Cruise360: Celebrity’s President/CEO earns top honours at CLIA awards

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has honoured an all-star line-up of individuals and organizations who’ve made a significant contribution to the cruise industry.

The honourees were recognized last night (April 4) at the Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards Gala Dinner during the CLIA Cruise360 conference, which is currently unfolding in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

“The Hall of Fame winners have proven themselves as some of the most forward-thinking thought leaders in the cruise industry and every nominee is a great reflection on the industry as a whole,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA.

“CLIA is honored to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of each of the recognized individuals and award their passion and contributions to the cruise industry today and beyond.”

The winners were as follows:

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Lisa Lutoff-Perlo - President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises

As head of a multi-billion dollar vacation brand, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo is a high-impact leader whose commitment to opening up the world through travel has brought recognition, awards and invitations for Celebrity Cruises.

Lutoff-Perlo was appointed President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises in December of 2014, making her the first and only woman to lead one of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s (RCL) cruise line brands – as well as the first and only female CEO of a publicly traded cruise line on the New York Stock Exchange.

Lutoff-Perlo actively participates in a number of regional, philanthropic and women’s organizations. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to gender equality, diversity and inclusion, the travel industry and the South Florida business community.

TRAVEL AGENCY INNOVATOR AWARD WINNER - Avoya Travel 

A CLIA Premier Travel Agency, Avoya Travel is a family-owned company with a longstanding reputation for being one of the world’s most innovative marketing and travel technology companies. Avoya is headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, with support offices throughout the United States.

ELITE CRUISE COUNSELLOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER - Lucinda Beldon, ECC – Dream Vacations, Stingray Travel

The 2019 Cruise Industry Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards draw nominations from throughout the CLIA membership.

Recipients of the awards are determined by a selection panel that includes representatives from the CLIA Strategic Trade Advisory and Review Board (STARBoard) and Trade Relations Committee.

CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!