March 13, 2023 – The brightest stars of the Australasian cruise community have been honoured at the 20th Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney, where close to 500 people gathered to celebrate the role of the travel trade in the region's ongoing cruising renaissance.

Held by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia at Luna Park Sydney on Saturday March 11, the gala dinner and presentation night was hosted by entertainer Tim Campbell and involved 18 awards for travel agencies and individuals from across Australia and New Zealand.

CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said this year's awards helped cap off a strong summer revival for cruising in Australia and New Zealand.

“Travel agents across our region have shown incredible determination over recent years, and these awards help celebrate their resilience and their passion for cruising as we sail into a new era,” Mr Katz said. “As cruising builds on its global renaissance, these awards pay thanks to the Australasian travel trade for its part in our success.”

Top winners on the night included Sheron Konig of Travel Associates Rockhampton, named Australia's Cruise Consultant of the Year, and Janine Mallon of Zest4Travel, awarded New Zealand Cruise Consultant of the Year. Robyn Sinfield of Home Travel Company was named Cruise Champion Australasia.

Agency winners included Ignite Travel Group, which was named Australasia's Large Cruise Agency of the Year. Bicton Travel was awarded Australia's Small Cruise Agency of the Year, while YOU Travel Bethlehem was named New Zealand's Small Cruise Agency of the Year.

A highlight honour was the induction into the CLIA Hall of Fame of past CLIA Chairman and former regional head of Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruise, Steve Odell, who was recognised for his industry stewardship and his role in cruising's success over more than three decades.

A full list of winners follows.

 

###

 

Media information: Jon Murrie, jmurrie@cruising.org, +61 2 9964 9600

 

About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

CLIA Australasia is the regional office of Cruise Lines International Association, the world's largest cruise industry trade association. CLIA provides a unified voice and is the leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually. The CLIA community includes the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services. CLIA represents 95% of the world's ocean-going cruise capacity, as well as 54,000 travel agents, and 15,000 of the largest travel agencies in the world. The organization's global headquarters are in Washington, DC, with regional offices located in North and South America, Europe, and Australasia. For more information, please visit cruising.org.au or follow @CLIAAustralasia on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

 

20th CLIA Cruise Industry Awards Australasia

 

WINNERS

 

Cruise Agency of the Year (Small) – Australia

 

Bicton Travel

 

Cruise Agency of the Year (Small) – New Zealand

 

YOU Travel Bethlehem

  

Cruise Agency of the Year (Large) – Australasia

 

Ignite Travel Group

 

Online Agency of the Year – Australasia

 

Clean Cruising

 

Cruise Consultant of the Year – Australia

 

Sheron Konig, Travel Associates Rockhampton

  

Cruise Consultant of the Year – New Zealand

 

Janine Mallon, Zest4Travel

 

Mobile/Home-Based Agent of the Year – Australia

 

Megan Catterall, itravel

  

Broker of the Year – New Zealand

 

Sharon O'Brien, Live Breathe Travel

  

Media Award – Australasia

 

Michael Ferrante, The West Australian

 

Rising Star – Australia

 

Clarees Purkiss, Cruise Travel Centre Green Hills

 

Rising Star - New Zealand

 

Marise Barrett, helloworld Strandon

 

Agency Cruise Promotion of the Year – Australia

 

My Cruises

 

Agency Cruise Promotion of the Year – New Zealand

 

Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel

 

Network Cruise Promotion of the Year – Australasia

 

House of Travel, New Zealand

 

*Cruise Month Promotion of the Year – Australasia

 

Hunter Travel Group / MTA - Mobile Travel Agents

 

Cruise Champion – Australasia

 

Robyn Sinfield, Home Travel Company

  

Cruise Line Champion – Australasia

 

Shaun Kavanagh, Princess Cruises

  

Media Cruise Champion – Australasia

 

Bruce Piper, Business Publishing Group

 

Hall of Fame

 

Steve Odell                                                               

 

*Joint winners