Rivera Travel wants to build on the “remarkable success” of last year’s trade activity by hosting more than 300 agents at events in 2025.
The river cruise and escorted tour specialist, which welcomed 100 agents in 2024, is this year planning a mega-fam to Sri Lanka, a fam trip to South Africa and another to Canada.
There are additional plans to run fam trips across most European rivers, including on its two new ships, with highlights including a Rhine cruise to Switzerland, a yacht cruise as well as visits to Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and the Matterhorn.
The company will also invite the trade to experience new ships Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose and host agents at the Clia Conference in Southampton from May 22 to 24.
Fam trip groups will range from 10 to 20 people and places will be offered via competitions run on the Riviera Explorer e-learning platform and via other channels.
Riviera Travel will also host conferences and sponsor a number of agent events, including the Leaders VIP trade cruise in March from Budapest to Vienna.
Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships, said: “Recognising the significant revenue boost these trips delivered in 2024, Riviera Travel is committed to providing even more opportunities for travel agents to experience our exceptional product first-hand.
“We believe by immersing agents in the unique experiences we offer, they can better understand and convey the value of our itineraries to clients.”
The cruise and tour company plans to “significantly enhance” its itineraries for 2025 and place “a greater emphasis” on long-haul travel.
Riviera Travel will offer cruises on 12 ships this year, which will rise to 13 in 2026, alongside more than 100 escorted tours and 40 solo trips.
Meanwhile, Christian Locke joins the operator to lead its long-haul team and Kieran Aldridge has become long-haul product manager.
Linda Harris will take on a new role of senior specialist product manager following a handover period with Aldridge. She will focus on expanding and enhancing Riviera’s solo traveller range.
Julie Dent has been recruited as quality manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience in similar roles.
Lucy Clark, the company’s in-house health and safety expert, will report to Dent.
Product director Will Sarson said: “We are delighted to welcome such a talented group of people to the Riviera Travel family.
“Their expertise and passion will help us continue to meet the changing needs of our customers and uphold our commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative travel experiences.
“Christian’s extensive background in the travel industry will be invaluable as we continue to expand our long-haul offerings. His leadership will help us take these offerings to new heights.