CLIA announces 2023 conference

CLIA UK and Ireland has revealed the dates and details of its 2023 conference.

The trade association’s 15th conference – the largest annual travel agent event of its kind in Europe – will be held in Southampton between May 12 and 14 and will include multiple ship visits, conference sessions, a trade fair and a celebratory dinner.

The first day will offer attendees the choice of visiting MSC Virtuosa, Fred Olsen’s Balmoral or Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, followed by an industry trade fair.

The second day features a visit to Celebrity Silhouette, including a ship tour, lunch and the main conference sessions. In the evening, there will be a celebratory dinner.

The final day will be held on P&O Cruises’ newest ship, Arvia, and will comprise a ship tour, lunch and the closing conference sessions.

In addition to the conference, on May 11, CLIA is adding a new half-day training session for new to cruise agents. The in-person session will include sales training and product updates to support selling cruise, and can be booked when conference registration opens. 

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK and Ireland managing director, said: “After the huge success of this year’s conference we’re excited to offer a similarly informative and engaging line-up in 2023.

“The first-hand insight agents gain from ship visits is unbeatable, while the networking opportunities on offer at the trade fair and dinner are invaluable.”

The conference will open for registrations later this month. Details of the theme and keynote speakers will be announced at a later date.