CLIA announces 2023 conference dates and details

CLIA UK & Ireland has revealed its 2023 conference will be held from May 12-14 in Southampton.

The conference, the 15th to be held and the largest annual travel agent event of its kind in Europe, will include multiple ship visits, conference sessions, a trade fair and a celebratory dinner.

The first day will offer attendees the choice of visiting MSC Virtuosa, Fred Olsen’s Balmoral or Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. A full industry trade fair will follow in the afternoon.

The second day comprises a visit to Celebrity Silhouette, including a ship tour, lunch and the main conference sessions, with an evening celebratory dinner in Southampton. The final day will be held on P&O Cruises newest ship Arvia, arriving in December 2022 and will comprise a ship tour, lunch and the closing conference sessions.

In addition to the conference, on May 11, CLIA is adding a new half-day training session for new to cruise agents. The in-person session will include sales training and product updates to support selling cruise, and can be booked when conference registration opens.

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “After the huge success of this year’s conference we’re excited to offer a similarly informative and engaging line-up in 2023. The first-hand insight agents gain from ship visits is unbeatable, while the networking opportunities on offer at the trade fair and dinner are invaluable.

“We can’t wait to welcome partners from across the trade once again, as our flagship event marks its 15th year.”

The conference will open for registrations later this month; CLIA EMBARC ID card holders receive an exclusive discounted link to register one week ahead of general sale.

Details of the theme and keynote speakers will be announced in due course.

For more information, visit www.cruising.org