Cruising newcomer Virgin Voyages will make its first appearance at Cruise360 Australasia in August, as President & CEO Tom McAlpin explains how the line has prepared for an “epic sea change” in the cruise industry.
Mr McAlpin has been confirmed as the latest international speaker to join this year’s Cruise360, the industry’s key annual forum hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). He will address the local industry as part of the conference theme #NextGeneration, just months ahead of the launch of Virgin’s first ship Scarlet Lady.
CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said Virgin Voyages’ entry to the cruise arena was a sign of the industry’s rapid evolution.
“Tom’s appearance at Cruise360 #NextGeneration will provide the Australasian travel community with an opportunity to hear about the new cruising demographic Virgin Voyages has identified and the process it went through to target that emerging market,” Mr Katz said. “Virgin has promised an epic sea change and a very different kind of travel experience, so this will be chance to hear about how new cruisers can be discovered and enticed in an increasingly diverse industry.”
Prior to leading Virgin Voyages, Mr McAlpin was President & CEO of The World, Residences at Sea. He was previously part of the Disney Cruise Line founding management team as CFO & SVP of Operations and spent five years as the line’s President.
Tom McAlpin
Mr McAlpin will join other key speakers at this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference including CLIA’s Global Chair Adam Goldstein and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection President & CEO Ellen Bettridge.
To be held on Friday August 30 at Hyatt Regency Sydney, this year’s Cruise360 conference will offer a full-day line-up of expert speakers and panel sessions, as well as a trade show for cruise industry exhibitors. It will be preceded by a dedicated Executive Partner Product and Destination Showcase as well as a ship inspection aboard Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess on August 29.
Tickets for this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference are now on sale, with early booking rates available exclusively for CLIA members.
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