CLIA is urging travel advisors to submit their comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) request for public input on the resumption of cruising.
"It's vitally important for all of you to comment on what you think the resumption of U.S. cruise operations should look like," Charles Sylvia, CLIA's vice president of trade relations, told advisors during the weekly Coffee Chat hosted by Royal Caribbean International senior vice president of sales Vicki Freed.
"This is your only and best opportunity to tell the federal government what you're experiencing as a result of the No Sail Order, the impact on your business, and your perspective as an expert on cruise travel."
He told the advisors that although "anyone with a pulse and an internet connection" can submit comments, travel advisors have real expertise and experience to share.
"We need you, because you've been on ships and understand the cleanliness and operations and strict standards," he said. "We need you to express your perspective and point of view."
The association is offering guidance to its 44,000-strong membership of travel agencies and agency members who wish to submit commentary.
The CDC said the input may be used to inform guidance and preventative measures related to the resumption of cruise travel. Comments, accepted until Sept. 21, will be published in the Federal Register and part of the public record. As of Aug. 7, 620 comments had been submitted to the CDC.