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The Port of Seattle has launched a dedicated training program and agent resource centre for Australasian agents to brush up their knowledge on the premier North America cruise port destination, which is now live on the CLIA training hub.

Running until the end of December, CLIA member agents who complete the program will be entered into a fortnightly draw to win a $100 Mastercard gift card, with the first winner announced as Selena Luscombe from Helloworld Parkdale. With 9 more chances to win, agents are encouraged to complete the course soon to increase their chances of winning the remaining gift cards.

The Port of Seattle agent resource centre on the CLIA member’s hub offers agents helpful information and itinerary ideas for expanding clients’ stay in the Pacific Northwest region pre- or post-cruise, with access to downloadable brochures, and a newly recorded webinar.

The training program takes agents through the cruise lines departing Seattle, facilities at both downtown Seattle ship terminals (Bell Street Pier 66 and Smith Cove Pier 91), sights and experiences in Seattle, wider Washington State, maps and travel times. At the end of the module, agents are required to answer 10 questions before qualifying as a Port of Seattle expert.

Patti Denny, International Tourism Manager at the Port of Seattle, comments “After celebrating a record 20th year in 2019, in which 7 cruise lines hosted over 1.2 million customers on bucket list cruises from Seattle to Alaska, our priority during the pause of cruise operations in 2020 has been to further the education and support of agents by equipping them with the tools to upsell to clients who may want to extend their trip and experience the destination. The Port of Seattle is delighted to launch a dedicated training program for agents in Australia and New Zealand to ensure agents are able to upskill whilst so many of us are working remotely. We’re confident in the return of Australasian cruisers as the industry bounces back in 2021 and look forward to welcoming more clients on pre- and post-cruise itineraries.” 

To plan your clients’ next Alaska cruise or visit to the Pacific Northwest, check out the Port of Seattle’s new 2020 Cruise and Stay Guide or visit our website seattlecruisealaska.co.uk.