CLIA Australasia held its 20th Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney (NSW Australia), where ~500 people gathered to celebrate the role of ship travel in the region's ongoing cruising renaissance.
Held by CLIA Australasia (a division of CLIA/Cruise Lines International Association) at Luna Park Sydney on Saturday, March 11th, the gala dinner and presentation event was hosted by Tim Campbell (1975-born Australian TV and stage actor and singer) and involved a total of 18 awards honoring travel agencies and individuals from across Australia & New Zealand.
CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said the 2023 awards helped cap off a strong summer revival for cruising in Australia & New Zealand.
Top winners included Sheron Konig (Travel Associates Rockhampton), named Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, and Janine Mallon (Zest4Travel), awarded New Zealand Cruise Consultant of the Year. Robyn Sinfield (Home Travel Company) was named Cruise Champion Australasia.
Agency winners include Ignite Travel Group, named Australasia’s Large Cruise Agency of the Year. YOU Travel Bethlehem was named New Zealand’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year. Bicton Travel was awarded Australia’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year.
A highlight honor was the induction into the CLIA Hall of Fame of past CLIA Chairman/former regional head of Oceania and RSSC/Regent Seven Seas, Steve Odell, who was recognized for his industry stewardship and his role in the success of cruising over 3+ decades.
Steve Odell (former NCLH employee who served as SVP and MD for Oceania and Regent) was inducted into cruising’s Hall of Fame at the 20th Australasia Awards, recognizing his leadership role in the industry for 3+ decades.
In front of ~500 guests at an event hosted by CLIA on March 11th, Mr. Odell was announced as the 17th member of the Hall of Fame by Ben Angell (Australasia Chairman of CLIA and VP & MD of NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line).