Riviera Travel has recruited Vicky Billing as commercial partnerships manager.

Billing has worked in travel throughout her career and was previously head of sales UK & Europe at the Travel Corporation.

Before that, she was head of retail at Royal Caribbean, having initially worked her way up to retail store manager at Thomas Cook.

At Riviera Travel she will manage a number of commercial accounts, working alongside the operator’s sales and marketing teams to maintain and develop relationships with partners, including the trade media. She will report to channel director Stuart Milan.

Milan said: “It’s really exciting to have Vicky join the Riviera. I’ve known her for some time now, and every time our paths have crossed I’ve really enjoyed her energy and passion for the industry.

“As travel further opens up, it’s vitally important our agency sales and commercial teams help us to bolster our partner relationships.

“It’s exciting times ahead for Riviera as we look to cement our position as the UK’s number one river cruise and tour operator.”

Billing added: “I am really excited to have the opportunity to work alongside Stuart and the team to build on what is already an award-winning brand.

“Having previously worked within the cruise industry, and currently in the touring industry, I am very much looking forward to using my knowledge to engage and develop new and existing partnerships for Riviera Travel.”

Riviera Travel has made several trade-specific sales and business development appointments during the past two years, as it looks to strengthen its relationships with travel partners.

A number of vacancies in sales, customer service and administration are currently open, the operator said.