The Bahamas was well represented at the Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) Cruise360 Conference and Trade Show, which recently took place at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Centre in Florida.

The Bahamas used the show to forge links with key travel agents, cruise line executives and industry representatives through a series of networking events, educational workshops and trade show exhibitions.

Glenda Johnson, the Bahamas' Florida-based director for cruise and maritime development, said: "It's crucial to educate agents so that they can better sell to their clients."

CLIA is the world's largest cruise industry trade association.

The cruise industry surpassed 2016 passenger projections, reaching 24.7 globally, up from a projection of 24.2 million.

Passenger numbers are again forecast to grow this year to 25.8 million.

According to the cruise industry, 72 per cent of cruise sales are generated by travel agents.

In the luxury cruise segment, 93 per cent of worldwide cruise sales are generated by travel agents.

The demand for cruising has grown 62 per cent over the past two years, and eight of 10 agents in the US expect sales to increase in 2017.

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Bahamas Well Representedat Key Cruise Industry Show - Bahamas Tribune