CLIA Awards celebrate cruising renaissance in Australia and New Zealand. Steve Odell joins CLIA Hall of Fame
The brightest stars of the Australasian cruise community have been honoured at the 20th Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney, where close to 500 people gathered to celebrate the role of the travel trade in the region’s ongoing cruising renaissance.
Held by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia at Luna Park Sydney on Saturday March 11, the gala dinner and presentation night was hosted by entertainer Tim Campbell and involved 18 awards for travel agencies and individuals from across Australia and New Zealand.
CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said this year’s awards helped cap off a strong summer revival for cruising in Australia and New Zealand.
“Travel agents across our region have shown incredible determination over recent years, and these awards help celebrate their resilience and their passion for cruising as we sail into a new era,” Mr Katz said. “As cruising builds on its global renaissance, these awards pay thanks to the Australasian travel trade for its part in our success.”
Top winners on the night included Sheron Konig of Travel Associates Rockhampton, named Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, and Janine Mallon of Zest4Travel, awarded New Zealand Cruise Consultant of the Year. Robyn Sinfield of Home Travel Company was named Cruise Champion Australasia.
Agency winners included Ignite Travel Group, which was named Australasia’s Large Cruise Agency of the Year. Bicton Travel was awarded Australia’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year, while YOU Travel Bethlehem was named New Zealand’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year.
A highlight honour was the induction into the CLIA Hall of Fame of past CLIA Chairman and former regional head of Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruise, Steve Odell, who was recognised for his industry stewardship and his role in cruising’s success over more than three decades.
See the full list of winners.
Steve Odell joins CLIA Hall of Fame
Cruise line leader Steve Odell has been inducted into cruising’s Hall of Fame at the 20th Cruise Industry Awards for Australasia held in Sydney, recognising his leadership role in the industry for more than three decades.
In front of almost 500 guests at an event hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) on Saturday March 11, Mr Odell was announced as the 17th member of the Hall of Fame by the Australasia Chairman of CLIA and Vice President & Managing Director of Norwegian Cruise Line APAC, Ben Angell.
“Steve has been a superb ambassador for the cruise industry and has held senior management roles for several cruise brands across the contemporary, premium and luxury cruise sectors,” Mr Angell said. “He has always championed the industry, and from the very start of his career has been highly respected by his peers, both in cruise and in the travel agent community.”
Most recently the regional head of Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas, Mr Odell has also held senior leadership roles in Australia and the UK with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Silversea Cruises.
“We’re all incredibly grateful for generosity and leadership, and we know that he will continue to be an important friend and mentor for so many of us,” Mr Angell said.
CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz paid tribute to Mr Odell as a dedicated ambassador for CLIA and the wider Australasian cruise community, both as a past Chairman and Executive Committee Member.
“Steve has always been eager and available to share his knowledge and experience selflessly, for the good of the industry as a whole,” Mr Katz said. “During a 20-year involvement in CLIA he has always been available to provide guidance and insight, and we are a stronger organisation for his contribution.”
