This week, the Port of Southampton plays a central role in bringing cruise lines, travel agents, port partners and industry stakeholders together as it hosts the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) trade event. In its 17th year, the trade fair is being held at Horizon Cruise Terminal. It is expected to welcome over 800 travel agents and 70 suppliers from ocean and river-going cruise lines, airlines and cruise parking suppliers, including the Port's official on-site provider, ABParking. This sponsorship underscores the Port's long-standing position in the cruise industry, serving as the UK's busiest cruise port and primary embarkation point for many global cruise brands.
The three-day conference, themed #Beyond Expectations, introduces CLIA member travel agents to "New to Selling Cruise" sales training, product updates and a new "Expedition Summit" with a focus on expedition cruises. The event begins with an all-day conference at Southampton Guildhall on Thursday, followed by the networking trade fair from 4pm – 7pm. Ship tours are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, featuring a variety of offerings from major cruise lines such as Fred. Olsen, Oceania, MSC, P&O, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. These cruise lines will welcome travel agents on board at the Port. The event is an excellent opportunity to showcase the Port, allowing agents to experience a variety of cruise brands in one place, complimented by exposure to the Port's convenient location near the city, excellent transport links, and on-site parking with ABParking.
ABP Cruise Strategy Manager Rebekah Keeler said: "We are proud to be a headline sponsor for CLIA's UK Conference once more. This is a unique opportunity to showcase the range of experiences the cruise industry offers, the city of Southampton and the Port of Southampton's world-class cruise facilities. We look forward to working closely with CLIA to promote the continued success of the cruise industry."
Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director, CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to bring CLIA’s annual conference back to Southampton. With our business sessions, guest speakers, trade fair, ship visits, Sailaway Party, and New To Selling Cruise day, this event is a unique opportunity to share the latest trends, experience ships firsthand, hear from industry leaders and better understand the breadth of what the cruise industry has to offer.
Thank you to all our cruise lines, partners and sponsors for helping us welcome over 800 delegates to Southampton for this landmark event."
The Port of Southampton has been at the forefront of driving sustainability within the cruise industry. Recent investments include implementing shore power facilities at two terminals, enabling zero emissions at berth. These developments align closely with CLIA's goal of net-zero carbon cruising by 2050 and ABP's goal of net-zero by 2040.
For more information please contact:
Nicola Denbigh
Corporate Affairs Manager
Mob: 07771 888105
Email: [email protected]
Tim Morris
Head of Corporate Communications
Mob: 07850 501903
Email: [email protected]
