U.K.-based Riviera River Cruises will
only take North American bookings from travel advisors, effective Jan. 1.
The 13-ship line said it has experienced “rapid growth in
sales” from travel advisors. Riviera offers 15 itineraries on 10 rivers and
waterways.
If consumers contact the cruise line directly, they will
be directed to book with their travel advisor. If they don’t already have an
advisor, Riviera will refer them to the advisor nearest the consumer who
already has a relationship with Riviera.
“We want Riviera to be the river cruise line advisors think
of first, and we believe this makes us the only line that can honestly say it
is 100% supportive of the travel agency distribution system,” said Marilyn
Conroy, Riviera’s executive vice president of sales and marketing for North
America. “This is a relationship we can all benefit from.”
Riviera also announced several other agent-friendly
initiatives for the new year.
Starting Jan. 1, the river cruise line will be able to help
advisors with flights and pre- and post-cruise hotel stays throughout Europe.
Riviera said it has negotiated favorable airfares from the U.S. to Europe.
Advisors will be able to arrange flights, hotels, a river cruise and travel
insurance in the same booking process.
Several fam trips are planned for the spring. Advisors who
have completed Riviera’s online training course will receive emailed
invitations.
Riviera has grown rapidly
in recent years, including through dedicated sailings for solo travelers.