DESTINATION Vancouver has joined Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Australia as an executive partner.
The destination will team up with CLIA to strengthen its standing within the international cruise industry, and its choice of pre- and post-cruise experiences.
The partnership connects Destination Vancouver with thousands of CLIA travel advisors across Australia, as well as leading cruise operators from around the world, supporting partners who represent ports, destinations, tourism operators, and industry suppliers.
Destination Vancouver is able to support advisors with dedicated training, marketing, and sales resources, as well as the opportunity to join famils through the Vancouver Specialist Program.
The DMO will kick off its CLIA membership by taking part in a series of the Association’s upcoming initiatives, helping travel advisors to promote and sell the destination with confidence, and increase pre- and post-cruise bookings.
CLIA Managing Director Joel Katz said Destination Vancouver will be a welcome addition to CLIA’s growing Aussie community.
“Vancouver is one of the world’s most spectacular cruise ports and a gateway to the incredible coastal scenery of British Columbia and Alaska,” Katz said.
“Destination Vancouver can help unlock enormous possibilities for cruise travellers and we look forward to working together to create fantastic new opportunities for Australasian travel agents and their clients.”
Destination Vancouver’s local representative Dianna Schinella said the new partnership will reinforce the city’s role within the global cruise industry and provide greater support for cruise specialist travel agents.
“This is an incredible opportunity to strengthen our engagement and connect with CLIA’s cruise specialists to highlight everything that makes Vancouver an exceptional pre- and post-cruise destination,” Schinella said.
“From its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant culture and world-class experiences, Vancouver truly has so much to offer and I can’t wait to work alongside CLIA and its members to inspire more travellers to explore this iconic city.” MS