Tuesday, May 28, 2024 The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently wrapped up its largest annual conference for the UK and Ireland, held over three days last weekend in Southampton. The event, carrying the theme #DiscoverMore, highlighted the diverse selling opportunities available within cruise destinations and attracted 850 delegates. Activities included ship tours, conference sessions, an industry trade fair, and a Sailaway Party.
In a novel offering this year, agents had the opportunity to tour two different ships across two days from a selection of seven vessels. Notable attendees included Harry Judd from McFly, who made a celebrity appearance. The stage welcomed several industry leaders such as Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA; Rob Scott, vice president of sales, marketing, and brand at P&O Cruises; Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises; Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages; Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises; Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises; and Jeff Corwin, US wildlife biologist, TV personality, and Princess Cruises onboard host.
Prior to the main conference, there was also an optional ‘New to Selling Cruise Day’ training session available for newcomers. CLIA also announced future events during the conference: the Destination Showcase, scheduled to return from September 15-17 in Gibraltar, and the new CLIA Weekender, set to take place in Barcelona from October 24-26. The ships available for .
