Carnival’s Ann Sherry enters CLIA’s Hall of Fame

Ann Sherry, former CEO of Carnival Australia, has been awarded a place in the Cruise Lines International Association Hall of Fame.

Ms Sherry virtually rebuilt the cruise industry’s image over more than a decade of work after a series of damaging incidents involving so-called “booze cruises”.

Today, Australians are the world’s most prolific cruisers, with the highest penetration rate in terms of population.

CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz told the cruise industry’s awards night in Sydney last night that Ms Sherry had worked passionately to help transform the Australasian cruise industry.

“With a dynamic combination of unique skills, personality and determination, combined with a far-sighted vision, she successfully placed the cruise industry and its most critical issues, front-and-centre,” he said.

“She also used her personal reputation as one of Australia’s most prominent business people to grow the reputation of cruising among business, government and media, working to ensure that others in the tourism industry, and policymakers, understand the economic value of cruising.”

He added: “Her vision has touched on matters such as port infrastructure, opening new cruise destinations, ensuring island communities in the Pacific share the economic benefits of cruising, and safeguarding the marine environment and the cultures of the people who support cruise visitors.

“She is a leading advocate in the wider community for gender equality and diversity in the workplace, she mentors several people across a diverse range of businesses and community groups, and she holds several board positions.”

Ms Sherry was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 and an Order of Australia in 2004. She was named overall winner of theAustralian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Award in 2015.

Other top winners on the night

Julie Avery of Brighton Travelworld, named Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, and Lorraine Van Veen of House of Travel Botany Junction, awarded New Zealand Cruise Consultant of the Year. Jeff Leckey of House of Travel was named Cruise Champion Australasia.

Agency winners included Bicton Travel, named Australia’s Large Cruise Agency of the Year, and helloworld Lambton Quay/St Heliers/Mt Eden/Botany, chosen as New Zealand’s Large Cruise Agency of the Year. Australia’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year was New Farm Travel, while New Zealand’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year was Pukekohe Travel.