Under the theme Navigate. Innovate. Excel., the Cruise360 conference in Brisbane attracted a stellar line-up of domestic and international cruise industry experts.
“I know we’ll all come away with a lot of thoughts, some fresh ideas and a greater understanding of our industry’s direction,” said Joel Katz, Managing Director, CLIA Australasia & Asia.
“Our first two-day conference has provided a much broader platform and has allowed us to talk in more detail about the trends shaping international cruising.”
Mr Katz added that although the conference was now over, CLIA’s work would be ongoing in advocating and promoting cruising, both locally and internationally.
“I firmly believe that our CLIA travel agent community in Australia represents some of the most professional and knowledgeable travel agents in the world and it’s no coincidence that you’re also among the most successful.”
To support agents even further, Mr Katz revealed that CLIA had a busy schedule of initiatives on the way, including Cruise Month throughout October featuring the hashtag #LoveCruise.
“Beginning in just a few weeks, we’ll mount a refreshed series of initiatives in Australia and New Zealand to help build excitement around the coming summer season and to direct consumers to their local CLIA travel agent.”
Mr Katz added that a comprehensive Cruise Month toolkit had already been launched to help agents mount their own activities throughout October, with prizes on offer for those taking part.
Future events include the 23rd annual Cruise Industry Awards to be held on March 7 at the ICC Sydney, for which nominations will open soon. A new CLIA LIVE series is also planned for 2026.
“Heading into the New Year, you can expect a continuing focus on events and education to ensure CLIA travel agents remain ahead of the pack.
“We’re renewing and expanding our professional development offering all the time, and we’ll new systems coming out next year.”
Wrapping up the event, Mr Katz reminded attendees that next year’s Cruise360 would be in Sydney on September 17 and 18 at the ICC.
“This has undoubtedly been one of our best Cruse360 events ever and I’m proud to be among such a passionate and professional CLIA community.”
Main Image: NCL mark 10 years in Asia Pacific. L2R: Lisa Pile, RSSC; Steve Odell, RSSC & Oceania; Ben Angell, NCL; Joel Katz, CLIA
