Travel agents can now boost their cruise knowledge without leaving their desks, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia announcing it has moved the mandatory components of its cruise industry training program online.
In a landmark for the industry body, agents will now be able to undertake all compulsory CLIA training required to achieve Cruise Industry Accreditation online, as part of their annual CLIA membership.
CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the new training program had been developed in conjunction with CLIA’s UK office, with the move reflecting the benefits of last year’s creation of a global cruise industry body.
Mr Jardine said the online program – available on tablets as well as desktop computers – would complement CLIA’s existing classroom training modules for membership accreditation.
“This is a major step which will make it far easier for travel consultants to enhance their cruise knowledge, add to their confidence and grow their cruise sales without even leaving their desk,” Mr Jardine said.
Mr Jardine said access to the online accreditation training will be included in members’ annual fees, with consultants having direct access to their own password-protected personal profile so they can track the progress of their cruise industry knowledge.
CLIA will still provide classroom training for elective modules across Australia and New Zealand for consultants who aspire to a higher level of accreditation or wish to expand their cruise industry knowledge. The fee for these elective modules will remain at $110 per person.
SOURCE: CLIA Australasia