Veteran cruise industry travel professional David Crooks receives CLIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Wilmington, Mass. (April 25, 2017) – Wilmington-based World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company, is honored to announce that its Senior Vice President of Product & Operations, David Crooks has been inducted into the Cruise Lines International’s (CLIA) prestigious Hall of Fame.
Crooks received CLIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which is awarded to an individual or individuals from any aspect of the cruise industry that is an advocate for cruise travel and has made remarkable positive contributions to the industry.
“We couldn’t be more proud or think of a more deserving person than David to receive such an outstanding honor,” said Co-Chairman and CEO of World Travel Holdings Brad Tolkin. “David’s passion paired with the fact that he genuinely cares about the success of the cruise industry shines through every day in his position. Not only is he an enormous asset to our company, he is well respected in the industry as an expert and leader, among his peers and our suppliers.”
Crooks has served as Senior Vice President of Product & Operations for eight years and is responsible for overseeing the growth and profitability of all cruise and land sales through various distribution channels as well as for overseeing all supplier relationships. He has been with World Travel Holdings/NLG since NLG’s inception in 1986 and has held a variety of positions including Director of Sales and Training. Crooks began his career in the travel industry as a tour director for Paragon Tours and Travel and then served as its director of tour escorts. He also worked for the St. Moritz-on-the-Park, New York, NY, and for Cunard Line as a member of the onboard cruise staff. Crooks is a graduate of Niagara University.
“The nominees for Hall of Fame represent the best and brightest individuals in the cruise industry and David Crooks, along with our other winners this year are some of the most talented and dedicated members we’ve inducted yet,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “We are proud to host the Hall of Fame Awards to highlight the ongoing dedication and passion for advancing the cruise industry forward.”
The awards recognize individuals and organizations whose efforts and accomplishments represent a significant contribution to the cruise industry. The 2017 Award Winners were honored at the Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards dinner during the CLIA Cruise360 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Saturday, April 22, 2017.
For more information about World Travel Holdings and its brands, visit WorldTravelHoldings.com.
About World Travel Holdings
World Travel Holdings is the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company with a portfolio of more than 40 diverse brands. In addition to owning some of the largest brands distributing cruises, villas, hotels, resort vacations, cars and luxury travel services, World Travel Holdings has a vast portfolio of licensed private label partnerships comprised of top leisure travel providers, including almost every U.S. airline, leading hotel brands and prominent corporations. The company also operates a top-rated travel agency franchise and the country’s original host agency, and is consistently recognized as an industry leader in work-at-home employment. Its global presence includes operating multiple cruise and vacation brands in the United Kingdom. World Travel Holdings has offices in Long Island, NY; Wilmington, Mass.; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Virginia Beach, Va.; and Chorley and Southampton, England. For more information, visit WorldTravelHoldings.com.
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. The association has 15 offices globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 24 million passengers who cruise annually and is dedicated to promote the cruise travel experience. Members are comprised of the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organization’s mission is to be the unified global organization that helps its members succeed by advocating, educating and promoting for the common interests of the cruise community. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.