Stuart Allison earns place in the cruise Hall of Fame – Australasia.
The stars of the Australasian cruise community have been recognised at the 22nd annual Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney, where close to 500 people gathered this evening to celebrate.
See the complete list of winners HERE
Among the highlights was Stuart Allison being welcomed as the 19th member of the coveted cruise Hall of Fame, honoured for being a visionary leader with an unwavering passion for the cruise sector.
“Tonight, we recognise an individual whose contributions have not only shaped but significantly advanced the cruise sector in our region,” CLIA Australasia Chairman Peter Little said.
“Over the past two decades, Stuart has been a driving force behind the expansion and success of the cruise industry in Australasia.”
Allison recently moved to the UK to take up a role as P&O Cruises’ Chief Commercial Officer, having most recently served as Princess Cruises’ Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, UK & Europe.
Allison was not able to join on the night, but accepted the accolade via video.
CLIA Australasia MD Joel Katz said the mix of emerging and experienced talent on display reflected an industry in great shape moving forward into the future.
“We can see new faces and first-time winners in this year’s awards, which is a sign of the fresh talent emerging from…an expanded CLIA membership,” Katz said.
“At the same time, we can also see several well-established achievers in the Australasian cruise community, members who have consistently shown leadership and inspiration over many years,” he concluded.
Some of the other big winners on the night included:
– Cruise Consultant of the Year: Samantha Renvoye, Clean Cruising Australia;
– Cruise Champion Australasia: Michael Middleton, Ignite Travel Group;
– Cruise Agency of the Year, multi location/brand Australia: Ignite Travel Group;
– Cruise Agency of the Year, single location in Australia: Destination HQ;
– Online Cruise Agency of the Year in Australasia: Cruise Guru;
– Home-based/Mobile Cruise Agent of the Year in Australia: Lauren Jenkins, MTA;
– Cruise Champion – Australasia: Michael Middleton, Ignite Travel Group;
– Rising Star – Australia: Shane Black, SW Black Travel;
– Cruise Month Promotion of the Year – Australasia: Cruise Express;
– Network Cruise Promotion of the Year – Australasia: Travel Associates;
– Agency Promotion of the Year – Australasia: Luxury Escapes.
The night was capped off with a surprise performance from Australia’s favorite kids’ entertainment group, The Wiggles – yummy yummy!
Read the full details in Monday’s issue of Cruise Weekly and Travel Daily, as well as a special CLIAs edition of Cruise Weekly on Monday afternoon.