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Winners announced at Clia’s River Cruise Excellence awards

Gallery: Clia River Cruise Conference Amsterdam

Clia has recognised those that contribute to the ever-growing river cruise industry at an awards ceremony.

With the number of British travellers taking river cruises and ship supply both on the rise, according to latest figures, Clia celebrated another successful year for the industry at its seventh annual River Cruise Conference on Saturday.

The River Cruise Excellence awards were handed out by Clia senior vice-president Andy Harmer and Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley at the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre.

Harmer said: “It is tremendously important to recognise the individuals and businesses that make a huge contribution to the success of the cruise sector.

“We are thrilled to be able to highlight these achievements at this year’s River Cruise Excellence Awards.”

Two extra categories – River Cruise Ambassador of the Year (Agent) and Special Recognition Award – were added to the awards ceremony.

The awards were evenly spread out with River Voyages taking home the gong for River Cruise Ambassador of the Year.

Gill Williams, of RiverCruising.co.uk, scooped the best agent of the year prize, while the new River Cruise Ambassador of the Year award for an agent was handed to Janet Whittingham.

Cruise.co.uk agent Jill Johnson took home the Special Recognition award.

Best Overall Performance awards were given to Blue Water Holidays in the northern category, while Planet Cruise won the southern section.

The award for Best River Cruise Newcomer went to The Vacation Company.

The winners of the Best Marketing Promotion of River Cruise were split into three categories – RiverCruising.co.uk (online), Travel Counsellors (homeworker) and Miles Morgan Travel (retail).

The event was sponsored by Travel Weekly, Traveltek and the Daily Mail Group as well as a number of cruise lines and industry partners.

Gallery: Clia River Cruise Conference Amsterdam

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