Winners named at Clia’s annual Cruise Excellence Awards

Wendy Lahmich of Holland America Line and Seabourn and Karen Doyle of TUI UK were given Outstanding Contribution to the Cruise Community awards as Clia celebrated its annual Cruise Excellence Awards last night.

Cruise.co.uk won Travel Agent Business of the Year, while Clare Dudley (Ponders Travel) won Cruise Manager of the Year and Janet Whittingham (Travel Counsellors) was named Cruise Advocate of the Year.

The award ceremony recognises those businesses and individuals who demonstrate exceptional levels of knowledge, leadership and inspiration.

Andy Harmer, VP of operations and director of Clia UK & Ireland said: “Figures from this year show that 1.8 million passengers chose to cruise in 2015 and this is not without the support of agents who strive to promote cruise holidays.

“It is important to recognise these individuals and businesses and the measures they are taking to contribute to the success of the industry.”

The full list of winners of this year’s Cruise Excellence Awards are:

Online Travel Agency of the Year
Highly commended: Cruise.co.uk
Winner: IGLU Cruise

High Street Travel Agency of the Year
Barrhead Travel

Cruise Innovation Award
TUI 

Rising Star award
Forever Cruises

Travel Agent Business of the Year
Cruise.co.uk

Cruise Manager of the Year
Clare Dudley (Ponders Travel)

Cruise Advocate of the Year
Janet Whittingham (Travel Counsellors)

Outstanding Contribution to the Cruise Community
Wendy Lahmich (Holland America Line and Seabourn)
Karen Doyle (TUI UK)