Riviera Travel has launched a new training module on its e-learning platform, ‘Riviera Explorer.’ It is designed to help travel agents prepare for peaks sales. The ‘Primed for Peaks’ module includes a number of sections with tips and advice, such as how to order brochures, assisting with marketing plans and contact information for key account managers. It also details Riviera selling tips and information on how to book its cruise and escorted tour programmes for 2025 and 2026. It highlights solo dedicated departures, no-fly options and current top-selling itineraries. Agents who complete every training module by December 31, 2024, will be in with a chance of winning a space on a Sri Lanka escorted tour fam trip departing in 2025 or a Blue Danube Cruise fam trip on new ship Riviera Radiance, departing in 2025. A total of 40 travel agent places are up for grabs. Since its launch in October, 'Riviera Explorer' has seen more than 1,000 agents, half of whom are new to selling Riviera, signing up. Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships, said: “This new option will ensure agents are primed and ready to take full advantage of this key selling period.” “As with other modules on our new e-learning platform, it is designed to make life easy for our trade partners, so they can learn at a pace that suits them.” “‘Riviera Explorer’ has been a huge hit with the trade since launching, with agents praising the level of detail within the modules and the ability to become a certified Riviera Expert.”

  Riviera Travel has launched a new training module on its e-learning platform, ‘Riviera Explorer’, to help travel agents prepare for peaks.   The ‘Primed for Peaks’ module includes a number of sections with tips and advice, such as how to order brochures, assisting with marketing plans and contact information for Riviera’s key account managers.   It also details Riviera selling tips and information on how to book its cruise and escorted tour programmes for 2025 and 2026, including solo dedicated departures, no-fly options and current top-selling itineraries.   ‘Riviera Explorer’ represents the operator’s most significant investment to date in digital trade support. It is for both experienced sellers and those new to selling Riviera and features the latest news and updates via bite-sized training modules. Agents who complete every training module by December 31, 2024, will be in with a chance of winning a space on a Sri Lanka escorted tour fam trip departing in 2025 or a Blue Danube Cruise fam trip on new ship Riviera Radiance, departing in 2025, with 40 places in total up for grabs.   Since its launch in October, 'Riviera Explorer' has seen significant uptake, with more than 1000 agents, half of whom are new to selling Riviera, signing up.   Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships UK & Ireland at Riviera, said: “We know how important the next few weeks are for the trade as they prepare for the all-important peaks, and this new option on ‘Riviera Explorer’ will ensure they are primed and ready to take full advantage of this key selling period. As with other modules on our new e-learning platform, it is designed to make life easy for our trade partners, so they can learn at a pace that suits them.   “‘Riviera Explorer’ has been a huge hit with the trade since launching, with agents praising the level of detail within the modules and the ability to become a certified Riviera Expert. We’re excited to see how the platform will evolve and I encourage agents to sign up and learn more about our extensive range of holidays.”

  Riviera Travel has announced the appointment of Katy Potten as its first head of brand, campaigns and PR, effective immediately.   Katy will have overall responsibility for Riviera’s brand and campaigns strategy and will oversee creative output, including marketing planning, campaign and product launches, and content production. She will report to Sarah Fowler, marketing director.   Katy was most recently head of brand and acquisition at Travelopia and has previously held roles at Merlin Entertainment, easyJet and Tui.   Sarah Fowler said: “We’re delighted to welcome Katy to the team as we look to supercharge our campaigns and grow brand awareness. We’ve seen huge demand for our cruise and escorted tour programmes, and with Katy’s expertise and experience, we’re eager to see how we can take things to the next level and encourage more people to travel with Riviera.”   Katy Potten said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Riviera at what is an exciting time in the cruise and escorted touring space. The company has been on an upward trajectory for many years and I look forward to working with the team as we look to capitalise on future opportunities.”

