A RECORD year for the cruise industry both in Australia and around the world was capped off on Sat night with the 2014 CLIA Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney, described as the “biggest yet”.
Nineteen categories recognising the industry’s best in Australia and New Zealand were bestowed on deserving recipients at the 2014 CLIA Cruise Industry Awards extravaganza on Sat night.
Held at The Star in Sydney, the event included entertainment & a chance to reflect and celebrate the successes of the year prior.
For the fourth time in five years, Bicton Travel claimed the Gold Agency of the Year Australia title, which agency founder Carol Smethurst dedicated to her “fantastic staff at home”.
Silver went to Cruise Express Balmain, while the podium was completed by Phil Hoffmann Travel Glenelg with the Bronze.
Ozcruising took out the gong for Online Agency of the Year – Australia, while Agency Promotion of the Year went to Holiday & Cruise Centre Ballarat for its “Brand the Bus” campaign.
Individual recognitions to agents were also distributed, with Cruise Consultant of the Year going to Martine Hero of Clean Cruising who praised her team and boss Dan Russell for her opportunities.
In a category new for 2014, Wendy Allen from MTA – Mobile Travel Agents became the first winner of Home Based/Mobile Agent of the Year, while Ashleigh Fountain of Ozcruising took out the Rising Star of the Year award.
Respected trade journalist Ian McMahon became the latest elite industry identity to join the CLIA Hall of Fame, telling the audience he hoped he had “reported on the industry with integrity”.
CLIA chairman Gavin Smith also delivered a moving posthumous tribute and award to the late Shannon Currie, who passed away suddenly in Jan.
Currie played a pivotal role in the development and rise of the cruise industry in NZ during his time as P&O Cruises New Zealand manager and CLIA advisor.
The recognition was accepted on behalf of Currie’s family by long-time friend and colleague Joe O’Sullivan of Cruise World.
See page 3 for a selection of photos from the Awards night.
