Clia has launched a funding initiative designed to help agents attract new-to-river-cruise customers.

Agents can apply for up to £1,000 from the Clia RiverBank fund which can be spent on growing their river cruise business.

Trade partners must submit an application to riverview@cruising.org explaining how much money they need and what they will do with the funding. Clia will then review the applications and distribute funds to selected agents.

The association said: “We’re on the lookout for your inspired ideas as to how you would grow your river cruise business with a little cash injection from the RiverBank fund.

“We invite you to be creative and get thinking about what activity would help you showcase river cruise holidays to those who have never taken a river cruise holiday before.

“If you have more than one good idea then you can submit multiple applications.”