Riviera Travel recently held its first trade engagement committee meeting at the London Renaissance Hotel.

The event was hosted by the operator’s CEO Phil Hullah, channel director Stuart Milan and head of trade Tom Morgan.

Ten agents attended the inaugural get-together and discussed the river cruising and escorted tour specialist’s recent trade initiatives, future plans for agents and how they can enhance their trade business.

Members were selected following an open application process on social media, with meetings scheduled every quarter.

The committee was formed with the goal to help grow the river and touring market with agents and support Riviera Travel’s aim to be the most trade-friendly travel brand in the industry.

The group consists of:

* Phil Hullah, Stuart Milan, Tom Morgan – Riviera Travel
* Zoe Franklin – Travel Club Elite
* Tricia Hughes – Inteletravel
* Toni Evans – Art of Travel
* Steve Cox – Premier Travel
* Sharon Ingle – Fred Olsen Travel
* Julie Crumpton – Silver Travel Advisor
* Jennifer Lynch – Arrange my Escape
* Di Victory – Designer Travel
* Christina Astill – Go Cruise
* Kirsty Sproat – Hays Travel

Riviera Travel to ‘create action plan’

Morgan said: “Many thanks to the agents for such an engaging first meeting. It was very helpful to discuss what activities we’ve delivered with the trade, what we’re working on, their thoughts on Riviera and future opportunities.

“We had some great suggestions as to how we can partner even more closely alongside agents, including how they sell river cruises. This is absolutely key because we always want agents to feel comfortable and informed.

“We will use all the findings from the meeting to create an action plan, so we ensure we act on everything we discussed.”