Grab yourself a coffee and catch up on today’s news in brief – the latest updates from the industry and everything you need to know in bite-size pieces.
Last chance for CLIA Award Nominations
Travel agents have a chance to shine bright at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 21st Annual Cruise Industry Awards for Australasia next year – but nominations close 30 November 2023. The awards are open to all current CLIA members in Australia and New Zealand.
Eight categories are open to Australian CLIA members for self-nomination or peer nomination, including Cruise Consultant of the Year, Home-Based/Mobile Agent of the Year, Rising Star and Agency Cruise Promotion of the Year. There are also categories for both Australian and New Zealand nominations, including Australasia Network Cruise Promotion of the Year, Cruise Month Promotion of the Year, Cruise Champion and Cruise Line Champion.
In addition to the individual award categories open for self-nomination are a series of agency categories which will be nominated by cruise lines, including Small Cruise Agency of the Year, Large Cruise Agency of the Year, and Online Agency of the Year.
A total of 17 award categories will be judged in the lead-up to the awards, which will be announced on 9 March 2024 at a gala celebration at Sydney’s Star Event Centre.
Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal named World’s Best
Abu Dhabi has been honoured with four accolades at the 2023 World Cruise Awards – World’s Best Cruise Destination and Middle East’s Best Cruise Destination, while Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port operated by AD Ports Group has been announced as both the World’s Best Cruise Terminal and the Middle East’s Best Cruise Terminal.
The four awards highlight the emirate’s world-class facilities and Emirati hospitality. The awards were announced recently at the World Cruise Awards’ Gala Ceremony, hosted at Atlantis The Royal, in Dubai.
TOP IMAGE: Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (ADCT)
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne partners with Ugg Express for Christmas-themed room
For the third year in a row, Ugg Express has partnered up with DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne to transform one of the iconic Flinders St. Loft Rooms into a magical wonderland for guests to enjoy as part of a magical chill staycation this holiday season.
Guests booking the Candy Cane Lane package for a stay between 24 November – 27 December will have the opportunity to transport themselves to the Northern Hemisphere as the room has been decked out with decorations in true Ugg Express style. Guest will have the ultimate luxe experience of sliding into a pair of traditional ugg slippers in Premium Australian Sheepskin while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, or unwinding with the complimentary marshmallows and a good book on the sheepskin throw on the armchair next to the Christmas tree.
Parents will also be able to ensure the kids can stay entertained with writing letters to Santa as there’s a letterbox in the room to drop off their wishlist for Christmas.
T&Cs apply
Air Vanuatu fare sale
Until midnight 15 December 2023, Air Vanuatu is offering travellers limited-time 2024 early bird deals, with sale fares starting as low as $510pp return from Brisbane to Port Vila*.
The sale fares are available ex. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with a range of 2024 dates available and return fares that include taxes, an onboard meal and 30kg luggage allowance.
The airline is also offering a 30 per cent discount on cargo rates on the Brisbane to Port Vila route when booking via a freight forwarder. Air Vanuatu is the only airline to offer air cargo on this route.
Get in quick to plan that perfect 2024 family getaway or to surprise a loved one this Christmas with tickets to an island paradise in Vanuatu. To book, visit .
*T&C’s apply
Intrepid Travel appointment
Intrepid Travel has appointed Abbe Lunn as Senior Key Partnerships Manager, responsible for managing the industry Key Partnerships team whilst continuing to service and grow sales through Intrepid’s key partners.
Lunn has worked at Intrepid for ten years in various roles aligned with supporting the company’s industry partners.
Yvette Thompson, Intrepid Travel’s General Manager of Sales & Partnerships ANZ, said, “Since returning to Intrepid, Abbe has done an exceptional job of being a true ambassador for the company, engaging our partners at every level and leading with purpose. This promotion is very well deserved, and we look forward to Abbe taking on this important role.”
