The star achievers of the Australasian cruise community have been named at the 21st annual Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney, where more than 500 people gathered to celebrate the renewed success of the international cruise industry.
Held by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) at Sydney’s Star Event Centre on Saturday March 9, the gala dinner and presentation night was hosted by entertainer Tim Campbell and involved 18 awards for travel agencies and individuals.
CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said this year’s awards helped mark one of the strongest summer cruise seasons experienced in Australia and New Zealand.
“Cruise fans are more excited than ever about the cruise opportunities available to them across our region and around the world, and our travel agent community has played a huge part in fuelling that passion,” Mr Katz said. “Cruising is enjoying undeniable success right now in Australia and New Zealand, and these awards are our way of thanking those who drive so much of that success.”
Top winners on the night included Byron Horne of Bicton Travel in WA, named Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, and Gail Littin of Pukekohe Travel, awarded New Zealand Cruise Consultant of the Year. Rhona Rodgers of MTA – Mobile Travel Agents was named Cruise Champion Australasia.
Agency winners included Phil Hoffmann Travel, which was named Australia’s Large Cruise Agency of the Year. Cruise Express was awarded Australia’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year, while YOU Travel Bethlehem was named New Zealand’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year.
A highlight honour was the induction into the CLIA Hall of Fame of ISS-McKay New Zealand Managing Director Craig Harris, who was recognised for his longstanding industry leadership and his role in transforming New Zealand into a premier international cruise destination.
Winners:
Cruise Agency of the Year (Small) – Australia Cruise Express
Cruise Agency of the Year (Small) – New Zealand YOU Travel Bethlehem
Cruise Agency of the Year (Large) – Australia Phil Hoffmann Travel
Online Cruise Agency of the Year – Australasia Ecruising and Clean Cruising (joint winners)
Cruise Consultant of the Year – Australia Byron Horne, Bicton Travel
Cruise Consultant of the Year – New Zealand Gail Littin, Pukekohe Travel
Mobile/Home-Based Agent of the Year – Australia Rose Febo, TravelManagers Australia
Broker of the Year – New Zealand – Zaheda Davies, NZ Travel Brokers
Media Award – Australasia – Imogen Eveson, International Traveller
Rising Star – Australia – Vanessa Sokolji, Flight Centre Epping Plaza
Rising Star – New Zealand – Jaimee Phelps, House of Travel Kapiti Coast
Agency Cruise Promotion of the Year – Australia My Cruises
Agency Cruise Promotion of the Year – New Zealand cruisedeals.co.nz
Network Cruise Promotion of the Year – Australasia World Travellers, New Zealand
Cruise Month Promotion of the Year – Australasia House of Travel, New Zealand
Cruise Champion – Australasia – Rhona Rodgers, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents
Cruise Line Champion – Australasia – Christine Oliver, AmaWaterways
Hall of Fame – Australasia – Craig Harris, ISS-McKay Ltd New Zealand
