“Back on the Water 2022” - 7 - 9 October

London, 04 August 2022: The Advantage Travel Partnership is delighted to officially announce the return of its dedicated cruise conference “Back on the Water 2022” - its first since 2019 - with 80% of available spaces booked by members within 10 days of the event being launched, and final attendee numbers expected to hit a record high.

Partnering with Virgin Voyages, delegates attending the cruise focused conference will jump onboard the brand-new adult-only ship Valiant Lady, embarking in Ibiza on 07 October and disembarking in Barcelona on the 9 October.

In addition, Virgin Voyages, has invited delegates to spend the preceding week enjoying the full sailing itinerary onboard Valiant Lady as it cruises around the Mediterranean, so they can experience all the ship has to offer.

The conference content will focus on the robust return of the cruise sector and will look at what Ocean, River and Expedition holidays offer clients, and how to best present them as a great option to see the world - not just to existing cruisers, but also to a broader range of customers.

Alongside the cruise conference, Advantage will host dedicated sessions for its Advantage Managed Service (AMS) members - at the same venue over the same weekend. The content of the sessions will focus on achieving operational excellence and provide a business strategy update.

David Moon, Head of Business Development for The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be sharing the news that our popular cruise conference is back and we are really looking forward to bringing our Advantage Managed Service (AMS) members together as a group for the first time since the pandemic.

“In addition to helping our AMS members improve their knowledge and sales in the cruise market, the conference will allow us to update them on our plans for AMS moving forward, and how we can further support the growth of their businesses through achieving operational excellence.

“The conference will also provide plenty of networking opportunities with fellow AMS members where they can benchmark and share ideas.

“The relaunch of Advantage’s popular cruise conference underlines the importance of cruise for Advantage and its members, supporting its dedicated member cruise initiative through its Cruise Champions product community.”

Jonny Peat, Commercial Manager - Cruise for The Advantage Travel Partnership added: “We are super excited to be bringing back our cruise conference and have been overwhelmed with the unprecedented response we’ve had from members already - more than 50% of available places were snapped up within three days of registration launching, and we’re on track to have record numbers attend one of our cruise focused conferences!

“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming delegates and suppliers onboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, giving them the opportunity to experience this amazing adult-only ship first hand.

“As the cruise industry continues to bounce back after the pandemic, we’re focusing on the opportunities that Ocean, River, and Expedition holidays offer our members and their customers. This conference underpins our commitment to support the cruise sector and ensure our members lead the way in helping grow the UK cruise market.”

Commenting from Virgin Voyages, Shane Riley, VP International Sales, continued: “We couldn’t be more excited to host the Advantage cruise conference and also bring Advantage Managed Service members together onboard Valiant Lady. The ship is achieving outstanding reviews and flourishing in the Med.

“These crucial events demonstrate our commitment to our First Mate partners. We know experience sells and therefore, all attendees have been offered the chance to stay for the entire voyage and fully experience what it means to set sail the Virgin way.”

Members wishing to attend the conference should contact the Advantage Business Development Team at [email protected] .

Suppliers interested in being event sponsors should contact the Advantage Commercial Team at [email protected]