Thomas Cook joins Clia UK

Thomas Cook, one of the UK’s largest travel companies, has joined Clia UK & Ireland as it looks to further bolster its presence within the cruise industry.

Thomas Cook’s staff will now have access to Clia’s training modules, events and selling tools in a move that many hope will increase the company’s cruise sales.

The firm recently announced 11 dedicated cruise concept stores, which will sit alongside its traditional stores.

The news means that the number of travel retailers that are Clia members has reached 3,000 for the first time.

Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland director, said: “We are delighted that Thomas Cook has chosen to join the association as we are united by the desire to increase the number of people taking a cruise holiday.  Their membership means we can engage with a much broader community of travel agents which will be to the benefit of the whole cruise industry.”

He added: “Thomas Cook’s membership endorses our successful training programme which provides access to unique resources and our Learning Academy, all of which are accredited City & Guilds.”

Julie Berry, from Thomas Cook said: “Thomas Cook and the Co-operative Travel are delighted to become members of Clia which demonstrates our continued commitment to growing our Cruise proposition.  As a leading independent Cruise retailer it is important that we continue to work closely with our cruise partners and now, through joining the Clia association, this will enable us to further strengthen our cruise expertise throughout our network, encouraging more customers to consider Thomas Cook when booking their cruise holiday.”