Technology will be theme of CLIA conference
Technology in the cruise industry is to be the sub-theme of CLIA UK & Ireland’s 12th annual conference, taking place in Southampton from May 23 to 25.
Specific conference sessions and speakers will have a technology theme, including ship design, new onboard initiatives, and updates on latest investments in technology from member cruise lines.~
Andy Harmer, senior vice-president membership and UK & Ireland director, said: "Technology will be running as a sub-theme of the conference, alongside the main #GenerationCruise focus.
"There’s no denying that in 2018, and beyond, technology is a crucial part of our everyday lives, and this is mirrored in customers’ increasing demands for a seamless experience whilst on holiday.
"The cruise industry is often taking the lead in the introduction of new technology to enhance the holiday experience and is widely being rolled out by a number of cruise lines and across fleets.
"Sessions at the conference will look at how technology is impacting ship design and the experience on-board, plus how technology can be used to engage a new cruise customer. "
New technology includes wearable technology, face recognition, the use of apps and robots; plus new technology around the industry’s ongoing environmental efforts.
The keynote speakers for the conference will be announced over the next few weeks, said CLIA.
The three-day conference will include a trade fair on May 23, a full-day of conference and networking sessions plus gala dinner on May 24, and the conference will close on May 25 onboard Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess, followed by the opportunity to look around the ship
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 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements