It was the Australasian cruise sector’s time to shine on 9 March 2024 with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 21st Cruise Industry Awards evening at Sydney’s Star Event Centre.
More than 500 of the industry’s star achievers and stalwarts attended the annual event to celebrate the continued success of the international cruise sector with a packed program of astounding entertainment, interactive pop-ups and amazing food and beverages.
CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said the CLIA 2024 awards capped off one of the region’s strongest summer cruise seasons.
“Cruise fans are more excited than ever about the cruise opportunities available across our region and around the world and our travel agent community has played a huge part in fuelling that passion,” he 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.”
Newest CLIA Hall of Famer
One of the night’s highlight honours went to ISS-McKay New Zealand Managing Director Craig Harris as the 18th inductee into the CLIA Hall of Fame.
CLIA Australasia Chair Ben Angell recognised Harris for his longstanding leadership and role in transforming New Zealand into a premier international cruise destination.
“Craig has not only shaped but significantly advanced the cruise sector in our region,” Mr Angell said.
“He is synonymous with innovation, dedication and leadership and exemplifies the very essence of this award, encouraging us all to strive for excellence and to make a lasting difference in the world of cruising.”
And the CLIA 2024 winners are…
Well-known Australian entertainer Tim Campbell hosted the CLIA 2024 gala dinner and presentation night with 18 awards for travel agencies and individuals.
Since the finalists were revealed in January, it’s been a nail-biting wait to see who will sail away with the CLIA 2024 top accolades.
The full list of winners is:
- Cruise Agency of the Year (Small) – AU – Cruise Express
- Cruise Agency of the Year (Small) – NZ– YOU Travel Bethlehem
- Large Cruise Agency of the Year – ANZ – Phil Hoffmann Travel
- Online Agency of the Year – ANZ – Ecruising and Clean Cruising (joint winners)
- Cruise Consultant of the Year – AU – Byron Horne, Bicton Travel
- Cruise Consultant of the Year – NZ – Gail Littin, Pukekohe Travel
- Mobile/Home-Based Agent of the Year – AU – Rose Febo, TravelManagers Australia
- Broker of the Year – NZ – Zaheda Davies, NZ Travel Brokers
- Media Award – ANZ – Imogen Eveson, International Traveller
- Rising Star of the Year – AU – Vanessa Sokolji, Flight Centre Epping Plaza
- Rising Star of the Year – NZ – Jaimee Phelps, House of Travel Kapiti Coast
- Agency Cruise Promotion of the Year – AU – My Cruises
- Agency Cruise Promotion of the Year – NZ – cruisedeals.co.nz
- Network Cruise Promotion of the Year – ANZ – World Travellers, New Zealand
- Cruise Month Promotion of the Year – ANZ – House of Travel, New Zealand
- Cruise Champion – ANZ – Rhona Rodgers, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents
- Cruise Line Champion – ANZ – Christine Oliver, AmaWaterways
- CLIA Hall of Fame – ANZ – Craig Harris, ISS-McKay Ltd New Zealand
Karryon congratulates all winners and nominees for their ongoing individual and collaborative contributions to the local cruise industry.
For more on CLIA Australasia, head here.
