Artificial intelligence will take centre stage at this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference, with a dedicated program designed to help travel advisors better understand how AI is reshaping cruise retailing and customer behaviour.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has confirmed three AI-focused sessions will feature across the two-day event in Sydney this September, combining industry debate with practical training for advisors.
AI debate to open conference discussions
The technology program will begin with The Great Debate: Is AI the Greatest Opportunity the Cruise Trade Has Ever Seen?, bringing together senior executives from HX Expeditions, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruises, itravel Australia and the wider travel industry to examine AI’s opportunities and limitations for cruise advisors.
CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said the conference would focus on making AI relevant and practical for travel professionals.
“The conversation around AI can be overwhelming and difficult to relate to, so this year’s Cruise360 will break it down and make it more relevant,” Katz said. “We’ll begin with a debate to ignite the discussion and inspire thought, but then we’ll dig down to understand more about AI’s impact on client behaviour and the tools that travel advisors can put to use in a meaningful way.”
Practical sessions for travel advisors
Additional sessions will examine how AI and digital search are changing customer expectations before they contact a travel advisor, while another workshop will demonstrate AI tools that can be integrated into everyday cruise retail workflows.
Cruise360 Australasia will be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney on 17-18 September, featuring conference sessions, an industry cocktail event and an exhibition showcasing CLIA cruise lines, destinations, suppliers and executive partners. Attendance is available exclusively to CLIA members, with limited tickets on sale.
