Riviera Travel Sets Bold Course for Growth in Ireland

Ita Hendrick our Travelbiz river cruising trade reporter, brings you all the very latest from Carrie Day, newly appointed Country Manager Ireland; Vicky Billing, Director of Trade & Partnerships, UK & Ireland; Cass Helstrip (CPR); Roxy Glendon, Senior Trade Marketing Manager, UK, Ireland & International Trade; and Phil Hullah, CEO. as trade and media partners are treated to a wonderful dinner and trading update from the Riviera Travel Team in the Westbury.

Solos Surge and New Ships Set SailRiviera Travel sees Irish market as pivotal to expansion plans, reporting over 74% growth yoy and further rapid expansion forecastRiviera Travel, a premium escorted tour and river cruise company with over 40 years in the market, is charting a bold new chapter in Ireland. Since launching operations in the Irish market, Riviera has grown rapidly, building on the success of its very first departure, a 3-night city break to Paris. Today, the brand offers far more than its name suggests, with a wide-ranging portfolio that includes European touring, solo travel, and river cruising all designed to deliver exceptional experiences at outstanding value.

Despite its strong roots in the UK, Riviera Travel sees Ireland not just as a sister market but as a strategic launchpad for global growth. “Ireland has always been an important market for Riviera”, said Vicky Billing, Director of Trade and Partnerships. “The Irish market is dynamic, loyal, and incredibly agent-driven, trade has been the crux of our success here. Our travel agent partners are not only trusted advisers to their customers but also trusted advisers to us. Their local expertise, deep customer relationships, and ability to unlock new segments are absolutely central to our expansion plans. What’s next? We’re just getting started”. A Stronghold for TradeTrade remains a cornerstone of Riviera’s success. In Ireland, between 1 December 2024 and year to date Riviera are +64% up y-o-y on passengers and 74% up on revenue.

Solos, Ships, and Strategic Expansion

Solos are leading the charge in Ireland, now Riviera’s fastest-growing segment. This means more guests can experience a Riviera Cruise or River Cruise for the first time. Riviera’s fleet is growing, having recently launched Riviera Rose sailing the Douro & Radiance sailing the Danube. Riviera Resplendence joins in early 2026 to sail on the Rhine with whispers of even more new additions on the horizon!

Riviera Travel now offer ten top-selling European tours tailored for the Irish market, including: Lake Maggiore, Orta & the Matterhorn Hidden Italy: Padua, Vicenza & Mantua Puglia & Basilicata: Lecce, Alberobello & Matera.

What’s Next: Local Focus

Riviera is currently reviewing timelines to launch regional air partnerships, aiming to expand departure point options and replicate a strategy that has proven successful in the UK.

New Country Manager, Carrie Day says “We are making some significant changes to directly support agency growth, including my appointment as a dedicated Country Manager. I will be working closely with Vicky to lead local strategy and deepen trade relationships.

Billing says “We will be significantly increasing the number of fam trips to help Irish agents better understand our product. We’ll also expand trade support through Riviera Explorer, our online training platform, and we have an exciting incentive this September. Our objective is to provide the agents with powerful tools and rewards to help drive sales to enable us to achieve our rapid growth plans in this region”.

Riviera Travel is back on TV in July and August with an increased media spend to drive consumer awareness and conversion with agents as the call to action to support front-line agents.

“Everything we’re doing is designed with agents in mind,” concludes Director of Trade and Partnerships Vicky. “From streamlined training and resources to immersive fams and fast-turnaround support our goal is to make it as easy as possible for agents to sell Riviera confidently and profitably. Ireland will remain at the heart of our international growth story”.

“Ireland represents the perfect blend of opportunity and partnership for Riviera Travel. With strong agent relationships, a growing and engaged customer base, and clear appetite for our evolving product range, this market is not just thriving, it’s leading. What we’ve achieved so far is just the beginning. We’re investing for the long term, and Ireland will be central to our global growth journey”, Phil Hullah, CEO of Riviera Travel.