That was the rallying call from Joel Katz, CLIA Executive Director Australasia, at the 23rd CLIA awards held in Sydney last night.
“There are more than 75 new ships on order, backed by over $100 billion in investment,” he said.
“That level of commitment sends a powerful message of confidence in the future of cruising.
“Demand is unprecedented, with passenger numbers growing at almost 10% year on year. More people from more generations are discovering the extraordinary experiences that our member cruise lines deliver across every corner of the globe.”
More than 600 guests gathered to celebrate the strength of the international cruise community, the largest event of its kind ever mounted by the Australasian cruise industry.
A total of 15 awards were presented to travel agencies and individuals, chosen from 83 finalists from across Australasia. This year’s awards had attracted around 1,200 nominations from across the CLIA membership, the highest number ever received.
Under the title “the greatest show”, Mr Katz said the awards gave the industry time to “pause, reflect and celebrate” the best of the cruise community.
“These awards honour the advisors, the agencies and partners who set the benchmark for professionalism, knowledge, innovation and service,” he added.
“The individuals and businesses we celebrate tonight are not only outstanding at what they do, but they elevate the entire industry through their commitment to excellence.”
The conflict in Iran was a major topic of conversation during the night, with a delegation from major event sponsors Visit Qatar unable to travel to attend.
“As current events remind us, travel advisors are often the first step to help clients navigate uncertainty as global events disrupt troubled lands,” commented Mr Katz (left).
“That professionalism and resilience never goes unnoticed.”
Longstanding cruise line executive Gavin Smith was inducted as the 20th member of the industry’s Hall of Fame.
“It’s amazing to be recognised for doing something you love. I’ve tried to bring passion and energy and enthusiasm to everything I do every day,” said Mr Smith.
23rd CLIA Cruise Industry Awards Australasia
WINNERS:
Agency/Agent Cruise Promotion of the Year My Cruises – “Explorations by Norwegian”
Small Network Promotion of the Year
House of Travel Papamoa Group – “Small Ship Cruising Travel Showcase”
Large Network Promotion of the Year
Travel Associates – “The Travel Associates Film Festival”
Cruise Month Promotion of the Year
Globe Trotters Cruise & Touring – “Explore, Discover, Cruise”
Media Award
Lee Tulloch, The Australian – “Greenland Immersion”
Rising Star, New Zealand
Flynn Cox, Travel Associates Howick
Rising Star, Australia
Jason Rigg, Phil Hoffmann Travel Glenelg
Cruise Broker of the Year, New Zealand
Trish Seeherr, TS Travel Ltd
About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Home-Based (Mobile) Cruise Consultant of the Year, Australia
Lauren Jenkins, MTA-Mobile Travel Agents
Cruise Consultant of the Year, New Zealand Lisa Wharfe, Pukekohe Travel
Cruise Consultant of the Year, Australia Tina Wheelock, Cruise Express
Online Cruise Agency of the Year, Australasia Clean Cruising
Cruise Agency of the Year, Single-Location, New Zealand
Pukekohe Travel
Cruise Agency of the Year, Single-Location, Australia
Main Beach Travel
Cruise Agency of the Year, Multi-Location/Brand, Australasia
Ignite Travel Group
