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Record numbers, more speakers for CLIA Australasia’s virtual Cruise360

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NCL's Ben Angell is among the newly added keynote speakers
Registrations for Cruise Lines International Association Australasia’s Virtual Cruise Forum on August 27 have reached 600, equal to the biggest Cruise360 Australasia conference in 2019.

Three newcomers — Angie Stephen, Royal Caribbean’s VP Asia Pacific; Andy Harmer, CLIA MD UK & Ireland; and Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Line’s VP and MD APAC —  have joined the lineup of leading industry speakers.

As reported here, this year’s in-person event scheduled for Sydney on August 27 was cancelled for the second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Virtual Cruise Forum, which will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. AEST (noon to 6 p.m. NZST) is open to all CLIA Australasia and Asia members at no charge.

Fantastic response

‘The response we’ve had from our members and the wider cruise community is fantastic, especially given the difficult times the travel industry is facing’ CLIA Australasia MD Joel Katz said.

‘Our past Cruise360 Australasia conferences have always looked at the major issues affecting the industry, but this year our focus could not be stronger, nor so well defined,’ Katz said.

‘Everything our industry is addressing right now is around safety in response to the pandemic and our determination to achieve a responsible resumption of cruising.

‘The Virtual Cruise Forum will give an essential update on this for travel agents and other industry supporters, so they are aware of the latest developments and have the insight that will help them benefit from cruising’s recovery.