CLIA announces new categories for 2014 Cruise Industry Awards

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has announced two new categories for its 2014 Cruise Industry Awards to reflect the changing cruise agent landscape in Australia and New Zealand.

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said that while the popular Gold, Silver and Bronze agency of the year awards would be retained for shop front agencies, the organisation had decided it was time to acknowledge the growing number of online agencies and home-based/mobile agencies with specific awards.

Mr Jardine said the Online Agency of the Year award would recognise a CLIA member dedicated to the online space with the majority of their business driven by a booking engine.

Meanwhile the new Home Based/Mobile Agency of the Year award would acknowledge a growing part of CLIA’s individual membership base.

Both awards will be voted for by CLIA cruise line members, with separate awards to be given to Australian and New Zealand agents.

Mr Jardine said the organisation had also decided to reinstate its Media Award category, taking the total tally for the event to a record 19 awards.

The 14th Annual Cruise Industry Awards will be held at the Star Event Centre on Saturday February 28.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia