CLIA UK & Ireland have announced the winners of the inaugural River Cruise Excellence Awards 2016 at a glittering ceremony in Amsterdam as a prelude to the sixth annual CLIA River Cruise Conference.
Hosted onboard Tauck’s MS Grace, the event bought together senior cruise industry figures, agents and journalists for an evening of celebration. CLIA’s very own Andy Harmer and Travel Weekly’s Lucy Huxley presented the awards which were sponsored by a number of river cruise line operators including AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, French America Line, Pandaw, Uniworld River Cruises and A-ROSA. Following the awards, the official after-party took place onboard Emerald River Cruises Emerald Dawn.
Andy Harmer, Director of CLIA UK & Ireland said, “It is tremendously important to recognise the individuals and businesses who make a contribution to the success of the industry - and we are delighted to be working with the whole river cruise industry in creating the first awards specifically for this sector.”
Giles Hawkes, CLIA Deputy Chair explained, “This year has been a very positive year for river cruises with an 8% rise in the number of UK passengers. In 2017, the river cruise market has a great opportunity for further growth from UK travellers with more options for different styles of river cruising than ever before, and more adventurous and immersive activities available, we will likely see a broadening customer demographic and appeal.”