Riviera Travel trade bookings have increased by more than a third year-on-year. This includes an uptick of 51% for river cruises, and 66% for dedicated solo departures across both its cruise and escorted touring product. The trade has also prompted a sharp rise in 'Signature Tour' demand on long-haul escorted tours. Signature tours - which offer up to three enhanced experiences on existing itineraries - have seen a 38% growth in trade revenue year-on-year. As such, further itineraries will be added to next year's programme - Imperial Cities of Morocco, Jordan & Petra; South Africa; The Best of Japan; and Southern India's Coastal Route - bringing the worldwide total on offer up to 20. Overall, the trade team has increased its bookings share of Riviera's business by 10% since 2019. The operator has made a concerted effort to improve engagement with agents since the start of the year. This includes: Bolstering its trade team. Seven key account managers are now in place, with four additions recruited this year. Two newly created roles - national sales manager, retail & OTAs; and national sales manager, homeworkers - have also been introduced. A dedicated trade reservations team is additionally now in place. The trade marketing team has been expanded by three to five. Running a bi-annual trade engagement committee, with a cross-section of agents from the industry, the committee is in place to gather feedback, act on suggestions and help explain Riviera's plans and updates. Hosting 10 Fam trips, across both river cruise and escorted touring product, to a record 100 agents. The launch earlier this month of a new e-learning platform - 'Riviera Explorer' - which aims to help agents improve their brand knowledge. The platform already has over 1,000 users, half of whom are new-to-brand. Introducing an internal trade app, which allows key account managers to track their agent visits and outcomes. To date it has reduced the time spent on administration tasks by around 50%. Enhancing relationships with both The Travel Network Group and Advantage Travel Partnership, to help secure further partnerships with more independent agents. Vicky Billing, Riviera Travel head of trade and partnerships UK & Ireland, said: "We are over the moon with the support we have had from our amazing trade partners this year. My team and I are so grateful for every single booking.” "It's been particularly satisfying to see travel agents who have never sold Riviera making bookings on a regular basis." 

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  Riviera Travel has lowered prices on select 2025 European escorted tours departing from July through to November.   Savings of up to £130pp are now available across 89 departure dates, including Classic and Signature tours. Options include:   * Four-day Paris classic tour, departing July 19, 2025, with prices now from £559pp. * Eight-day Norway signature tour, departing August 1, 2025, with prices now from £2469pp. * Eight-day Puglia, Lecce & Vieste classic tour, departing September 5, 2025, with prices now from £1539pp. * Eight-day Sicily signature tour, departing September 15, 2025, with prices now from £2099pp. * Six-day Slovenia and Lake Bled signature tour, departing September 24, 2025, with prices now from £1399pp. * Eight-day Lake Garda, Venice & Verona signature tour, departing October 8, 2025, with prices now from £2249pp.   Joanne Lynn, head of product - European at Riviera, said: “Our mission is to provide exceptional holiday experiences at unbeatable value for money, and these new savings on select 2025 European tours are further evidence of our desire to make escorted touring more accessible for all. There’s so much included in the price of a Riviera tour, including flights and transfers, making the whole experience stress-free from start to finish. There’s never been a better time for guests to book and take in the wonders of Europe.”   For 2025, Riviera has reduced the group size on its Classic tours, with a maximum of 36 guests. Meanwhile, Signature tours have an average of just 22 guests and up to four enhanced experiences.   All Riviera Travel escorted tours include return flights and transfers, accommodation, tours and visits, select meals, local taxes and an expert tour manager throughout.

Riviera Travel has unveiled a new travel agent e-learning platform. The 'Riviera Explorer' platform aims to help travel agents improve their brand knowledge. Now live, it is the operator's most significant investment to date in online travel agent support. It has been designed for both experienced sellers and those new to selling Riviera. It features the latest Riviera news and updates and training modules with itineraries and unique selling points across river, ocean cruise and escorted tour products. Agents can complete the training programme in approximately four to five hours to become a certified Riviera Expert. Agents who complete every training module by December 31, 2024, will have a chance of winning a place on a Sri Lanka escorted tour fam trip departing in 2025 or a Blue Danube Cruise fam trip on new ship Riviera Radiance in 2025. Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships at Riviera, said: "We're so excited to officially launch 'Riviera Explorer', which represents the next stage of our trade-first strategy and takes our travel agent support to the next level.” 'Riviera Explorer' can be accessed via www.rivexplorer.com. To register, agents will need their ABTA number.

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Riviera Travel will operate on a new ship on Mekong river cruises in 2026. The 70-guest Victoria Mekong has 33 staterooms and two suites, all with private balconies. It also houses a restaurant, bar, infinity pool, gym, library and games room, plus a movie room and a spa. The ship will operate a new Vietnam, Cambodia and Hidden Treasures of the Mekong river cruise and tour. There are 15-night Saigon to Siem Reap upstream and 14-night Siem Reap to Saigon downstream options available. The itinerary will visit Can Tho, Long Xuyen, Tiger Island, Phu Tan and Tan Chau (all Vietnam), and Phnom Penh, Silk Island, Oudong, Koh Chen, Angkor Ban and Kampong Cham (in Cambodia). There will be a total of six departures, from January to November. Prices include flights and transfers, tours and visits, two or three nights at the Hotel Grand Saigon, Vietnam, three nights at the Sokha Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia, seven nights onboard Victoria Mekong and complimentary soft drinks throughout the day and selected drinks with lunch and dinner while onboard. Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The Victoria Mekong is a fantastic addition to the fleet, offering a modern onboard experience from which our guests can enjoy the wonders of the Mekong River.” The Victoria Mekong launched in 2019. 

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    Riviera Travel has revealed it will operate on a new ship on the Mekong in 2026.   The 70-guest Victoria Mekong features 33 staterooms and two suites, all with private balconies. It also has a restaurant, bar, infinity pool, gym, library and games room, movie room and a spa.   The ship will operate a new Vietnam, Cambodia and Hidden Treasures of the Mekong tour and cruise, with 15-night Saigon to Siem Reap upstream and 14-night Siem Reap to Saigon downstream options available.   The itinerary will visit Can Tho, Long Xuyen, Tiger Island, Phu Tan and Tan Chau (all Vietnam), and Phnom Penh, Silk Island, Oudong, Koh Chen, Angkor Ban and Kampong Cham (all Cambodia).   A total of six departures, from January to November, are on offer. Prices start from £4599pp and include flights and transfers, tours and visits, two or three nights at the Hotel Grand Saigon, Vietnam, three nights at the Sokha Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia, seven nights onboard Victoria Mekong and complimentary soft drinks throughout the day and selected drinks with lunch and dinner while onboard.   Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The Victoria Mekong is a fantastic addition to the fleet, offering a modern onboard experience from which our guests can enjoy the wonders of the Mekong River. Our new Vietnam, Cambodia and Hidden Treasures itinerary has been designed to showcase some of the hidden wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia, to give guests a new perspective on these fascinating destinations.”   The Victoria Mekong was launched in 2019.

Riviera Travel has revealed it will introduce another new river cruise ship to the fleet in 2026. The 178-guest Riviera Resplendence will be a sister ship to the recently announced Riviera Radiance, which launches next year. Riviera Resplendence will feature three dining venues, including a new restaurant called Mosaic. The ship’s split-level lounge and dining room will provide more guest space. Grand Balcony suites will measure 32sqm, the largest ever on a Riviera river cruise ship, with a separate lounge area and balcony with seating. Superior Suites and Double Cabins with a French balcony will also be available. Other ship amenities include a spa and wellness area, pool, bistro with an open kitchen and a boutique gift shop. As with Riviera Radiance, the ship is also designed to qualify for the Gold Standard in the Green Awards programme which sets standards in safety and environmental performance. The new ship’s itinerary information will be unveiled shortly. Riviera revealed that sales for its two ships which launch next year - Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose - are 20% up on the rest of the fleet since they went live.

