Over the course of 30 years, leisure cruising has evolved from a boutique travel product into a popular mainstream vacation…
Over the course of 30 years, leisure cruising has evolved from a boutique travel product into a popular mainstream vacation for millions of travelers from every corner of the world. Along the way, a special group of travel agents, cruise line executives and other noteworthy figures have made extraordinary contributions to the industry`s success. This year, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recognizes these movers and shakers by establishing CLIA`s first-ever Hall of Fame. Furthermore, cruise sellers at CLIA-member agencies will have the opportunity to nominate individuals they believe worthy of CLIA Hall of Fame induction.
The heart and soul of CLIA and the cruise industry are the frontline agents, managers and owners at our 16,500 member agencies, said Terry L. Dale, CLIA`s president and CEO. Travel agents have played a pivotal role in the cruise industry`s strong growth and will continue to contribute to an even more successful future. These agents are indeed worthy of the honor of helping to enshrine our industry`s greatest icons into the new CLIA Hall of Fame.
CLIA`s Hall of Fame will provide formal recognition to those men and women, past and present, whose extraordinary efforts and accomplishments have led to the positive development of the leisure cruise industry. Nominees for Hall of Fame designation will be inducted at a ceremony at CLIA`s cruise3sixty conference in Fort Lauderdale, September 30 to October 2, 2005.
The CLIA Hall of Fame will recognize individuals in three categories: cruise retailer, cruise line executive, and an at-large category encompassing an additional retailer or cruise executive, shipbuilder, publisher, government official or politician, or any other individual whose contributions to the cruise industry warrant nomination.
Nominations for CLIA`s Hall of Fame are based upon the following criteria:
- Did the nominee`s accomplishments create positive change for the cruise industry?
- Can the nominee be considered a role model for others in the cruise industry?
- What has the nominee done or accomplished that sets him or her apart from others?
Nominees will be considered by a committee comprised from members of CLIA`s Travel Agent Advisory Board and member-line executives. The final slate of nominations will then be ratified by CLIA`s Executive Committee.
The first three CLIA Hall of Fame members will be inducted at a ceremony during cruise3sixty, CLIA`s first travel agent event, to be held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, from September 30 to October 2. CLIA`s cruise3sixty will combine the best elements of a travel show with educational and professional development programming, plus a special focus on cruise lifestyle themes including fashion, cuisine and entertainment.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
