The Spanish Confederation of Travel Agencies (CEAV) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Spain have organized the webinar "Sailing safely towards consolidation", aimed at updating travel agents on the COVID-19 prevention protocols and measures that the sector has implemented.
The session, part of the training program offered by CEAV to its members, was attended by around 70 agents.
During the webinar, agents were provided not only with updated information on protocols but also on the results obtained to date, offering them insights to help them better advise their clients and instill maximum confidence when choosing a cruise as a vacation option. Once again, the sector has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the health of crew, passengers, and communities at the destinations, implementing policies that, in many cases, exceed those in place on land and the required standards.
The opening remarks were delivered by CEAV, followed by a presentation from Alfredo Serrano, director of CLIA in Spain, who was in charge of delivering the webinar.
Representatives from Celestyal Cruises, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Group were also present and available to attendees for questions related to the session's topic.
Alfredo Serrano highlighted that “after a timid start in 2020, the industry has begun its true recovery this summer, a process that has been led by Europe; a return that has made it clear that the protocols and measures deployed to protect the health of crew members, passengers and communities not only work, but work very well.”.
“CLIA members have done their homework rigorously, with a policy that reinforces their commitment to people,” he asserted. “Now,” he added, “it’s time to continue explaining the protocols and measures to build trust among customers, building on the excellent results achieved in recent months.”.
According to CLIA's forecasts, on the supply side, between 75-80% of ships will be operating again before the end of 2021, reaching 100% throughout 2022. Meanwhile, on the demand side, the Association's internal studies show that Europeans want to return to cruise travel, with pent-up demand for next year.
CLIA's policy to mitigate COVID-19
Approved on December 1, 2020 and updated periodically, CLIA's Policy to mitigate COVID-19 represents the culmination of exhaustive work carried out with experts and authorities for months and articulates the commitment of the Association's members to health.
The Policy – which CLIA members are required to comply with – details prevention, detection and response strategies from the moment the customer makes the reservation until the moment of disembarkation.
