Finalists for the CLIAs announced

THE finalists for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia’s 17th Cruise Industry Awards have been revealed ( CW breaking news).

A total of 20 awards will be presented at the sold-out event on 24 Feb at the Star Event Centre Sydney, with nominations both submitted by CLIA member agencies and nominated by member cruise lines.

The coveted category of Cruise Agency of the Year - Australia has seen last year’s gold winner of Bicton Travel WA return to the list of finalists, alongside Cruiseabout Kew Vic; Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel Qld; Phil Hoffmann Travel SA and Travelrite International Balwyn Vic.

In the Cruise Consultant of the Year - Australia category, agents in the running are two Cruiseabout Kew agents Kathy Pavlidis and Rohan Ford, along with Melinda Gregor, Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel and Martine Hero, Clean Cruising.

CLIA Australasia & Asia md, Joel Katz said the judges had their work cut out for them, with a record number of submissions.

“The CLIAs are all about recognising and rewarding the outstanding achievements of member agents who have had a stellar year in the industry and we’re thrilled to reveal the hard- working finalists who helped to make 2017 an especially big year for cruise down under,” he said.

“I’d like to congratulate all the finalists & also recognise all those who entered or were nominated.

“With so much great work right across the Australasian cruise industry in 2017, our expert panel had an especially tough time judging these awards.” The event will be hosted by

Sunrise newsreader Natalie Barr.