The Australian and New Zealand cruise community is gearing up for this Saturday when the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will host its 20th Cruise Industry Awards for Australasia.
With five days to go, CLIA is ready to welcome 500 people from across Australasia – including 73 finalists – for the industry’s first awards celebration in more than three years.
CLIA managing director Australasia Joel Katz said the sold-out event would help celebrate a successful return season for the Australasian cruise sector.
“This year’s CLIA Awards cap-off a sensational summer for cruising in Australia and New Zealand,” Katz said.
“More than 40 international cruise ships have returned to Australasian waters over recent months and our travel agent community has been essential to putting happy guests on board,” he said. “These awards will be a chance to celebrate our travel agent members and the role they’ve played in cruising’s comeback.”
A total of 18 awards will be announced at Saturday’s gala celebration at Luna Park Sydney, hosted by entertainer Tim Campbell and supported by Headline Sponsor Visit Qatar. Awards will be presented in dedicated categories for Australia and New Zealand, including key awards for the top cruise agencies of the year, cruise consultants of the year, rising stars and cruise promotions of the year.
Among highlights of the night will be entertainment presented by the Brent Street performing arts training centre, featuring more than 40 talented young Australian performers who will take to the stage in recognition of cruising’s long-standing collaboration with the arts and entertainment sector.
