched in Miami this month, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and MSC’s Preziosa.
Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland director, said: “The theme ‘Next Generation’ allows us to look ahead at how cruise holidays will change in the future in terms of the experiences on offer and the guests they will appeal to.
“There is a huge amount of investment within the cruise industry, not only on new ships but also in technological innovations.
“Through this theme we will be looking at how this investment will affect the ‘next generation’ of cruise holiday, from river and ocean to luxury and expedition.
“From dining and entertainment, to new technology used onboard and new shoreside experiences, ‘Next Generation’ looks at how guests’ cruise holiday experiences will change as we know it, both ashore and onboard.”
Gallery: Clia Cruise Forum