I85PREP
⌘ K
CLIA ACC study materials
CLIA ACC study resources

CLIA ACC: Research and Sharable Resources: Using CLIA Data Correctly

CLIA ACC · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Research and Sharable Resources: Using CLIA Data Correctly

This domain tests whether you can select the right CLIA data source, apply its definitions, and share material responsibly. Questions often present a statistic and ask whether it answers the question asked, or ask which publication to consult.

The core CLIA outputs

  • State of the Cruise Industry Report: annual, headline passenger volumes, source-market splits, order book, traveller-intent findings and industry priorities.
  • Economic Impact Analysis: periodic study of global and country-level output, wages and employment, split by direct, indirect and induced effects.
  • Passenger and traveller research: demographics, first-timer versus repeat ratios, intent to cruise, booking behaviour.
  • Deployment and order-book data: capacity by region and delivery schedule.

Definitions that change the answer

Ocean-going versus river versus expedition; passengers versus passenger embarkations versus unique passengers; source market (where the passenger resides) versus deployment region (where the ship sails); calendar year versus financial year. CLIA's headline figures are primarily ocean-going, so pairing them with river capacity produces a mismatch.

Sharing responsibly

Use CLIA-published infographics and fact sheets within their terms, credit the source and edition, avoid altering charts, and do not present forecasts as outcomes. When quoting a number, state the reference year and whether it is actual or projected.

Worked example

You are asked: 'How many people cruised last year?' Reasoning: the correct figure is the reported ocean passenger volume for the most recent completed year in the current State of the Cruise Industry Report - 31.7 million for 2023 against a 2019 baseline of 29.7 million in that edition - not the forward forecast, not the order book, and not a combined ocean-plus-river figure unless the source says so. Naming the publication and year is part of the answer.

Traps that cost marks

  • Mixing a forecast with a reported actual.
  • Using ocean-only data to describe the whole cruise market.
  • Comparing source market and deployment region figures.
  • Quoting a number without its edition and reference year.

CLIA Events and Membership: Tiers, Benefits and the Calendar

This final domain tests practical knowledge of CLIA as an organisation you can join and attend - membership categories, what each tier receives, the flagship events, and the certification pathway for travel professionals. Questions often ask which membership or event fits a described person.

Membership categories

  • Cruise Line Members: the lines themselves; they adopt CLIA's member policies as a condition of membership.
  • Executive Partners and Global Partners: suppliers serving the industry - ports and destinations, shipyards, technology, food and beverage, insurance, media.
  • Travel agency and individual agent members: the retail distribution network, which accesses training, certification, marketing assets and events. Membership benefits cluster around advocacy, research and data, marketing and lead generation, professional development, and networking.

Events

  • Cruise360 is CLIA's flagship North American conference and trade show, built around professional development, destination showcases and a trade exhibition.
  • Regional events and awards run in other markets, including Australasia, Europe and Asia, alongside CLIA's annual industry-report briefings.
  • Distinguish CLIA events from other industry gatherings such as Seatrade Cruise Global and trade-press-run shows.

Certification pathway

CLIA's travel-professional training progresses through recognised levels - Accredited, Master and Elite Cruise Counsellor - combining coursework with cruise experience and sales performance. Certification signals verified knowledge to suppliers and clients.

Worked example

A newly appointed travel agent asks how to gain cruise product knowledge, supplier recognition and access to CLIA research. Reasoning: the correct route is individual agent membership of CLIA plus the certification pathway, which bundles training and the marketing and research resources; a partner or cruise-line membership is designed for suppliers and lines, not for retail selling.

Traps that cost marks

  • Confusing CLIA events with non-CLIA trade shows.
  • Assuming cruise-line membership is available to agencies.
  • Believing CLIA membership confers regulatory authority.
  • Overlooking that member lines accept CLIA policies as a membership condition.