Riviera Travel promotes Vicky Billing to director of trade and partnerships

Riviera Travel has promoted Vicky Billing to the role of director of trade and partnerships in the UK and Ireland effective immediately.

She was previously head of trade partnerships and will continue to report to chief commercial officer Robin Shaw.

Billing will lead a team of 24 across the UK and Ireland, covering trade sales, support, partnerships, groups and affinity, Irish trade and related marketing activity.

She has already set her sights on “an ambitious growth strategy” for the operator’s trade channels to “deepen trade relationships” and “accelerate innovation”.

The appointment comes as the river cruise and tour specialist experienced 50% year-on-year growth in trade business, launched e-learning platform Riviera Explorer and scheduled more than 300 trade events and fam trips in 2025.

Shaw said: "Vicky has reported directly to me for the past year while Stuart Milan has focused on our expansion in North America, and her contribution has been transformative.

“She’s brought a relentless focus on delivery, challenged us to think differently, and championed the needs of our agent partners.

“This promotion recognises the scale of her impact and her unwavering commitment to making Riviera Travel the easiest and most rewarding company to do business with.”

Billing added: “I’m incredibly proud to step into this role and continue working alongside such a passionate and talented team.

“Everything we achieve at Riviera is down to the people behind it, and that includes the fantastic travel agents we partner with every day.

“My focus is simple: be easy to do business with, stay trade-first, and keep driving growth together through brilliant service and standout products.”

Billing’s promotion comes as Riviera announces a price-match guarantee across its tall-ship itineraries, including on Star Clipper and Royal Clipper.