Artificial intelligence (AI) will take centre stage at this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) introducing three dedicated sessions designed to help travel advisors better understand the technology and its practical applications.
The sessions will form part of the two-day Cruise360 conference in Sydney on 17–18 September, where AI will be a recurring theme throughout the program as advisors explore how technology is reshaping cruise retailing and client expectations.
CLIA Executive Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the conference aimed to make AI more relevant and accessible for travel professionals.
“The conversation around AI can be overwhelming and difficult to relate to, so this year’s Cruise360 will break it down and make it more relevant,” Katz said.
Debate and practical learning
The AI program will open with The Great Debate: Is AI the Greatest Opportunity the Cruise Trade Has Ever Seen?, featuring industry leaders from HX Expeditions, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruises, itravel Australia and Travel Industry Mentor. The session is designed to provide a balanced discussion on AI’s opportunities and limitations for travel advisors.
Delegates will also hear from sales performance coach Nicole O’Sullivan in The Client You Think You Know, examining how AI and digital search have changed consumer behaviour before clients contact a travel advisor.
Practical tools for advisors
Professional training expert Steve Wiggers will present The Digital Advisor: AI Tools That Will Change How You Work, focusing on practical AI applications for cruise retailing, including workflow integration, where human expertise remains essential, and tools that can support everyday business tasks.
Cruise360 Australasia will be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney and will also feature an industry cocktail event and an exhibition showcasing CLIA cruise lines, destinations, suppliers and Executive Partners. Attendance is exclusive to CLIA members.
