Cruise Lines International Association has announced six global speakers and panellists who will visit Sydney for this year’s sold-out Cruise360 on August 30.
They join a record number of travel agents and cruise representatives from throughout Australasia.
CLIA managing director in Australasia Joel Katz said Cruise360 Australasia would offer a rich line-up of international speakers and local panellists to help delegates build and grow their own cruise business.
“Our aim this year is to not only give delegates a clear understanding of how cruising is evolving, but also equip them with practical advice that will allow them to reach new markets and lift their cruise sales,” Katz said.
“Our international speakers are all highly respected leaders with an enormous amount of experience, making this year’s Cruise360 a fantastic opportunity to learn and be inspired.”
They include experts from across the cruise community, providing expertise in areas including emerging cruise trends, new-to-cruise clients, luxury cruising, expeditions, experiential travel and onshore experiences:
- Steve Spivak, vice president, global sales, Tauck – A leader in global sales with a background across hotels, resorts and cruise, Steve heads worldwide sales effort across Tauck’s global markets. He will discuss how to unlock the luxury market, including strategies for upselling and maximising opportunities.
- Conrad Combrink, senior vice president, expeditions, destination and itinerary management, Silversea – An expedition leader who has travelled to the furthest corners of the globe, Conrad now designs extraordinary experiences for guests. He will explain how to capitalise on growing demand for experiential travel, focusing on destinations, culture, and local sourcing.
- Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer, Celestyal Cruises – A seasoned travel executive with a wealth of experience spanning tour operations and airlines, Lee leads a global team of over 100 travel professionals across the full spectrum of commercial activities. He will join a panel discussion on how to unlock the potential of new-to-cruise clients, including how to overcome common misperceptions.
- Chantelle Lusebrink, tourism development manager, Port of Seattle – With varied experience across the tourism, hospitality, and food and beverage industries, Chantelle is passionate about building community coalitions to advance economic vitality. She will join a panel discussion on how to harness the potential of immersive pre- and post-cruise experiences.
- David Tanguay, global head of sales, Aurora Expeditions – With a background in hotels, resorts and expedition cruising, David has explored many of the world’s most remote regions and now leads Aurora’s worldwide sales operations. He will join a panel discussion on emerging cruise trends and how embracing these changes can unlock new growth potential.
- Adam Coulter, executive editor, Cruise Critic – As an experienced journalist and cruise writer, Adam is recognised as an expert in cruising and frequently provides his commentary to media including the BBC and international newspapers. He will present some of the latest research from Cruise Critic and its worldwide database, including insights into first-timer cruisers and the cruise-curious.
Cruise360 Australasia will again include a State of the Industry panel of regional cruise line heads, discussing the forces shaping the future of cruising in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally.
This year’s panel will include Peter Little (senior vice president and country manager, Carnival; CLIA chairman in Australasia); Gavin Smith (vice president and managing director Australia, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd); Ben Angell (vice president and managing director, Norwegian Cruise Line APAC); and Deb Corbett (CEO Asia Pacific, PONANT).
Cruise360 Australasia will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Friday 30 August. Full program details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Feature image: Key CLIA Cruise360 speakers Chantelle Lusebrink from Port of Seattle and Lee Haslett of Celestyal Cruises.
