CONFERENCE REPORT five ships and hosted business sessions for 750 delegates. Josie Klein reports from Southampton


Bouldin: Agents must take advantage of cruise revival


T


he relevance of the cruise sector has “never been higher” and agents must take advantage of all opportunities to engage with the industry this year, Clia chair Ben Bouldin said. He predicted the sector will have its “most exciting


year ever”, and urged agents to do all they can to educate themselves on the industry so they can benefit from increased demand. “The world is waking up to what a cruise holiday


is all about,” he said. “The relevance of this sector has never been higher and that’s what drives so many agents to this conference. The market has never been so accessible and my bet is the numbers of new-to-cruisers will be up significantly this year. “Many agents left the industry during the pandemic


and many are now joining us. We need to bring the benchmark of knowledge up so every agent has the ability to sell a cruise to any guest. “There is a rich tapestry of ship opportunities for all


agents to engage with this year and Clia will make sure it brings all of those to you.” He went on to say the sector has challenges to


overcome in the coming years, particularly in relation to achieving its sustainability goals, but that the industry is not afraid of a fight, and with collaboration it will succeed.


“We don’t have all the answers but we know that the


cruise sector will reach our goal of net zero by 2050,” he said. “All of us in this industry know what it’s like to continue


to push boundaries and we must collaborate as a sector as well as with emerging tech and energy companies. “It’s a challenge for us but we are used to overcoming


and smashing challenges. The fact we had such a good wave season demonstrates we are back better than ever.”


Ben Bouldin


Barbara Muckermann, Silversea Cruises “Luxury expedition as a whole has


so many opportunities for agents and passengers. The most important thing is to get the right guest on the right cruise.” Muckermann suggested “most people”


can be a luxury passenger, as price is not the key factor a customer looks for when they consider booking a cruise. “Luxury cruisers are not necessarily


rich people,” she added. “Everybody you have around you and most people who come into your agency can buy luxury. It’s about showing them value.”


travelweekly.co.uk


Adepitan urges agents to cater to disabled travellers’ individual needs “Visibility and communication are key for


Paralympian and television presenter Ade Adepitan has encouraged the travel industry to be open-minded about disabled travellers and to cater to each customer’s needs individually. The 2004 Paralympics bronze


medallist highlighted the difficulties he has faced when travelling and warned agents against lumping all disabled holidaymakers together in one “homogenous group”. “I can see the fear that comes into people’s eyes


when someone like me turns up because the first thing they think is that I’ll be extra hassle and they wonder what will happen with my wheelchair,” he said.


improving the problem.” Also speaking at the event was marine


Ade Adepitan


biologist Monty Halls, who said agents have an “extraordinary responsibility” to educate customers about sustainability in the sector. He urged agents to be “subtle” when


explaining the initiatives cruise lines are operating, as customers are less likely to


engage if trade partners are too pushy. “People go on a cruise to enjoy themselves, not to


be lectured,” he said. “You need to be subtle with your messaging and explain it in a calm and interesting way – you can’t be too aggressive or people won’t respond.”


18 MAY 2023


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PICTURES: Steve Dunlop


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