Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has released more details about this year's Cruise360 conference, with the must-attend cruise event offering agents a jam-packed program to help them stay ahead of the game.

Focusing on the theme of Navigating the Future, the third regional Cruise360 conference will include three panel sessions with local and international industry experts discussing the state of the industry and how best to leverage the current boom.

CLIA Australasia Commercial Director Brett Jardine said this year's Cruise360 – the largest and only official cruise conference in the region designed exclusively for agents – would help travel agents stay ahead of the curve and increase their share of the booming cruise industry.

“Cruise360 is the must-attend event for travel agents looking to gain a competitive edge from the best in the game. This year's program is bigger and better than ever with a star-studded line up of leading cruise and business experts who will share valuable insights and tools to help cruise agents grow their business,” Mr Jardine said.

During the first session, representatives from leading cruise lines including P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell, Ponant Chairman Asia Pacific Sarina Bratton, Royal Caribbean International Managing Director Australia New Zealand Adam Armstrong and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Executive Vice President International Business Development Harry Sommer, will address how industry trends are impacting decisions and the future of the cruise industry from the evolution of ship design to technology advancements.

Another panel consisting of APT Executive General Manager Global Sales and Marketing Debra Fox, Director & Vice President Operations CLIA UK/Europe Andy Harmer, Director Bicton Travel Phil Smethurst and social researcher and bestselling author Michael McQueen, will analyse travel agent needs, from sales to marketing and destination concepts.

At a time when cruise destinations are expanding, a panel including P&O Cruises Destination Director Mike Mihajlov, Emirates Divisional Vice President Australasia Barry Brown, Royal Caribbean International Director of Itinerary Planning Marc Miller and Singapore Tourism Board Executive Director International Relations & Market Planning John Conceicao, will discuss the challenges of creating the right destination experience to match industry and consumer needs.

Meanwhile, in her first visit to Australia since assuming the helm at CLIA, CLIA President and CEO Cindy D'Aoust will provide an overview on the global state of the industry during her opening address to the conference.

The panels will be moderated by well-known radio and television host and leading business commentator Ross Greenwood, who will MC the event.

The annual Cruise360 Australasia industry conference will take place at The Star Event Centre on Friday September 16. Attendance is open to all industry participants with tickets costing $275 (including GST) for CLIA members and $385 (including GST) for non-members. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cruising.org.au

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. As the largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally, CLIA has representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA's mission is to support policies and practices that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually, as well as to promote the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience. Members are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services, committed to the sustained success of the cruise industry. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.

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