Cruise association CLIA is introducing two new ‘hybrid learning’ training programmes for agents, one for river and the other for expedition cruises.

It is looking for two cohorts of 30 agents to join the six-month learning programmes, which will lead to a graduation ceremony and certification that recognises them as river or expedition ‘Cruise Champions’.

The training is aimed at agents who are new or have limited experience of the sectors and will include a mix of classroom training, monthly webinars and digital catchups over a six-month period.

Content will cover a mix of destination training, product training and sales techniques, as well as ideas and suggestions on how to find suitable clients.

CLIA is creating the programme alongside river cruise and expedition cruise lines.

Agents will be asked to commit to a number of learning hours each month, working through a complete programme in order to achieve the certificate.

The programmes start in November, with each being launched with a full classroom day of learning. Agents will be asked to apply for a place, with registration opening after CLIA Cruise Week (16-22 September).

CLIA UK & Ireland MD Andy Harmer said: “Interest in both river and expedition cruising has never been higher, so we want to ensure that agents are equipped with the specialist knowledge and advice that will allow them to take advantage of this growing demand.”