The second edition of India Cruise Forum organised by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) saw an important new development with the launch of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) accreditation programme for Indian travel agents. India is in fact the very first Asian country where the CLIA accreditation programme is being introduced. “The programme is very comprehensive and has been developed in the last five years. It is primarily online with some events, about 200 videos, 250 links to port terminals across the world and different destinations,” said Peter Kollar, head of International Training and Development, CLIA.
Highlighting that India is the fourth largest market for Singapore with 8 per cent growth, G B Srithar, regional director for South Asia, Middle East & Africa, STB stated that Indian visitor arrivals by sea was more than 100,000 – an increase of 29 per cent over the previous year. “2016 saw a more vibrant cruise scenario, with multi generation and young families showing highest affinity for cruising,” he mentioned. Srithar also moderated a panel discussion on growing India’s cruise travel market – challenges and opportunities. The panel members were Nalini Gupta, managing director, Lotus Destinations (GSA of Costa Cruise India); Naresh Rawal, VP sales, Genting Cruise Lines – Star Cruises, Dream Cruises and Crystal Cruises; Suzanne Perreira, senior VP sales, trade relationships and communications, Thomas Cook India; Anita Raja, regional manager – South India, TIRUN Travel Marketing and Harshali Darpel, senior manager – Western India, Cruise Professionals.
Annie Chang, director, Cruise, STB, highlighted how STB is providing support and resources to travel agents to help them sell better – from support marketing and cruise development activities though Cruise Deevelopment Fund to updation of information, support to travel agent FAMs and cruise training for them.