| Emirates boosts support for cruise

The airline has signed up as Gold
Sponsor for the ICCA Awards and
hopes to build relationships with
leading cruise consultants.
EMIRATES has signalled its commitment to
Australia’s cruise industry through its most
significant investment in the International
Cruise Council Australasia’s annual awards
night.
As the new major sponsor of the 2012
Cruise Industry Awards, the airline is seeking
to strengthen its links with the top cruisesellers
of Australia and New Zealand.
Barry Brown, Emirates vice president
Australasia, said the company, whose global
network spans 120 destinations, was “a
natural partner” for cruising operators
worldwide.
“In particular, the expansion of Emirates’
European network to more than 30 cities has
allowed the airline to build stronger
relationships with more cruise professionals,
who appreciate the wider flight possibilities
for connecting with a variety of European
cruise itineraries, conveniently via one-stop in
Dubai from Australia.
“With the growth of Dubai as a popular
cruising destination for Australian travellers in
its own right, we look forward to furthering
our relationship with the Council in 2012, and
supporting our partners as the industry
continues to flourish,” Brown said.
ICCA general manager Brett Jardine said he
was “delighted” to welcome Emirates onboard
as the Gold Sponsor of the prestigious event.
“Emirates first joined the Council as an
associate member in 2007 and, as our cruise
line members will attest, has made a point of
pro-actively working with the industry to carry
Australian passengers to cruise ships around
the world,” Jardine said.
The awards night will be held in Sydney on 9
Feb 2013.
For info on the awards see www.cruising.org.au.