MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line’s Adolfo M. Perez has been inducted into CLIA’s Hall of Fame, an honour that celebrates his significant contributions to the cruise industry.
The honour was presented by Carnival Cruise Line Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Ken Tate at the 2022 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards, which took place March 31 in Fort Lauderdale. The induction coincides with Perez’s 40th year with the cruise line, as well as Carnival’s 50th birthday year.
Arnold Donald, President and CEO of Carnival Corp., said: “Adolfo has been an integral part of Carnival’s success and the growth and success of the global cruise industry for 40 years. We are proud to join with all our partner sand friends in the industry to recognize and celebrate Adolfo on his incredible career – and no doubt there is more success to come.”
Adolfo Perez accepts CLIA Lifetime Achievement award
Perez, who currently serves as senior vice president of Global Sales and Trade Marketing for Carnival Cruise Line, first joined the company at just 16 years old as an embarkation agent. Over the next four decades, he went on to serve as the vice president of the company’s Contact Center and opened Carnival’s London office as vice president of Carnival UK and Ireland, before becoming Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Trade Marketing for Carnival’s consumer and trade businesses in the UK, Ireland and Australia.
He is credited with helping to launch 34 Carnival ships and reinvigorating Carnival’s relationship with the global travel advisor community by introducing memorable programs such as ‘Travel Agents Rock,’ a slogan he wears with pride as a tattoo on his arm. He also instituted the Agentpalooza Bus Tour and the first consumer-focused campaign to promote travel agents, ‘Why Use a Travel Advisor’ (WUATA). He further connects with agents through his popular Facebook page and his ‘Live from Adolfo’s Desk’ webinars and media columns. According to Perez, much of his success can be attributed to the travel advisor community.
Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president, said that “Adolfo epitomizes the essence of partnership and support to our travel partners, and he has enhanced the impact our company has in continuing to deliver memorable vacations to all.
Adolfo Perez onboard Carnival Tropicale in 1984
Reflecting on his successes, Perez said: “Despite the fact we have grown into a huge travel leisure company with nine brands, from the Carnival Cruise Line side, it still feels like a family. I’m proud to be part of this family, this company and industry. It’s been an amazing 40 years and I look forward to more fun with the Carnival family ahead.”
The 2022 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards draw nominations throughout the CLIA membership year. Award winners were inducted during the CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards Gala Dinner during the CLIA Cruise360 conference on March 31.
Congratulating all winners, Kelly Craighead, CLIA President and CEO, said: “The 2022 Hall of Fame winners are an extraordinary group of industry leaders with an unwavering passion and perseverance to drive the cruise industry forward, despite the many challenges we have all faces. They are innovators, visionaries and champions of our industry and CLIA is honoured to recognize their hard work, commitment and dedication.”
Other Hall of Fame winners include Danny Genung, MCC – Harr Travel, President and CEO, ‘Travel Agency Innovator Award,’ and Christopher J. Grum, ECC – Premier Custom Travel, ‘Elite Cruise Counsellor of the Year Award.’
