Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has launched a new Meetings & Events at Sea Certificate Program for travel agents.
The program, designed in partnership with Meeting Professionals International (MPI), will aim to allow travel professionals the chance to become an expert in booking events on a cruise ship.
The certificate program explores the advantages of hosting groups and events on cruise ships as opposed to traditional venues, CLIA said. Through the new program travel agents will gain insight into incentive trips, and examine logistics and variables to consider when hosting an event at sea. The program will also explore the types of meetings or events that should be conducted onboard, in addition to teaching agents about the valuable cost comparisons.
Stephani McDow, CLIA’s director, membership & professional development, said that the organization has already had success delivering the certificate program at its live training events, and that the organization is now offering travel agents the chance to take the course online and at their own pace.
The program is the first certificate program to be offered as an online course for CLIA Travel Agent Members, and has been previously offered as a live-training, CLIA said. CLIA members receive a $100 member savings on the online version, which is available at $199 for non-members and $99 for members. CLIA Certificate programs supplement CLIA’s existing Certification Programs to help travel professionals expand their knowledge of travel and cruise specific topics to grow their clientele and sales.
For more information about CLIA Certificate and Certification Programs, visit https://www.cruising.org/ careerseascape.