by Brian Major
Last updated: 12:42 PM ET, Fri April 5, 2019
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced the three winners of its Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations whose efforts and accomplishments represent "a significant contribution to the cruise industry," at an April 4 ceremony during the CLIA's Cruise360 conference in Fort Lauderdale.
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and chief executive officer of Celebrity Cruises, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for "monumental contributions to the cruise industry." Avoya Travel received the Travel Agency Innovator Award for "visionary leadership in their approach to promoting cruise travel and growing their cruise travel sales," while Lucinda Beldon of Dream Vacations, Stingray Travel was named Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC) of the Year.
"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, CLIA's president and CEO. "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."
Lutoff-Perlo was named Celebrity Cruises' president and CEO of in 2014, becoming the first woman to lead a Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. brand, as well as the first female CEO of a publicly traded cruise line.
She has held a variety of roles during her 32-year tenure with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., including several years in sales and marketing in varying roles with differing levels of responsibility.
Lutoff-Perlo also participates in several regional, philanthropic and women's organizations and has received numerous awards for her advocacy for gender equality, diversity and inclusion within the travel industry and the South Florida business community.
Family owned Avoya Travel has a longstanding reputation as one of the travel industry's most innovative marketing and technology companies. Avoya has been an American Express Travel representative for more than 30 years and is one of its largest sellers of cruises and tours.
Last year Avoya entered into a new professional development partnership with CLIA, under which the organization serves as the preferred professional development and travel education provider for travel agents opening new independent agencies within the Avoya travel network. The program allows new professionals in the Avoya Network to join CLIA under Avoya's member rate and take a series of CLIA courses prior to affiliation.
Lucinda Beldon is a CLIA ECC at Dream Vacations, Stingray Travel and a brand ambassador for the agency, having served on its certified spokesperson team for six years. In this role she has fulfilled numerous interview requests, sharing her professional expertise with consumer and trade media.
Beldon is a professional student of travel, always eager to learn more so she can better serve her clients. She also mentors travel professionals in third-world countries through her involvement with the non-profit organization Adventure Angels.
CLIA's Hall of Fame Awards draw nominations from throughout its membership; award winners are determined by a selection panel that includes representatives from CLIA's Strategic Trade Advisory and Review Board (STARBoard) and Trade Relations Committee.
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