Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has highlighted the trade initiatives and activities it has delivered across the year, as well as outlined some of its plans for 2023. The industry body has also thanked agents for their support across the past 12 months.

CLIA stated this year it has:

• Regularly updated its online resources, including adding two new sections: a ‘cruise daily’ page, which houses the latest industry news, opinion, trends and trade opportunities; and a brand profiles page, which gives agents access to information and contact details for each CLIA member cruise line
• Produced sales collateral including a ‘New to luxury and ultra-luxury cruise guide’, the fifth in a series, which is aimed at agents who sell, or are looking to start selling, high-end product. A ‘New to yacht and sail cruise guide’ was released earlier in 2022
• Continued its engagement campaign with government officials, MPs, MSPs and advisors. The government has recently initiated a working group to formalise relationships, which allows the cruise industry to meet with cross-Government officials on new opportunities and challenges. This approach will be maintained in 2023 as CLIA looks to further collaborate on opportunities including shore power and alternative fuels

CLIA’s trade plans for 2023 include:

• Launching a series of exclusive ‘boot camp’ webinars in January, which will cover member cruise lines’ main Wave activity, as well as new ships, itineraries and experiences
• Holding its first ever Parliamentary event for agents to attend. This will allow the trade to hear how they can continue to play a crucial industry role and meet key MPs, including new tourism minister, Stuart Andrew
• Hosting its annual RiverView conference, in Vienna in March, and flagship conference, which will again be in Southampton in May. The latter will include a pre-session for agents who are new to selling cruise

CLIA recently revealed the theme for its 2023 CLIA Conference as #CruiseHeroes – ‘a chance to look at some of the leaders in the cruise industry who make an outstanding contribution to its success.’ The announcement was made at the annual CLIA forum, which was attended by over 250 stakeholders from across the cruise sector.

Andy Harmer, CLIA managing director UK & Ireland, said: “I’d like to finish 2022 by saying a huge thank you to the trade, on behalf of CLIA and the cruise industry. Their positivity, support and incredible hard work has been inspiring, and we end the year on a high as a result of all their efforts.

“We can all look forward to 2023 with a real sense of optimism and have much to look forward to, not least with all the new initiatives and product that is set to be introduced.”