CLIA Conference and trade fair held in Southampton

The 2019 CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) Conference has returned to Southampton this week and the three-day flagship event for 2019 has been the biggest to date

The CLIA Conference is the largest travel agent conference in the UK and this year’s event attracted over 700 delegates.

After having a chance to explore Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship Celebrity Edge and MSC Preziosa, both currently in port at Southampton, it was time for the annual trade fair which was once again held at Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port.

On Wednesday 15 May, travel agents attended this year’s trade fair held inside the newly-refurbished Ocean Terminal. Over 60 exhibitors took part, showcasing their products and services. Amongst them was the team from ABParking, the only official cruise car parking provider for the Port of Southampton.

Alastair Welch, ABP Southampton Director said: “We were thrilled that CLIA has once again chosen to host their annual trade fair at the UK’s leading cruise port. Cruise is a strong and growing industry and travel agents play a huge part in this, so we are delighted to be part of the largest travel agent conference in the UK.”

Southampton typically welcomes around 2 million cruise passengers each year. Each visit to the port generates around £2 million for the economy.