Tom McAlpin, the CEO of Virgin Voyages, is to speak at this year’s Clia Conference, the association has announced.

The conference will take place in Southampton from 15-17 May.

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland director, said: “The theme ‘Next Generation’ looks at how guests’ cruise holiday experiences will change as we know it, both ashore and onboard, due to the huge amount of investment and innovation within the cruise industry.

“The theme explores how such new experiences could attract the ‘Next Generation’ of holidaymakers, who exactly those types of cruisers are, and how travel agents can make the most of this opportunity.”

The CLIA Conference is the largest travel agent conference in the UK. The three-day event includes a trade fair, a conference and a gala dinner. Delegates will also have the chance to visit to visit two of the three ships in port for the event: Celebrity Edge, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and MSC’s Preziosa.

Larry Pimentel, the CEO of Azamara, has already been announced as a keynote speaker.

Harmer continued: “With a record number of travel agents already registered, tickets to attend the event are still available but we expect spaces to sell out very soon. Make sure to register and book a ticket so you don’t miss out on what’s set to be the biggest CLIA Conference to date.”

To register see www.cruisexperts.org.