Cruise Lines International Association has put two additional trade events on the 2014 calendar.
Andy Harmer, CLIA Managing Director for UK & Ireland revealed them at the annual conference in Southampton.
CLIA’s Destination Showcase returns from September 15-17, and will this year be held in Gibraltar.
Destination training and education will have a key role throughout the event, with a range of related business sessions, as well as an invitation to join local tours and excursions.
Travel agent delegates will also tour Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam and Azamara Quest.
The Showcase will be hosted in conjunction with Visit Gibraltar, who will provide preferential rates for hotel accommodation.
Harmer also announced a new event for 2024 – the CLIA Weekender in Barcelona in October.
The event will provide travel agents with the opportunity to experience ships that typically sail from overseas ports, with the line-up of ships as follows:
October 24: Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas
October 25: MSC World Europa and Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA II
October 26: Windstar Cruises’ Wind Star
An evening reception will be held on October 24 in Barcelona, with free time to explore the city.
Further details will be shared soon.
Harmer said: “We’ve already heard that demand for every type of cruise continues to increase, so our Destination Showcase and CLIA Weekender will provide more opportunities to gain invaluable first-hand insight.”
Minister for Tourism, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “The Visit Gibraltar team at the Gibraltar Tourist Board and I are looking forward to welcome CLIA to Gibraltar and host their Destination Showcase in September.”
“As Minister for Tourism I am excited to present The Rock to professionals in the cruise industry.”
CLIA Conference runs to May 25 and features ship visits and a Sailaway Party.
Tags: Andy Harmer, Cruise Lines International Association CLIA Conference
