Strategic Hire Reinforces Brand’s Ongoing Commitment to Travel Partners Amidst Brand Refresh & Accelerated U.S. Expansion Effort
Fort. Lauderdale, Fla. – (January 21, 2025) – Riviera Travel, the global leader in premium land and cruise travel for more than 40 years, today announced the appointment of Andy Stewart as midwest regional sales director. Following Riviera Travel’s recently announced brand refresh and several othernew product announcements, Andy’s addition to the company’s U.S. sales team reflects its accelerated growth within the U.S. market and is yet another example of its continued commitment to travel advisors.
“Andy’s deep understanding of the Midwest market and his passion for building strong relationships aligns perfectly with our vision for growth,” said Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president of marketing and sales for Riviera Travel. “His leadership will be instrumental in expanding our brand in the Midwest as more travelers are introduced to the exceptional product Riviera offers, and his expertise will certainly help travel advisors across the region build their businesses in new ways, bringing value to their clients and enhancing their overall profitability.”
With 15 years of experience as a tour business development manager driving growth for travel companies across the Midwest, Andy joins Riviera with the expertise needed to cultivate key travel partner relationships across the region. After graduating from Lansing Community College,
Andy began his career in the travel industry with The Mark Travel Corporation, where he worked with brands including FunJet Vacations, United Vacations, and TNT Vacations. He later joined HD Travel, where his efforts garnered a $7 million increase in leisure travel sales in just two years. Most recently, Andy served as a business development manager for CIE Tours, where one of his key responsibilities was providing comprehensive training for travel advisors and agency owners.
Andy joins Riviera Travel’s expanding regional sales team as the company embarks upon a major U.S. market push. Just last month, the company announced a restructuring of its commission program, now providing travel advisors their commission two weeks prior to their clients’ departure date. In addition, via a newly launched Riviera Travel program, travel advisors can now bundle airfare, transfers, and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations – in addition to the brand’s luxury river cruises – all in one convenient booking.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Riviera Travel team, especially at a time when Riviera has made it clear how important travel advisors are to the future of their business, rolling out innovative new services, products and offerings tailored specifically to the needs of this community,” said Andy Stewart. “I’m committed to driving growth for the Riviera Travel brand across the Midwest region and I am excited to work together with our existing travel partners here, helping them grow their business while we simultaneously expand Riviera’s footprint, introducing new travel advisors and their clients to the brand.”
For more information or to book a sailing with Riviera River Cru, visit RivieraRiverCruises.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following Riviera River Cruises on Facebook Facebook.com/RivieraRiverCruises, Instagram @Rivieratravel, and LinkedIn.
MEDIA NOTE: A hi-res image can be found HERE.
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About Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel is the UK’s largest river cruise and tour operator for more than 40 years, offering a diverse range of luxury travel experiences on land, sea and the rivers. As an ultra-premium river cruise brand, Riviera Travel offers luxurious, memorable sailings aboard its fleet of 13 custom-designed ships, which sail along Europe’s most iconic waterways including the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Seine, and the Dutch Waterways. The company is renowned for its exceptional cruise directors and local guides, immersive itineraries and elegant fleet of ships. Riviera Travel is a leader in the solo travel market with more dedicated solo traveler departures than any other river cruise brand, and is known for its strong partnerships with travel advisors, as well as its commitment to delivering superior service at outstanding value. The fleet’s ships offer a range of amenities, such as a panoramic observation lounge, five-star dining, a spa and wellness area, and a sun deck, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere for travelers exploring Europe’s rivers and landscapes. Riviera Travel consistently earns high ratings for guest satisfaction and value, making it a top choice for discerning travelers seeking memorable river cruise adventures.
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