Bicton takes five in a row at CLIAs
MORE than 500 top achievers and industry leaders gathered for the biggest night on Australia’s cruise calendar on Sat when Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia hosted its 17th annual awards.
Hosted by television presenter Natalie Barr, the event took place at Sydney’s Star Event Centre where 20 winners from across Australia and New Zealand were honoured in 16 categories for their achievements in 2017.
Bicton Travel claimed the top award for the seventh time, being named Gold Cruise Agency of the Year, Australia, for the fifth year in a row.
The Perth agency was joined by Cruiseabout Kew (Vic) which was given the silver accolade and Phil Hoffmann Travel (SA) which took out the bronze.
Other major Australian awards went to Kathy Pavlidis of Cruiseabout Kew who was named Cruise Consultant of the Year and Clean Cruising which was named Online Agency of the Year.
Sarah Fenton of MTA - Mobile Travel Agents won Australian Mobile Agent of the Year, while Kye Duffy of Our Vacation Centre took the Rising Star Award.
Pictured are: Bicton Travel sales manager Barry Downs, owner Carole Smethurst; Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection md Fiona Dalton and Lee Van Dongen of Cruisefinder.com.au.
IT WAS the “night of nights” on the cruise calendar on Sat, as 500 members and partners of the Australian and New Zealand industry gathered at the Star Event Centre Sydney to celebrate the achievements of the entire Australasian cruise industry. The Cruise Industry Awards are all about recognising and rewarding the outstanding accomplishments of member agents who have had a big year of cruise and done their part to contribute to the incredible growth of the industry. CLIA Australasia & Asia managing director Joel Katz said: “We’d like to congratulate all the winners, finalists and also offer a special round of applause to all those who were nominated. With so much great work right across the Australasian cruise industry in 2017, these awards aare as important as ever and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to shine a light on so many talented and passionate individuals”.