CLIA UK & Ireland said it will hold its first ever expedition cruise event. “Taking place on 28 March 2019 in London, the all-day event will include trends talks and commentary from experts both inside and outside the industry,” the organisation said in a statement.

CLIA UK & Ireland has also formed an expedition working group, to be chaired by Peter Shanks, Silversea UK managing director. Cruise line members will include Celebrity Cruises, Aurora Expeditions, Ponant, Silversea, Holland America Line, Seabourn and Crystal Cruises.

The demand for expedition cruises has risen significantly over recent years. Next year, 10 expedition and adventure ships are due for delivery, with a further five in 2020. “Expedition lines are also diversifying their cruise itineraries and offering more choice, with an increasing number of ships visiting destinations such as Iceland, Greenland and the Galapagos,” CLIA UK & Ireland said.

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland director, said: “We’re delighted to announce that CLIA will be hosting expedition cruise training events in the future. This, along with our dedicated working group, will help agents capitalise on the growing popularity in this sector. As travel agents see more requests from their customers for adventure voyages, it’s important that they can feel knowledgeable and confident in selling these types of cruises.”