CLIA LIVE has kicked off in Melbourne today with the first of eight travel agent training events across Australia and New Zealand, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) delivering an expanded program for 2025.

The sold-out two-day seminar will see CLIA members gather to hear representatives from the world’s ocean, river and expedition cruise lines explain their latest initiatives and product developments.

CLIA Australasia Director of Membership & Events Marita Nosic said this year’s CLIA LIVE series had the theme “Connecting Travellers to their Perfect Cruise Holiday”.

“CLIA LIVE will give agents a deeper understanding of how to match clients with their ideal cruise, based on their personal preferences, budget and travelling style,” she said. “It will also provide strategies for highlighting the value and unique experiences each cruise line offers, helping agents to build excitement and trust with clients.”

Other events will be held through to May in Brisbane, Adelaide, Christchurch, Perth, the Gold Coast, Auckland and Sydney, as part of the largest CLIA LIVE program ever offered. More than 700 tickets have been booked for this year’s events, which are now sold out in all cities except the Gold Coast where places are limited.

CLIA LIVE allows agents to hear from multiple cruise lines in the one forum, helping them to learn more about each operator and stay up-to-date on their latest initiatives. The events suit both new-to-cruise travel agents as well as experienced cruise specialists looking to update their knowledge, according to CLIA.

Attendees can join one or both days and will receive 30 CLIA points per day. Visit CLIA LIVE for details.

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