One hundred and thirty-four (134) lucky Canadian travel advisors will be invited to join Avalon Waterways’ inaugural European River Cruise Summit, in partnership with ACTA, set for October 2023.

With the announcement that applications are now open, advisors can get their name in to take a deep-dive into river cruising onboard the Avalon Vista – one of 14 signature Suite Ships in the Avalon Waterways’ fleet.

The customized Canadian travel advisor cruise will set sail from Amsterdam on a seven-day “Romantic Rhine” itinerary. Advisors will get to experience the distinctions of the Avalon product and the opportunity to enjoy a choice of “Classic,” “Discovery” and “Active” excursions.

Successful applicants will also attend onboard workshops and special events designed to ignite inspiration and reveal river cruise business opportunities. The cruise winds up in Basel, Switzerland.

“Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary,” said Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus family of brands.

“That’s something 134 lucky travel advisors will experience first-hand in October 2023 – on our Suite Ships and through unparalleled excursions in ports – as part of this first-of-its-kind river cruise summit.”

To qualify, applying travel advisors must meet the following criteria as of December 31, 2022:

-- Be (or become) an active ACTA member.

-- Complete the Globus family of brands’ advisor training program – GFOB University.

-- Complete Air Canada’s advisor training program – GSU.

If selected to join this inaugural event, advisors will be sent a full registration form in the New Year, at which time a non-refundable deposit (C$250) will be due to confirm space.

“Recognizing that river cruising is the fastest growing travel option across the globe, it’s clear that the new wave in cruising is on the world’s rivers,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA president.

“Through our first River Cruise Summit with Avalon Waterways, we look forward to providing a great networking opportunity for Canadian travel agents, as well as the chance to learn for themselves why river cruising provides a great opportunity for them to really grow their business.”