Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its new Expedition Cruise Spotlight Sessions, a series of online videos designed to give travel agents fresh insight into the expedition sector.
The Spotlight Sessions help mark Expedition Week as part of Cruise Month and helps CLIA agents understand the latest developments and opportunities available in expedition cruising.
There are 13 videos now online, recently recorded in front of a live audience of CLIA members who were able to ask questions and help shape the conversation. They include a series of five-minute presentations by 11 different CLIA expedition cruise lines, plus two panel discussions in which expedition cruise experts explore themes in more detail:
- Inside Expedition Cruising: How to sell the ships, the style, and the spirit of adventure – moderated by CLIA managing director in Australasia Joel Katz, featuring Steve McLaughlin (Aurora Expeditions), Lauren McAlpine (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises), Gareth Coakley (HX Expeditions), Kristina Sambaher (PONANT EXPLORATIONS), and Jo Bingham (Silversea).
- Exploring the Ends of the Earth: Matching Clients to Expedition Destinations – moderated by CLIA head of international training & development Peter Kollar, featuring Craig Upshall (Polar Latitudes Expeditions), Andrew Thwaites (Coral Expeditions), Robert Halfpenny (Heritage Expeditions), Chris Catanzariti (Quark Expeditions), Julie Jones (Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours), and Beth Stolyar (Swan Hellenic).
Katz said the videos included fast-paced presentations on individual cruise brands, allowing agents to get a stronger understanding of each line’s point of difference, target demographics and latest initiatives.
“Expedition Cruising is one of the most successful areas of cruising right now and we’re seeing a huge amount of growth and development among the specialist operators,” Katz concluded.
“These videos are a great opportunity to learn more about expedition cruising and the extraordinary destinations they open up for exploration, in a format that provides fast, practical tips and insight.”
The Spotlight Sessions can now be accessed via the Cruise Month Toolkit in the CLIA Members Hub.
