TTW adds Riviera Travel River Cruises

EUROPEAN operator Riviera Travel River Cruises has switched its Australian representation to Travel The World (TTW), just 12 months after appointing Cruise Traveller as its exclusive general sales agent in the local market (CW 07 Feb 2020).

Prior to Riviera’s exclusive pact with Cruise Traveller, it also offered its range via a separate deal with Cruiseco, with the cruise line’s Channel Director Stuart Milan saying TTW was appointed to take the line to the “next level” in Australia’s highly competitive river cruise market.

Milan also thanked Riviera’s previous representatives for their efforts.

“Since 2015, Cruise Traveller and also Cruiseco have worked hard to introduce and develop our brand in Australia with strong sales results but moving forward, we are resetting our approach to structure an aggressive strategy that will amplify Riviera Travel’s imprint on the local market, boost opportunities for local travel agents and expand our product suite, with exciting new offerings planned for the Australian market,” Milan said.

“Riviera Travel is the leading river cruise brand in the UK, where we are based, and we are aware we have some strong competitors in the Australian market, but we are confident the robust marketing and industry muscle of TTW will strengthen our position here and build on our unique points of difference and compelling price-leader proposition.”

TTW Executive Chairman Andrew Millmore said his company had a record of lifting brand awareness & sales, and forging lucrative trade relationships for travel companies, particularly cruise lines and their trade partners.

“We believe our new GSA contract with Riviera Travel will help lift the successful brand to higher levels of recognition and sales success as one of the bestpriced, five-star European river cruise lines,” he said.

“Demand for international travel, and in particular European cruising, is already showing signs of a strong rebound for 2022.

“We look forward to working with Riviera Travel closely, building a strong partnership that ultimately supports our travel agent partners and their clients, maximising every opportunity to rebuild sales and profitability”.

Riviera recently fast-tracked the local early release of selected 2022 departures, with 114 sailings on 11 itineraries already on offer with fares leading in at $1,799ppts for a five-day trip.