In association with: Clia
Clia is putting innovation and sustainability in the spotlight with two major trade events
From Amsterdam to Genoa, Clia is hosting two key events this month, educating agents about the river cruise sector and bringing together industry stakeholders, cruise line and supply chain representatives.
Clia’s RiverView Conference will give travel agents insightful training about the sector as well as showcase a record number of river vessels.
Meanwhile, those working in the wider cruise sector can participate in summit sessions and meet suppliers at Clia Cruise Week Europe.
Views from the river
The river cruise sector is growing and innovating, with new ships being added to the waterways, offering your clients a greater choice of facilities and itineraries. Clia’s RiverView Conference will bring together stakeholders and travel agents for three days of ship visits, business focused sessions and a trade fair.
The conference, which takes place from March 11-13 in Amsterdam, will welcome 11 ships to the show for agents to explore – the most ever on display at this conference.
Agents will also be able to stay on board, with some ships doubling up as the conference’s accommodation. Sustainability will be a big talking point at the event this year, along with innovation.
Plus, agents will be able to learn some selling tips on how to attract first-time customers to this type of holiday. And with plenty of cruise lines releasing new programmes for the coming years, new itineraries will also be a focus of the conference.
Clia’s RiverView Conference will return in 2025 – for upcoming announcements on all 2024 events, and next year’s RiverView dates and host location, visit: cruising.org/events
“Demand for river cruise has been particularly strong across the current wave period, so RiverView is ideally timed to help maintain this positive momentum. Last year’s conference was our biggest ever, and we’ll go one better this time around by having even more delegates and 11 ships on hand, our highest number yet.
We can’t wait to welcome our travel agent partners to Amsterdam and provide the first-hand knowledge and insight that will further support their river cruise enquiries and sales.”
Andy Harmer, managing director, Clia, UK & Ireland
Cruises of the future
Genoa in Italy is another port of call for Clia this month as the host city for Clia Cruise Week Europe, taking place from March 11-14. With an action-packed European Summit on the agenda, along with the inaugural Innovation Expo, Clia Cruise Week Europe promises to be an exciting event for all those who work in the industry.
The Innovation Expo, a first for this event, will be packed full of exhibitors, including those specialising in technology, entertainment, food and beverage, hospitality and more, for Clia member cruise lines to connect with.
Meanwhile, the European Summit will be full of sessions and discussions on hot topics in the cruise industry, including sustainability, future technologies and the onboard experience for both passengers and crew.
Cruise community meetings will also form part of the summit, for participants to engage in further discussions about key issues.
Find out more at: cliacruiseweek.com
“Clia’s annual European Summit is the opportunity for the cruise community to discuss our priorities with policymakers, ports and maritime authorities, shipbuilders, suppliers, NGOs and many more.
Hosting this year’s summit in Genoa reflects the importance of the city as a cruise port and a hub for shipbuilding and maritime technologies.
We are also looking forward to hosting our inaugural Innovation Expo, connecting cruise line leaders with our extensive supply chain, with a focus on sustainable sourcing.”
Marie-Caroline Laurent, director general, Europe, Clia
PICTURE: Steve Dunlop Photography