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  * Programme comprises several new itineraries alongside existing favourites * £50 per booking incentive for agents on offer * Prices frozen at 2025 levels for a limited time * Free all-inclusive drinks package available on all 2026 European cruises   Riviera Travel has announced its largest-ever river cruise programme will operate in 2026. 428 sailings are on offer, on 13 river ships, taking in destinations across Europe and further afield. The season features 31 dedicated solo departures.   A pre-sale event is open from September 18, 2024, with the programme going on general release from September 25, 2024. This represents the earliest point at which Riviera has ever put a new booking year on sale, with the launch made in response to overwhelming demand: Riviera’s booked revenue is currently 51% up for 2025 compared to the same period for 2024.   A £50 per booking incentive on all Europe 2026 river cruise bookings is available for agents from September 18 to October 31, 2024.   Included in the programme are traditional destination favourites such as the Rhone, Seine, Rhine, Danube and Douro. New-for-2026 are five specially themed itineraries, an additional Mekong river cruise and a Medieval Germany solo-dedicated departure.   Riviera has also said that 2026 departures are currently frozen at 2025 prices for a limited time, until December 15, 2024.   In addition, a free all-inclusive drinks package is on offer for all 2026 European cruises. The package is available daily from 10am until midnight, and includes wines, beers, cocktails and mocktails, soft drinks and juices, spirits, and tea and coffee.*   New for 2026 The new themed cruises, all eight days in length, comprise:   * Gardens & Natural Beauty of the Rhine Featuring a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visits to the castle gardens of Heidelberg and Schwetzingen; vineyards in Rüdesheim; Koblenz’s Schlosspark and Butterfly Garden of Sayn Palace; Rheinaue Leisure Park in Bonn; and the Rose Garden of Saverne. Departing May – October 2026, with prices from £2249pp.   * Gastronomy of the Danube Featuring the choice of a guided tour of Linz with a tasting of Leberkas, Linzer Torte and a local beer, or a full-day tour of Salzburg; guided tour of Vienna with a visit to a traditional confectioner at Schönbrunn Palace; the opportunity to sample Hungarian and Austrian wines in the cellars of the Esztergom Basilica; and a guided tour of Budapest central market. Departing April – October 2026, with prices from £2149pp.   * Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle Featuring the choice of a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum for a guided tour and tasting, or a tour of Cologne; wine tasting in Bernkastel and Rüdesheim; a guided tour in Trier, Cochem and Boppard; and a visit to the Koblenz Wine and Sparkling Wine Museum. Departing April – August 2026, with prices from £2299pp.   * Gastronomy of the Seine Featuring a tour of the D-day beaches, Arromanches and the 'longest day' museum; Caudebec-en-Caux and Claude Monet's house to see the 'Water Lilies Pond’ and 'Japanese Footbridge'; guided tours of Rouen and Honfleur, with a tasting at the oldest Crêperie; the choice of a panoramic tour of Paris or a walking tour of Paris’ Latin Quarter district; and visits to local farms and cider houses. Departing April – October 2026, with prices from £1999pp.   * Music & Art of the Blue Danube Guided tours in Vienna, Dürnstein, Bratislava and Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart; a behind the scenes tour with the renowned Vienna Boys Choir; visits to Esztergom Basilica and Melk Abbey; and the choice of a visit to the House of Music or the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest. Departing April – October 2026, with prices from £1999pp.   A new 16 days upstream or 15 days downstream Vietnam, Cambodia & Hidden Treasures of the Mekong cruise and tour, departing January to November 2026, will visit Ho Chi Minh, with guided visits to the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House and Cu Chi tunnels; Phnom Penh, with guided tours of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex, the Killing Fields Memorial and a cocktail at the famed Elephant Bar; and the temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom and Bayon. Prices start from £4599pp.   The eight-day ‘Medieval Germany for Solo Travellers’ river cruise will visit Mainz, Würzburg, Rothenburg, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Bamberg and Nuremberg. Departing August 2026, with prices from £3249pp.   Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships UK & Ireland at Riviera, said: “The trade has been phenomenal at selling our 2025 European river cruises and continue to do so, so what better way to launch 2026 than by rewarding them with a rich incentive.”   Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The 2026 programme is our biggest ever, as we keep pace with the current exceptional demand for our river cruises. They include a wealth of exciting exploration opportunities at unbeatable value.   “We’re excited to offer all departures currently on offer at the same price as our 2025 sailings. And our free all-inclusive drinks package includes our widest ever range of options, giving guests the perfect excuse to raise a glass or two to mark their getaway.   “Our new themed cruises provide a great opportunity to marry an interest or hobby with tailored holidays that inform and inspire, while our new Mekong option has a range of remarkable tours, not least to the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh. We’re also delighted to add to our solo departures with a dedicated Medieval Germany sailing, which explores some of the country’s most fascinating towns and villages.”

Riviera Travel has announced its largest-ever river cruise programme for 2026. There will be a total of 428 sailings on 13 river ships, taking in destinations across Europe and further afield. The season features 31 dedicated solo traveller departures. A pre-sale event is open from September 18, 2024, with the programme going on general release from September 25, 2024. This is the earliest date Riviera has ever put a new booking year on sale, due to strong demand. The company says booked revenue is currently 51% up for 2025 compared to the same period for 2024. A £50 per booking incentive on all Europe 2026 river cruise bookings is available for travel agents from September 18 to October 31, 2024. Included in the programme are traditional destination favourites such as the Rhone, Seine, Rhine, Danube and Douro. New-for-2026 are five specially themed itineraries, an additional Mekong river cruise and a Medieval Germany solo traveller departure. Also, 2026 departures are currently frozen at 2025 prices for a limited time until December 15, 2024. In addition, a free all-inclusive drinks package is on offer for all 2026 European cruises. The package is available daily from 10am until midnight, and includes wines, beers, cocktails and mocktails, soft drinks and juices, spirits, and tea and coffee. New for 2026 The new themed cruises, all of eight days in length, comprise: Gardens & Natural Beauty of the Rhine: A scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visits to the castle gardens of Heidelberg and Schwetzingen; vineyards in Rüdesheim; Koblenz’s Schlosspark and Butterfly Garden of Sayn Palace; Rheinaue Leisure Park in Bonn; and the Rose Garden of Saverne.  Departing May – October 2026, from £2249pp. Gastronomy of the Danube: Featuring the choice of a guided tour of Linz with a tasting of Leberkas, Linzer Torte and a local beer, or a full-day tour of Salzburg. Also a guided tour of Vienna with a visit to a traditional confectioner at Schönbrunn Palace; the opportunity to sample Hungarian and Austrian wines in the cellars of the Esztergom Basilica; and a guided tour of Budapest central market. Departing April – October 2026, from £2149pp. Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle: Featuring the choice of a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum for a guided tour and tasting, or a tour of Cologne; wine tasting in Bernkastel and Rüdesheim; a guided tour in Trier, Cochem and Boppard; and a visit to the Koblenz Wine and Sparkling Wine Museum. Departing April – August 2026, from £2299pp. Gastronomy of the Seine: Featuring a tour of the D-day beaches, Arromanches and the 'longest day' museum; Caudebec-en-Caux and Claude Monet's house to see the 'Water Lilies Pond’ and 'Japanese Footbridge'; guided tours of Rouen and Honfleur, with a tasting at the oldest Crêperie; the choice of a panoramic tour of Paris or a walking tour of Paris’ Latin Quarter district; and visits to local farms and cider houses. Departing April – October 2026, from £1999pp. Music & Art of the Blue Danube: Guided tours in Vienna, Dürnstein, Bratislava and Salzburg; a behind the scenes tour with the renowned Vienna Boys Choir; visits to Esztergom Basilica and Melk Abbey; and the choice of a visit to the House of Music or the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest. Departing April – October 2026, from £1999pp. The programme includes a new 16 days upstream or 15 days downstream Vietnam, Cambodia & Hidden Treasures of the Mekong cruise and tour, departing January to November 2026. It will visit Ho Chi Minh City, with guided visits to the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House and Cu Chi tunnels; Phnom Penh, with guided tours of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex, the Killing Fields Memorial and a cocktail at the famed Elephant Bar; as well as the temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom and Bayon. Prices from £4599pp. The eight-day ‘Medieval Germany for Solo Travellers’ river cruise will visit Mainz, Würzburg, Rothenburg, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Bamberg and Nuremberg. Departing August 2026, from £3249pp. Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The 2026 programme is our biggest ever, as we keep pace with the current exceptional demand for our river cruises. They include a wealth of exciting exploration opportunities at unbeatable value.” 

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Riviera Travel is offering travel agents the chance to win a river cruise as part of a new incentive to mark National Travel Agent Day. To enter, agents need to book any Riviera holiday from today until September 13. They will then be automatically entered into a draw to win a cruise for two on the operator’s Blue Danube itinerary, departing in 2025 on new ship Riviera Radiance. The winner will be announced on September 16 on the Riviera travel agent Facebook group. National Travel Agent Day takes place today, to mark the importance of the trade in the travel industry. Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships at Riviera, said: “The opportunity to experience the iconic Danube on our new ship Riviera Radiance is one not to be missed.” The 178-guest Riviera Radiance – one of two new ships launching in 2025 will feature several firsts for the operator, including bearing the Riviera name on its bow. The ship will have three dining venues, including a new restaurant called Mosaic. Additionally, the Grand Suites, at 32 sqm, will be the largest ever offered by Riviera.

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