Cruise sector’s night of nights sets sail for another year.
The Australasian cruise sector has honoured its best and brightest performers, with 19 winners walking away with awards at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia’s 19th annual Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney tonight.
Highlights of the evening included Brighton Travelworld’s Julie Avery being named Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, while Jeff Leckey from House of Travel picked up the coveted Cruise Champion Australasia gong.
But perhaps the night’s biggest moment belonged to Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry, who was recognised for her long-standing contribution to the cruise industry by being inducted into the coveted CLIA Hall of Fame.
CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said the night reflected the strong position the cruise industry enjoys as a result of the efforts of hardworking travel agents.
“Their passion for cruising is stronger than ever and a sign of the growing levels of expertise among cruise specialists right across the Australasian travel trade,” he said.
For a comprehensive wrap-up of the night, stay tuned to Cruise Weekly and Travel Daily on Monday for more details.
The full list of winners is as follows:
Agency Promotion of the Year, New Zealand – Cruise Sale Finder
Agency Promotion of the Year, Australia – Megan Catterall, itravel
Network Promotion of the Year, Australasia – MTA – Mobile Travel Agents
Cruise Month Promotion of the Year, Australasia – House of Travel Cruise
Media Award, Australasia – Helen Anderson
Rising Star, New Zealand – Charlotte Chalman, House of Travel Lakers Gore
Rising Star, Australia – Bryan Andersen, My Cruises
Broker of the Year, New Zealand – Andrew Lennox, Flight Centre Travel Broker
Home Based/Mobile Agent of the Year, Australia – Robyn Sinfield, Home Travel Company
Cruise Champion, Australasia – Jeff Leckey, House of Travel
Cruise Consultant of the Year, New Zealand – Lorraine Van Veen, House of Travel Botany Junction
Cruise Consultant of the Year, Australia – Julie Avery, Brighton Travelworld
Online Cruise Agency of the Year, New Zealand – Cruise Sale Finder
Online Cruise Agency of the Year, Australia – Cruise Guru
Small Cruise Agency of the Year, New Zealand – Pukekohe Travel
Small Cruise Agency of the Year, Australia – New Farm Travel
Large Cruise Agency of the Year, New Zealand – helloworld Lambton Quay/St Heliers/Mt Eden/Botany
Large Cruise Agency of the Year, Australia – Bicton Travel
CLIA Hall of Fame – Ann Sherry AO