In a move that reflects the growth of interest in luxury small ship cruising – and expedition cruising in particular, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has opened the new PONANT training module for both its members and non-members alike.

Monique Ponfoort, vice president in Asia Pacific at PONANT said: “This course is designed to provide travel professionals with the expertise and confidence to grow their expedition cruise sales by assisting agents to learn and upskill in preparation for the industry bounce back.”

Explaining about the new components of this module, he added: “Even CLIA members who have previously completed the earlier PONANT training module are encouraged to revisit and update their knowledge as this module includes a number of important new components, including NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC & PONANT Expeditions, and a comprehensive understanding of Le Commandant Charcot – PONANT’s world-first hybrid polar exploration vessel currently under construction and due to launch in 2021.”

All CLIA members and non-members can access the New PONANT module in the CLIA Learning Academy through here.

As a formal recognition of their professional knowledge, all agents who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of expertise acknowledging them as a PONANT Qualified Specialist.