The TAAC is made up of leaders from travel agency consortia, multiples, and independents representing high street agents, homeworkers, online retailers and call centres across the UK and Ireland.

The group discusses how Clia can best support, educate and engage travel agents; and how as an industry, the cruise sector can work together to get more people to cruise by utilising Clia’s training programmes and resources.

Brighton taking the role over from Phil Nuttall, managing director of The Cruise Village.

Andy Harmer, Clia senior vice-president membership and director UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Claire as the new chair of the Clia Travel Agent Advisory Council.

“She brings a wealth of experience of both retail and cruise – and I know that this important group of travel agents, led by Claire, will continue to make a valuable contribution to the discussions that we have around the events, resources and learning that Clia offers.

“I would also like to thank Phil Nuttall who steps down as chair after his two-year term.”

Clia currently has more than 4,000 agents members across the UK and Ireland.