The Australasian cruise world honoured its top achievers on Saturday at this year’s annual Cruise Industry Awards, the biggest night of the year for the Australian and New Zealand cruise community.
Held by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, the gala dinner and awards night attracted more than 500 guests to Sydney’s Star Event Centre on Saturday and helped mark another successful year in the thriving cruise sector.
A total of 20 honours were presented in an evening hosted by actor and singer Tim Campbell, including awards for travel agencies and individuals from across both countries.
CLIA Australasia managing director Joel Katz said this year’s awards had been among the most successful of the event’s 18-year history.
The spectacular Tim Campbell opening the 2018 CLIA Australasia Cruise Industry Awards. A full list of winners and photos are now available at https://t.co/3E360phIDi. Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to all our sponsors and guests. pic.twitter.com/5OdW9Te91d
— CLIA Australasia (@CLIAAustralasia) February 25, 2019
“We had a record number of submissions this year which made for a heightened level of competition,” Katz said. “It proves that travel agents are more engaged than ever and more dedicated to developing their cruise business, which makes them a key driver of the ongoing growth in the cruise industry.”
Top winners on the night included Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, Gail Chapman of Dreamlines Australia, and New Zealand’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, Kiri Martin of YOU Travel Orewa.
CLIA Cruise Award winnners
Phil Hoffman Travel was named Australia’s Large Cruise Agency of the Year, while helloworld Milford & Browns Bay was chosen as New Zealand’s Large Cruise Agency of the Year.
Australia’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year was itravel Carlingford, while New Zealand’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year was tied between House of Travel Kapiti Coast and helloworld Rotorua.
TravelManagers’ Nicole Edgar received the award for ‘Home-Based/Mobile Agent of the Year Australia’.
Above: TravelManagers’ Nicole Edgar (second from right) proudly showing off her award for Home-Based/Mobile Agent of the Year, with support from Leeanne Freeman, Graciela Craig and Pru Gallagher
A highlight honour was the induction of Crystal Cruises Managing Director & Senior Vice President Australia & New Zealand Karen Christensen into the CLIA Hall of Fame, recognising her for more than 30 years in the Australasian cruise industry and her long association with CLIA.
Edited by Peter Needham
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