Agents will know Riviera Travel well for its river cruise portfolio, but not so much for its long-haul products. Can you share more about this?

Riviera Travel actually started life as an escorted tour company, so long-haul travel is very much part of our DNA. While our river cruises have grown significantly over the years, we’ve continued to invest heavily in developing a wide-ranging and expertly curated long-haul programme. Our ambition is clear – we want to be the leading escorted long-haul operator by 2030, offering immersive, well-paced itineraries across the world, all delivered with the same quality and value our agents already trust us for.

What makes Riviera Travel different from other long-haul operators?

Our long-haul tours are designed to go deeper, not just further. We focus on smaller group sizes, expertly planned itineraries, centrally located hotels and the services of knowledgeable local guides, all led by experienced Riviera Tour Managers. Everything is included where it matters, so there are no surprises for clients, and our tours are carefully paced to allow travellers to really experience each destination rather than rush through it.

(credit: Riviera Travel / Adobe Stock

What are Riviera Travel’s top sellers for long-haul tours?

Some of our strongest performers come from what we call our ‘Super 7’ – destinations that consistently resonate with our audience. These include Japan, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Canada and Morocco. These itineraries combine iconic sights with authentic local experiences, which is exactly what our customers are looking for.

Does Riviera Travel offer personalised holiday experiences?

Yes, absolutely. While our escorted tours are carefully structured, we offer a high level of flexibility within our long-haul programme. Clients can tailor their flights, extend their stay before or after the tour, or add bespoke personalise your holiday elements, all supported by our dedicated Travel Concierge team. This allows agents to create a more personalised experience while still benefiting from the reassurance of an escorted tour.

Why incentives are available for travel agents who book with Riviera Travel?

One of the key opportunities for agents is to make the most of upgrades and add-ons. Agents earn commission on things like cabin and room upgrades, flight upgrades and extensions, which not only enhance the customer experience but also increase overall booking value. It’s a great way to tailor the holiday while boosting revenue.

(credit: Riviera Travel / Adobe Stock

What are some of the latest Riviera Travel long-haul updates agents need to know?

We’ve recently expanded our long-haul offering to Ireland-based agents, alongside introducing more regional UK departure pricing, making it easier for customers outside London to book. We’re also continuing to evolve our programme with new itineraries and enhancements to existing tours, ensuring our long-haul collection remains fresh and competitive.

Where can travel agents learn more about Riviera Travel’s long-haul products?

Agents can find a wealth of information on Riviera Explorer, which includes detailed product guides, sales tools and marketing assets. We also offer regular training sessions, webinars and access to our key account managers and dedicated Trade sales team, who are always on hand to support agents in selling our long-haul programme with confidence.