Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has held a graduation ceremony for more than 60 travel agents who have become its first ‘cruise champions’.
The graduates completed cruise training programmes that were introduced by CLIA last year, aimed at agents who are new or who have limited experience in the sector. One training programme focused on river cruising, and the other on expedition sailings.
In total, 33 agents qualified from the river programme and 32 from the expedition programme.
Agents received their certificates at a ceremony in Birmingham, where they were officially recognised as river or expedition ‘cruise champions’.
The programmes started last November and were created in partnership with CLIA river cruise and expedition operators, with content covering destinations, product training and sales techniques. Agents studied via a mix of classroom learning, monthly webinars, assessments and digital catch-ups.
CLIA UK & Ireland Managing Director Andy Harmer said: “Congratulations to our first ever set of CLIA cruise champions. The dedication, commitment and engagement they have demonstrated has been outstanding and we’re thrilled to see their achievements recognised.
“Many thanks to our cruise line operators for all their support in delivering these programmes, which will ensure graduates are a go-to source of knowledge for both customers and colleagues alike.”
