Riviera Travel has promoted Jessica Payne to the role of business development executive.

Payne has worked in Riviera’s contact centre for the past year, and before that spent five years overseas as a rep in Rhodes, Costa del Sol, Mallorca, Mexico, Thasos, and Thailand.

She will manage a number of trade accounts across the UK and will look to “develop agents who want to start selling river cruise and touring holidays”,  Riviera said.

Payne will report to Tom Morgan, head of agency sales UK & Ireland.

Riviera Travel ‘reaffirms’ trade commitment

Payne said: “I’m delighted to take on this new role and responsibilities, as the opportunities for agents to sell river cruise and touring holidays are clear.

“I’m really looking forward to helping grow our business as travel further opens up, and continuing the great work the team have delivered to support the trade.”

Morgan added: “Jessica has shown enormous potential during her time with Riviera and we’re thrilled to have her join the team.

“Her appointment further demonstrates our commitment to the trade, and we’re eagerly anticipating her growing and developing our relationships with our travel agent partners.”

In September 2021, Riviera appointed Claire Hills as key account manager.

The operator also said that vacancies in sales, customer service and administration are currently open.