While bad weather forced those from Queensland and northern New South Wales from attending, spirits were still high as 15 awards were presented to travel agencies and individuals.
“Tonight is a celebration of the exceptional talent, dedication and passion that drives the success of the Australasian cruise industry,” said Joel Katz, CLIA Managing Director in Australia.
“It’s a night to recognise the incredible contributions of our travel advisors, our cruise line partners and industry professionals, the people who make cruising such a dynamic and thriving part of our region’s tourism industry.”
Describing travel agents as “the navigators of dreams,”, Mr Katz said cruising continued to enjoy unprecedented success on a global scale.
“What a year it has been. Cruising globally is stronger than ever, with surging demand new ships on the horizon and remarkable innovation leading the way, more travellers than ever are discovering the joy of cruising.
“More people than ever before are experiencing the magic of waking up in new destinations each morning, immersing themselves in rich cultures and sharing incredible moments with friends and family.
“Tonight, we celebrate those who have gone above and beyond, the individuals and the teams who have set new benchmarks for excellence in our industry.”
Top winners on the night included Samantha Renvoye of Clean Cruising, named Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, and Michael Middleton of Ignite Travel Group was named Cruise Champion Australasia.
Agency winners included Ignite Travel Group, which was named Australasia’s Multi Location/Brand Cruise Agency of the Year while Destination HQ was awarded Australia’s Single Location Cruise Agency of the Year.
Stuart Allison (below) was inducted into the CLIA Hall of Fame for his longstanding industry leadership and his role in transforming the Australasian region into one of the world’s most dynamic cruise markets.
Allison, who is now based in the UK as P&O Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, was most recently leading Princess Cruises as its Sydney-based Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, UK & Europe.
“Look ahead with confidence and enthusiasm. The future of our global cruise industry has never been brighter,” said Mr Katz.
22nd CLIA Cruise Industry Awards Australasia
WINNERS
Agency Promotion of the Year – Australasia
Luxury Escapes
Cruise Month Promotion of the Year – Australasia
Cruise Express
Rising Star – New Zealand
Melissa Duder, House of Travel Taupo
Cruise Champion – Australasia
Michael Middleton, Ignite Travel Group
Home-based/Mobile Cruise Agent of the Year –
Australia
Lauren Jenkins, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents
Cruise Consultant of the Year – Australia
Samantha Renvoye, Clean Cruising
Cruise Agency of the Year, single location – New
Zealand
House of Travel Kapiti Coast
Cruise Agency of the Year, multi-location/brand –
Australia
Ignite Travel Group
Network Cruise Promotion of the Year – Australasia
Travel Associates
Media Award – Australasia
Jocelyn Pride, Signature Luxury Travel & Style
Rising Star – Australia
Shane Black, SW Black Travel
*Cruise Broker of the Year – New Zealand
Robert Schroder, Mondo Travel;
Michelle Downey, Bucket List Travel
*Joint winners
Cruise Consultant of the Year – New Zealand
Natasha Warfield, Toussaint & Turner Travel
Associates
Online Cruise Agency of the Year – Australasia
Cruise Guru
Cruise Agency of the Year, single location – Australia
Destination HQ
Hall of Fame – Australasia
Stuart Allison, P&O Cruises UK
