Riviera Travel has reshaped its trade sales team by giving Stuart Milan, Tom Morgan and Vicky Billing expanded roles as it looks to bolster its ties with its agent partners.

Former channel director Milan will head up the new-look team under his new role as trading director. Reporting in to CEO Phil Hullah, he will continue to oversee the trade, international and group functions, in addition to having overall responsibility for revenue management and agent activity across the business.

Morgan – who was previously the river line’s head of trade UK and Ireland – has been named head of international sales and will continue to report in to Milan.

Similarly in a new role, he will manage overseas sales activity. This will include in Ireland, as well as Australia and the US, both of which are trade-only. He will also lead on new business opportunities across other global markets.

Meanwhile, head of commercial partnerships Billing has been promoted to head of trade and partnerships UK and Ireland, with responsibility for trade business alongside her current partnerships remit. She will continue to report into Milan.

Riviera announced last week it has re-opened its European river cruise and select touring product to the Irish market, with Billing tasked with driving trade relationships and sales.

She is now bolstering her team to help support ambitions in both the UK and Ireland, and is recruiting for a key account manager as well as looking to strengthen the trade contact centre. In total, the trade team will be 15-strong in 2024.

Riviera Travel sees sharp uptick in trade activity

The expansions come as Riviera reports trade activity is up 110% year-on-year, making it the fastest-growing area of the business.

“These are very exciting times for our trade team as we further enhance our strategy and activity across the UK, Ireland and overseas,” said Hullah. “With Stu, Tom and Vicky in place in their expanded roles, we have every confidence we will meet and exceed our agent-friendly growth plans.

“Stu is the ideal leader and his oversight will ensure our trade delivery continues apace, while Tom’s wealth of experience means he is perfectly placed to head up our international aspirations. Vicky has made a very favourable impression in a short time and will continue the excellent progress we have made under Tom.”