ecruising.travel historic Sydney Business Awards win

Ecruising.travel that pioneered online cruise booking in Australia nine years ago has become the first-ever travel company to win the Tourism category in the prestigeous City of Sydney Business Awards.

Image shows Brett Dudley (right) receives his award from City of Sydney Business Awards and Channel 7 Sunrise Show Host, David Koch

Company Chairman, Brett Dudley accepted the award from Lord Mayor, Clover Moore at a glittering ceremony at Sydney’s Sheraton On The Park Hotel, beating four other contenders in the category who represented some of the Sydney’s largest tour operations and attractions.

Mr Dudley founded ecruising.travel in January 2000 and paid tribute to all members of his staff for their dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm.
”We work as a team and this award – the first-ever for a travel company – is a reflection and tribute to the team spirit within ecruising.travel.”

Lord Mayor, Clover Moore said that all businesses nominated for Awards in this year’s twenty-three categories, were part of the vital heartbeat of Sydney’s economic activity.

“Small and medium sized business in the City of Sydney local government area account for a staggering 12.5 per cent of State GDP and nearly five per cent of national GDP,” Ms Moore said. “We have more than 20,000 small and medium sized businesses in the City, and these awards show our commitment to supporting them on their road to becoming successful and sustainable enterprises.

“And despite the global economic downturn, the 2009 City of Sydney Business Awards broke all previous records with nearly 600 businesses nominated, which was double the number nominated in 2008.”

Members of the public were invited to vote for nominees in the various categories that ranged from accommodation to restaurants and cafés, financial services, marketing, and professional and manufacturing services.

At total 34,900 public votes were cast across all categories, with the highest vote-winners becoming finalists; each finalist then put together a submission on their business, and this was voted on by a panel of judges who chose the ultimate category winners.