WASHINGTON, D.C. – CLIA has opened enrollment for its 2017 Travel Agency Membership program, offering an expanded list of member benefits and a more streamlined process.

This year, the new program has been simplified. Travel agencies interested in joining can choose one of two membership levels: Travel Agency Membership or Premier Agency Membership.

“Travel professionals continue to be the leading distribution channel of the cruise industry, and we are dedicated to ensuring they have the best tools and resources needed to meet their business goals,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “We have listened to our members, taken all of their valuable feedback and made meaningful changes to our membership experience to meet their needs and expectations.”

Travel agencies who join CLIA in 2017 will have access to CLIA’s newest member benefits. These include ‘Career Seascape’, a development platform featuring training opportunities and the recently launched, entry-level Certified Cruise Counsellor certification, as well as ‘Cruise Finder’, which provides ship information, itineraries and onboard offerings across CLIA’s Global Cruise Line Members.

In addition, there are new commission opportunities with partners such as Marriott, Samsonite and Carey International, and a more streamlined application Auto Renew process for enrolling and renewing.

Lastly, EMBARC ID entitles CLIA members to priority invitation and confirmation for ship inspections, seminars at sea and fam trips, as well as access to CLIA member benefits, including Cruise Line Member and Executive Partner commissions. EMBARC IDs will now be mailed directly to agents following approval.

To become a member go to http://cruising.org/travel-agent/become-a-member.