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18 November, 2024

CLIA membership reaches record numbers as agent base jumps nearly 20% in 2024

Edited by Travel Weekly

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has reached a new membership high in Australasia, increasing its travel agent community by almost 20 per cent during 2024.

With 2025 memberships now open, CLIA is preparing for a packed program of educational events and training opportunities throughout the year ahead, equipping Australasian travel agents with the insight needed to succeed in an expanding cruise market.

CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said travel agent memberships had reached a record 6,274 in 2024, an increase of almost 20 per cent over the previous year and more than triple the level of 2022.

“Cruising is thriving around the world and the demand for travel agent training is now stronger than it has ever been,” Katz said.

“The level of interest and dedication among travel agents is inspiring, and we want to support this further in 2025 through practical education, engaging events and other supporting benefits.”

CLIA’s education program was honoured recently at Australia’s National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs), receiving the award for ‘Most Outstanding Travel Industry Training Institution’. Travel agent involvement in CLIA training is also at record levels, with course completions this year up 84 per cent over those of 2022.

CLIA membership for 2025 is now open to new and existing members, member benefits include:

The award-winning CLIA Professional Development Program – giving agents the knowledge needed to stand out as trusted travel advisors, and the ability to gain important industry standing through CLIA Certification.
The CLIA Events Program – uniting the CLIA community around inspirational event opportunities including the landmark Cruise360 Australasia conference, the popular CLIA Live training series in cities across the region, and the annual Cruise Industry Awards for Australasia.
The CLIA Members Hub – providing a one-stop shop for all online cruise training, insight and resources. The Members Hub is a gateway to cruising knowledge.
The CLIA Australasia Travel Agent Rewards Program – providing an opportunity to earn bonus commissions or other rewards on cruise bookings. The rewards are worth over $2000 in combined indicative value, paid either as extra commission, a rebate or a gift card. Through this program, CLIA Membership can pay for itself many times over.

“Importantly, CLIA membership will continue to support our voice as we advocate for cruising and rise to the challenges ahead,” Mr Katz said. “CLIA’s persistent advocacy efforts have led to major breakthroughs, and we will continue to fight for our community throughout this region.”

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