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Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia says that it it looking forward to welcoming a new intake of Masters candidates this month as it hosts its elite Masters Program in a new online format, but that agents who want to particpate should get on with joining RIGHT NOW!

The education program allows travel agent members to advance their sales and marketing skills and provides CLIA’s highest qualification for cruise specialists. It was previously offered at sea in an annual on-board conference but has been redesigned for 2021 to provide a six-week online course.

This month’s Masters Program begins on September 20, with limited places still available for CLIA member agents who have achieved Ambassador status and it follows an initial online program held in July.

CLIA Head of Training & Development Peter Kollar said the Masters Program aimed to give cruise specialists the ability to develop new revenue streams and create a unique brand differentiationm adding, “The Masters Program is all about helping agents move into an environment beyond mainstream selling,” and, “It provides the skills needed to forge a unique position in a competitive retail landscape.”

CLIA says that the program’s new content and online format has met with an enthusiastic response since its launch earlier this year, with 93% of participants rating it good to excellent.

Masters July participant Leanne Kuntze of I Love Cruising said the new online course had made a big contribution to her professional development, saying, “It blows my mind what a powerful tool this Masters course is,” adding,“It has really made me think and work on my passion, my business, in a whole new way. It wasn’t comfortable, but I loved it.”

CLIA says that the 2021 Masters Program includes new content including education on data, technology, and the evolving online retail environment and other aspects of the program include personal strength assessments, digital and neuromarketing tips, business strategy and planning skills, and understanding how to become integral to clients’ online environment.

After completing the Masters course and assignment, agents will receive 100 accreditation points and enter the prestigious CLIA Cruise Masters ranks, with a higher search ranking on the CLIA Australasia website.

To take part, member agents can register their interest via the CLIA website

A report by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor, Global Travel Media and Global Cruise News.