A series of events designed to help travel agents take advantage of the growing river cruise sector have been unveiled today by Clia UK & Ireland.
A River Cruise Masterclass takes place in London on July 7 with dedicated training on all aspects of river cruising including how to increase sales, together with the opportunity to hear from member river cruise operators.
An River Cruise Showcase will take place in Manchester on the evening of September 17, where agents will be able to network with representatives from 12 river cruise companies.
A record number of eight vessels will be available to visit at the annual River Cruise Convention in Amsterdam on November 22-23, including five new to the event.
Amadeus River Cruises, AmaWaterways, A-Rosa, CroisiEurope, Riviera Travel, Scenic Tours, Tauck and Uniworld will all have boats on show.
Clia UK & Ireland director, Andy Harmer, said: “With the continued investment in new, more innovative ships and the ever-increasing choice and diversity of itineraries in Europe and further afield, it’s no surprise that more UK passengers than ever are opting for river cruises as their holiday choice.
“The Clia river events are designed for both those agents who already sell river and those who want to break into this sector. Europe remains by far the most popular region for UK travellers with the River Danube growing by a staggering 41%.
“Further afield, cruises on Russia’s rivers also grew in popularity along with the Mekong, the Ganges and Brahmaputra.”