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Clia Conference 2019: Second keynote speaker revealed

Clia has revealed the second keynote speaker at its flagship three-day conference will be Virgin Voyages’ president and chief executive Tom McAlpin.

Virgin Voyages’ founding member McAlpin joined the board in 2014 from The World – Residencies at Sea, where he held the position of president and chief executive.

In his Virgin Voyages role, McAlpin leads on ship design, onboard experience, construction, crew, safety, operations and service delivery.

Last month, Clia announced the first keynote speaker at its conference would be Azamara Club Cruises’ president and chief executive Larry Pimentel.

Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland director, said: “The theme ‘Next Generation’ looks at how guests’ cruise holiday experiences will change as we know it, both ashore and on board, due to the huge amount of investment and innovation within the cruise industry.

“The theme explores how such new experiences could attract the ‘Next Generation’ of holidaymakers, who exactly those types of cruisers are, and how travel agents can make the most of this opportunity.”

The Clia Conference 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 last year; Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and MSC’s Preziosa.

Harmer added: “With a record number of travel agents already registered, tickets to attend the event are still available but we expect spaces to sell out very soon.

“Make sure to register and book a ticket so you don’t miss out on what’s set to be the biggest Clia Conference to date.”

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