Congress Introduces Resolution Inaugurating October As Cruise Travel Professional Month

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Cruise Lines International Association

Oct 01, 2015, 05:34 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A resolution introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives designates October as "Cruise Travel Professional Month," acknowledging "the creativity and professionalism of the men and women of the Cruise Travel Professional community." The resolution was introduced by Representatives Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Corinne Brown (D-FL) with the support of three original co-sponsors.

"We thank Rep. Curbelo and Rep. Brown for recognizing these outstanding professionals," said Cindy D'Aoust, acting CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). "We greatly value cruise travel specialists who create memorable vacations for the more than 22 million cruisers each year, and are thrilled to see Congress acknowledge their professionalism."

H. Res. 455 expresses support "for designation of the inaugural 'Cruise Travel Professional Month' in October," which coincides with National Plan a Cruise Month. The resolution honors the value that cruise travel professionals offer consumers, "by providing advice on choosing the best cruise based on customers' budget and interest, and taking the worry out of vacation planning by arranging all the details." In the U.S., 70 percent of cruises are booked through a cruise travel professional.

CLIA announced October as National Plan a Cruise Month. Through the multi-dimensional campaign, the cruise industry has come together to help everyone fall in love with cruising by featuring unprecedented cruise vacation offers – from chances to win dream cruise vacations each day of the month and discovering new cruises and destinations to receiving the best cruise deals and promotions.

"National Plan a Cruise Month puts cruise vacations in the spotlight, helping travelers discover all the incredible experiences that a cruise vacation offers," said D'Aoust. "The month also highlights CLIA's 10,000 travel agencies and 19,000 individual travel agent members in North America who specialize in cruise travel and ensure that consumers find the best cruise option for their travel style."

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2015, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. As the largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally, CLIA has representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA's mission is to support policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually, as well as promote the cruise travel experience. Members are committed to the sustained success of the cruise industry and are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and other cruise industry partners, including ports, destinations, ship developers, suppliers, business services and travel operators. For more information, visit www.cruising.org, www.cruiseforward.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on the CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.

SOURCE Cruise Lines International Association