APT and Royal Caribbean
International were the big
winners at the National Travel
Industry Awards last weekend.
With two cruise-related categories, there
could be only two winners at the Australian
Federation of Travel Agents’ annual awards
night, held at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion this
past Saturday night.
Judged by a panel of industry veterans, Best
Cruise Operator (Australian-based operation)
was awarded to Royal Caribbean International,
while the international-based operation award
went to APT.
In the general travel categories, APT received
a second industry recognition as Best Domestic
Tour Operator.
Accepting the two trophies, APT CEO Chris
Hall said: “We are honoured and thrilled to
receive these awards which demonstrate the
industry’s recognition of the calibre of our
product.
“Being awarded Best Cruise Operator –
International is particularly pleasing, as we
work hard to deliver the highest level of luxury
cruise product available.”
Gavin Smith, RCI’s regional vice-president
Asia-Pacific, said: “I’m delighted that Royal
Caribbean won Best Domestic Cruise Operator
for the first time.
“It was also a good year for Celebrity Cruises,
receiving its first nomination in the Best
International Cruise Line category.”
Hosted by TV personality Andrew Daddo,
the black-tie event was attended by 1,200
members of the travel industry and included
a spectacular surprise performance by singer
Jessica Mauboy.
For photos from the night, see the Trade
issue of Cruise Weekly this Thursday.
