Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is preparing to host its largest ever Cruise Industry Awards gala in Australasia this week, with almost 600 guests expected to attend the 23rd annual event in Sydney.
The awards will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Saturday, where 15 awards will be presented from a field of 83 finalists across Australia and New Zealand.
Recognising industry excellence
Categories include Cruise Consultants of the Year, Cruise Agencies of the Year, Home-Based Consultants of the Year and Rising Stars from both Australia and New Zealand. Additional awards will recognise Cruise Promotions, Cruise Month initiatives and a Media Award for travel journalists.
CLIA Executive Director Australasia Joel Katz said the awards highlight the rising levels of excellence within the cruise community.
“Today’s cruise specialists are showing an enormous amount of dedication and creativity in their approach to developing their businesses and building loyalty among their clients, so we want to celebrate our trade partners for this investment in cruising’s prosperity,” Katz said.
“This year’s awards will be about highlighting the innovation, the passion and the commitment to professional development that we see so clearly across the CLIA membership.”
Expanded entertainment program
The gala will be hosted by entertainer Tim Campbell and will feature more than 100 performers as part of an expanded entertainment format. Young dancers from Sydney’s Brent Street performing arts school will also perform, bringing elements of the onboard cruise experience to the stage.
The 23rd annual Cruise Industry Awards are supported by headline sponsor Visit Qatar, alongside award sponsors from across the CLIA cruise line membership.
