CLIA Announces Professional Development Partnership with Avoya Travel

Industry-first collaboration promotes travel agent success in providing superior cruise vacation planning experiences to customers

(WASHINGTON DC, March 28, 2018) – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is pleased to announce a first of its kind professional development partnership with Avoya Travel®, a CLIA Premier Agency Member. Under this new partnership, CLIA will serve as the preferred professional development and introductory travel education provider for new-to-travel professionals opening an Independent Agency in the Avoya Travel Network™.

“We are thrilled that Avoya Travel views CLIA’s professional development as such a valuable asset for providing industry-best support that they are utilizing our resources for the Independent Agencies in the Avoya Travel Network,” said Stephani McDow, director, membership and professional development, CLIA. “This partnership truly highlights CLIA’s professional development as the leading program in the industry for both experienced travel agents and new-to-travel professionals who want to grow their sales skills, agency business, and cruise planning expertise.”

“Avoya Travel is excited to partner with CLIA to provide high caliber education for the rapidly growing number of new-to-travel professionals entering the industry and affiliating with the Avoya Travel Network,” said Steven Hirshan, Senior Vice President of Sales Development at Avoya Travel. “Working with CLIA reflects Avoya Travel’s long-standing commitment to Integrity and Professionalism, and our leadership in establishing a Network of expert travel professionals that are supported in delivering the best cruise and vacation planning experiences to customers.”

Through the partnership, new-to-travel professionals affiliating with the Avoya Network can join CLIA with Avoya’s member rate and take a series of CLIA courses prior to affiliation. With education in selling skills, customer service, cruising, geography, and more, the CLIA courses are all designed to give new-to-travel Avoya Network members the knowledge and foundation needed to achieve early success with their Independent Agencies, begin claiming more Avoya Live Leads™ (new customers sent directly to Independent Agencies) sooner, and booking more exceptional vacations.

As a Premier Agency Member of CLIA, Avoya provides all Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network access to Individual Agent Memberships at a reduced rate as well as exclusive, members-only professional development programs, bonus commissions, and travel perks, as well as education sessions and other resources to set them apart as credible, expert cruise and travel professionals.

For more information about CLIA membership, please visit www.cruising.org or contact the CLIA Membership Team at (202) 759-9370.

To learn more about owning a travel business in the Avoya Network please visit www.JoinAvoya.com.

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. The association has 15 offices globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 25 million passengers who cruise annually and is dedicated to promoting the cruise travel experience. The CLIA Community is comprised of the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organization’s mission is to be the unified global organization that helps its members succeed by advocating, educating and promoting for the common interests of the cruise community. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.

About Avoya Travel

Avoya Travel is a family-owned company with a longstanding reputation for being one of the world’s most innovative marketing and travel technology companies. As an American Express Travel Representative for more than 30 years, and one of their largest sellers of cruises and tours, Avoya is deeply committed to Integrity and Professionalism™, service, and value in every aspect of planning cruises and vacations. Through an elite network of independently owned and operated travel agencies, Avoya provides exclusive discounts, amenities, and first-class customer service to travelers worldwide. Cruise lines and travel partners recognize this, as Avoya has received numerous accolades, including being repeatedly named Travel Partner of the Year by Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, American Express, Oceania Cruises, MSC Cruises, and more. Today, Avoya is headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, with support offices throughout the United States.

Travel agency owners, travel professionals, and others interested in owning and operating their own travel business should contact Avoya Travel at 800-521-2597 or visit www.JoinAvoya.com. Travelers interested in booking their next vacation with Avoya Travel, should call 800-753-1463 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com.