CLIA’s Andy Harmer: “Now is the time to capitalise”

CLIA’s Andy Harmer: “Now is the time to capitalise”

Speaking at the Advantage cruise conference, the CLIA UK & Ireland managing director said “there has never been a better time to sell cruise”

Clia UK & Ireland managing director Andy Harmer has told agents “there has never been a better time to sell cruise”.

He was speaking on board Virgin Voyages’ vessel Valiant Lady, which was sailing from Ibiza to Barcelona for Advantage Travel Partnership’s Back on the Water cruise conference.

Harmer also revealed data from a survey taken earlier this year that showed 87 per cent of cruise passengers stay at their embarkation port before sailing – and suggested agents find opportunities for land-based sales alongside cruises.

The data also revealed that one in 10 people are existing cruise customers, while two thirds of people who have never been before would be open to a cruise if they could find the right sailing.

“You have to look after your cruise guests and find out what it is they want from a holiday, and what cruise can be applied to their individual needs,” Harmer told the delegates.

“Think about those destinations, closer to home is proving really popular at the moment. Destination is also key, so top up your destination knowledge by getting to know those turnaround points.

“It’s not just the fact we can explore these different places, but it’s what the destinations can offer customers they wouldn’t get unless they were on a cruise.

“The industry is investing billions in new ships, new fuels and new technologies because we understand the responsibility we have to our environment and the places we visit, which customers will also appreciate.

“Cruisers can be anyone. I said one in 10 take cruises – it’s time to focus on the other nine that haven’t yet. There’s a sailing out there for everyone, and now is the time to capitalise.”

Read more: CLIA announces 2023 conference

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