Overall membership of cruise trade body Clia UK & Ireland reached its highest level of around 10,000 agents following a four per cent rise in the first quarter.
Accredited agents who have completed a minimum of the first level of Clia training courses are also up 22% year-on-year.
The update came as the association revealed that its three main April and May events in the UK and Ireland have sold out
These include an expedition cruise event in Dublin and an expedition summit in Greenwich, both on board Seabourn Venture, as well as a river cruise dinner in Glasgow.
Two new monthly webinar series, ‘Focus On’ and ‘In Conversation’, have similarly attracted record audiences, with the next episode on April 25.
Meanwhile, a record-breaking number of more than 800 delegates have signed up to attend the annual Clia conference in Southampton on May 23-25, with the last few places available.
The conference – claimed as the largest annual travel agent event of its kind in Europe – will include ship visits, conference sessions, an industry trade fair and an evening event.
Attendees will be able to choose two ships to visit over consecutive days, from a selection of seven in total.
Clia UK & Ireland managing director Andy Harmer said: “It’s amazing to see these levels of interest from agents in terms of industry networking, engaging with all cruise sectors including expedition and river, and gaining first-hand product knowledge.
“2024 will be a landmark year for the industry, with the trade riding on the crest of a wave, and I’d like to thank everyone for their positivity and enthusiasm as we further go from strength to strength.”