The CLIA Luxury Cruise Showcase attracted more than 1,300 registrations from travel agents in the latest of a series of new online initiatives introduced to help maintain industry engagement during the global pandemic, and increase education opportunities for CLIA members.
Over the four days, members heard from the global leaders of some of the world’s best-known cruise brands who were interviewed from their headquarters in North America and Europe. They included Silversea Cruises President and CEO Roberto Martinoli; Seabourn President Josh Leibowitz; Regent Seven Seas Cruises President and CEO Jason Montague; and Crystal Cruises President and CEO Tom Wolber.
CLIA Australasia Director of Membership & Events, Marita Nosic, said the interviews provided an opportunity to hear how each brand has responded to the COVID-19 crisis and how they’re planning for their future resumptions.
“We were able to get direct insight into how the luxury brands are working to safeguard their guests, bring confidence back to cruising, maintain their focus on product innovations and uphold their commitments to sustainability and responsible tourism. Most importantly, we heard from cruise line leaders on how they see their relationship with travel agents in the future, and what travel agents can expect from luxury travellers as the market rebounds.”
The daily interviews were followed by a Live Panel Session in which high-profile regional directors provided a local perspective. The panel involved Silversea Cruises Managing Director Asia Pacific Adam Radwanski; Seabourn Senior Director Sales & Marketing Australia & New Zealand Tony Archbold; Regent Seven Seas Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Lisa Pile; and Crystal Cruises Vice President Sales & Marketing, Australia & New Zealand Brigita Devries.
CLIA’s online events program continues with a Virtual River Cruise Showcase on September 23, a Spring Webinar Series focused on expedition and small ship cruising from September 29 to November 24, and a Cruise Port & Destination Showcase from December 1 to 10.
The events are exclusive to CLIA members and are offered in collaboration with CLIA cruise lines and Executive Partners. Further details are available via the CLIA Members Hub.
