Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the global cruise body, has launched its travel agent training programme in India.

A travel industry event was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai recently, where CLIA’s head of international training & development, Peter Kollar, officially unveiled the accreditation scheme to more than 150 Indian travel agents.

The event was organised in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), which is aiming to attract more Indians to take cruise holidays from Singapore.

“For the past five years we have been speaking at conferences and to travel agents throughout Asia and India. During this time we have seen an increasing demand for formalised training in the cruise sector,” Kollar said.

“I am proud that we can now deliver CLIA’s training and accreditation programme to Indian agents and ensure that they are well equipped to meet the growing demand for cruise in the Asian region.”

CLIA’s global cruise accreditation programme provides travel agents with access to CLIA’s Learning Academy, which contains over 50 training modules covering various aspects of the cruise industry.

“India is a key source market for cruising out of Singapore. STB will continue to work closely with in-market partners to raise awareness of cruising as a great holiday option and sustain the growth of Singapore as a cruising hub in Southeast Asia,” said GB Srithar, STB’s regional director for South Asia, Middle East & Africa.

“STB India is happy that CLIA is opening up training opportunities for the Indian travel trade. This will help drive greater awareness, interest and competency in cruise promotions.” According to a recent consumer survey conducted in Mumbai, 34% of young Indian families are willing to spend on a cruise holiday and 98% are open to a cruise from Singapore.

CLIA’s partnership with STB will also see CLIA membership being introduced in Singapore and Indonesia next month.