Jot down all the questions you may have about Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages, how to sell river cruising to a younger market, whether giant ships will continue to fill beds & more…
Because in August, you’ll have an opportunity to get all your cruise questions answered, plus ones you didn’t even know you had.
Cruise360 Australasia is less than two months from kicking off, and while it may seem like an ocean between now and then, the time will sail by and before you know it, you and your closest agency mates will be seated at the Hyatt Regency Sydney learning all about the world of cruising.
Keeping with tradition, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia are in the process of organising what will be the best event yet, and that’s not just because Virgin Voyages will be in attendance.
Yeah, Virgin Voyages will be there! No, not Branson though.
Read on for more of the exciting things you can expect at Cruise360 Australasia:
1. Virgin Voyages will make its Australian debut
Virgin Voyages, the cruise line born out of Richard Branson’s aspirations, will make its Australian debut with President and Chief Executive Tom McAlpin signing up as a guest speaker.
McAlphin, the man who promised Agents the ‘most rewarding’ commissions, will discuss the “epic sea change” the new rock n’ roll cruise line will deliver as well as its point of difference, new demographic and the process of entering the market.
If you’re lucky, he may even touch on future Virgin Voyages itineraries, which Branson previously said he hoped would one day include Australia.
2. View the vision of the future
We can all pretend to know where the cruise industry is heading or we can actually find out from one of the industry’s most knowledgable leaders.
CLIA’s Global Chair, Adam Goldstein (also the Vice Chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises), will join a full-day line-up of expert speakers and panel sessions at Cruise360 Australasia.
Goldstein will share insights into cruising, ideas, knowledge and more importantly, he’ll give Agents a clear view on where the sector is heading.
3. Learn how to tap into a younger market
While the demographics of Australian cruisers is widening, there’s still some way to go, especially when it comes to river cruising.
Who better to take tips on enticing younger cruisers onto river ships than the boss of the line marketing directly to millennials – Ellen Bettridge.
Ellen, the President and Chief Executive of Uniworld, will take time to discuss Generation Z travellers and the impact they’re having on cruising as well as Travel Agents.
She’ll no doubt offer a few tips that’ll help get younger travellers onto ships as well as look into how the industry is evolving to cater to the fresh market.
4. Earn accreditation points
Learn & earn – that’s the CLIA bonus.
This year, CLIA Australasia is giving Travel Agents the chance to earn 20 extra accreditation points when they attend seminar presentations during the Executive Partner Product and Destination showcase.
New to Cruise360 Australasia, the showcase will be held on 29 August 2019 and will offer an opportunity for Agents to find out about the additional products and services that can be offered with a cruise holiday.
Executive Partners involved in this year’s showcase include Emirates, Rocky Mountaineer, Journey Beyond, Intrepid Travel Group, The Hotel Connection and Cruise Baltic.
5. Sift through a floor of experts
The trade show is back baby!
Everyone’s favourite part of Cruise360 (aside from the speakers, the panels, the ship inspection and the Executive Partners showcase) is the trade floor where consultants can speak directly to cruise lines and cruise products.
6. And finally, inspect Sea Princess
Hop aboard!
A day before Cruise360 Australasia formalities, Travel Agents will have the chance to inspect Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess.
The ship inspection will be held on 29 August 2019.
Cruise360 Australasia will be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on 30 August 2019. It will include a series of panels, guest speakers and a trade show for cruise industry exhibitors.
Travel Agents will also have an opportunity to join a ship inspection aboard Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess on 29 August.
Click here for more information.
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