The 20th Cruise Industry Awards, held by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia at Luna Park Sydney, celebrated the successes of the Australasian cruise community on March 11th. The event brought together nearly 500 people to honour travel trade professionals who have contributed to the region’s ongoing cruising renaissance.
The night was hosted by entertainer Tim Campbell and featured 18 awards for both travel agencies and individuals from across Australia and New Zealand. Among the top winners were Sheron Konig of Travel Associates Rockhampton, named Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, and Janine Mallon of Zest4Travel awarded New Zealand Cruise Consultant of the Year. Robyn Sinfield of Home Travel Company was named Cruise Champion Australasia.
CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz expressed his admiration for the region’s travel agents, saying, “Travel agents across our region have shown incredible determination over recent years, and these awards help celebrate their resilience and their passion for cruising as we sail into a new era. As cruising builds on its global renaissance, these awards pay thanks to the Australasian travel trade for its part in our success.”
Ignite Travel Group was named Australasia’s Large Cruise Agency of the Year, with Bicton Travel awarded Australia’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year, and YOU Travel Bethlehem named New Zealand’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year. Clean Cruising was named Online Agency of the Year for Australasia.
The event also featured the induction of past CLIA Chairman and former regional head of Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruise, Steve Odell, into the CLIA Hall of Fame. Odell was recognized for his industry stewardship and his role in cruising’s success over more than three decades.
As the cruise industry continues to grow and evolve, the recognition of outstanding achievements in the field becomes increasingly important. The CLIA Awards serve as a reminder of the important role travel agents play in the cruising experience and celebrate their ongoing contributions to the industry’s success.
Written by: Stephen Peters
