Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has reached an all-time high in travel agent memberships in Australasia, recording 6,274 members in 2024—a 20 per cent increase over the previous year and more than triple the level of 2022.
As the cruise industry continues to expand, CLIA is inviting new and existing members to take advantage of its comprehensive membership benefits for 2025, designed to equip agents with the tools they need to thrive in the growing cruise market.
CLIA Managing Director in Australasia, Joel Katz, told Travel Monitor that “as the global cruise industry association, CLIA provides its travel agent members with the best benefits, tools and resources to navigate the cruise industry, attract more clients and increase cruise sales.”
“We provide practical education, rewarding events, and exclusive benefits, all designed to ensure CLIA agents are the most knowledgeable and successful cruise specialists in our region. CLIA received the award for ‘Most Outstanding Travel Industry Training Institution’ at the recent National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs), while our annual Cruise360 Australasia conference has attracted record numbers of travel agents as the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest annual cruise industry event.”
“CLIA is the world’s peak cruise industry trade association and provides a unified voice for the global cruise community. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services.”
Benefits of CLIA Membership
CLIA membership provides access to a suite of resources, education, and rewards, making it the ultimate investment for travel agents looking to specialise in cruising. Key benefits include:
- Award-Winning Professional Development Program: Recognised as the ‘Most Outstanding Travel Industry Training Institution’ at the National Travel Industry Awards, CLIA’s education offerings help members gain certification and establish themselves as trusted advisors. Topics range from cruise value and ship design to upselling strategies and destination expertise.
- Engaging Events: Members can attend landmark events like the Cruise360 Australasia conference—the Southern Hemisphere’s largest cruise industry gathering—CLIA Live training series, and the Cruise Industry Awards. These opportunities allow agents to connect, learn, and be inspired.
- Members Hub: A one-stop platform for online cruise training, insights, and resources, providing everything agents need to stay informed and successful.
- Travel Agent Rewards Program: Agents can earn bonus commissions or other rewards valued at over $2,000 annually, making membership a cost-effective investment.
- Industry Advocacy: Membership strengthens CLIA’s collective voice in advocating for the cruise industry. CLIA’s efforts have led to significant breakthroughs in Australasia, ensuring the continued growth of this vibrant sector.
You can read more on the CLIA member benefits HERE or download the flyer HERE.
Education and Training at the Core
Education remains a cornerstone of CLIA’s offerings, with travel agent training completions in 2024 up by 84 per cent compared to 2022. Joel Katz, CLIA’s Managing Director in Australasia, highlighted the importance of these programs: “Cruising is thriving, and the demand for training has never been stronger. We are committed to supporting agents with practical education, engaging events, and other benefits to ensure their success.”
How to Join
Becoming a member of CLIA is straightforward and cost-effective, with options for both individuals and agencies. Membership can be arranged online through CLIA’s Membership Page, or by contacting the membership team at info-aus@cruising.org.
