CLIA’s new training initiatives to include podcasts
CLIA has announced new training initiatives, including quarterly podcasts, weekly news vodcasts, and a new river cruise specialist accreditation.
The first quarterly podcast will be available to download from CLIA’s Cruise Expert’s site at the end of next month and will feature interviews with industry executives and specialists from across the cruise sector, with a discussion of trends and industry analysis.
The first episode will include an interview with Celebrity Cruises CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo; a chat with the Mayor of Dubrovnik about the ways the cruise industry and the city are working together to combat over-tourism concerns; and thoughts from cruise journalist Jane Archer on upcoming trends.
Weekly vodcasts will be launched on Cruise Experts in June, offering a 60-second round-up of the week’s cruise news by CLIA’s social media manager Toby Cruse.
CLIA UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer said: "In the last agent survey, 89% of respondents valued our role in terms of providing an industry level commentary, analysis and opinion on key industry issues. We hope that the podcasts and weekly news vodcasts will be an accessible and entertaining way for us to communicate with our agents."
The new CLIA river specialist accreditation also launches this year and will give agents the chance to work towards becoming a River Cruise Ambassador for the first time.
Harmer added: "Professional development and accreditation is one of the most important parts of what CLIA offers, according to 91% of our members. We are delighted to be offering the chance to specialise in the dynamic river cruise sector, one of the fast-growing parts of our industry, for the first time."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps