The travel industry on both sides of the Tasman is gearing up for the biggest cruise industry gathering to ever be held in Australasia, the much-anticipated Cruise360 conference, which has this year expanded to a two-day event.
The conference comes as the local Australasian cruise industry sails into operational headwinds, however Cruise Lines International Association md Australasia Joel Katz says its travel agent membership is at record levels, and clearly focused on the opportunities available in cruising. Cruise represents a significant income earner for agents, and more than 850 delegates are set to attend Cruise360, including a significant number from the Kiwi trade. The 19-strong First Travel Group delegation at this year’s event demonstrates the brand’s commitment to both the cruise sector and upskilling its members says FTG’s marketing and business development manager Kylie Crouch.
. . . The Line-up
Katz says the conference boasts a packed program ready to help ‘inform and inspire’. The line-up includes panel discussions and talks from 10 cruise line leaders, designed to offer a global perspective to help agents in this region grow their business in a rapidly evolving industry. Topics discussed will include global trends, the expanding luxury cruise sector, the fly-cruise market, and emerging opportunities among Gen Z travellers, as well as myths and misperceptions in river cruising, and how to create successful career paths for the consultants of tomorrow. “Never before have we had so many visiting speakers from other parts of the world, giving us a rare opportunity to consider our future in a global context and to learn from the overseas experience,” says Katz.
. . . Adventure Too
Among the 50 Cruise360 exhibitors is Adventure World, which today revealed it has become an executive partner of CLIA. “At Adventure World, we believe that a cruise is just one of the elements that makes up an incredible journey,” says head of sales Elsa McLean. “We’re giving travellers the chance to go beyond the water, with authentic local encounters and unique wildlife encounters that transform a great holiday into an unforgettable adventure.” To celebrate, Adventure World has released a cruise booklet, with resources for agents. See it HERE
