River cruise specialist Riviera Travel has reconfirmed it’s commitment to the Irish Market in an interview with ITTN’s Sharon Jordan and Lorraine Hales in Dublin’s Fitzwilliam Hotel.
Carrie Day, Country Manager Ireland, Cass Helstrip and Shannon Flynn both PR for Riviera met with ITTN to update on all that is going on with them for the remainder of the 2025 season and what’s new for the 2026 / 27 season.
Carrie was bursting with enthusiasm when she announced the news that Riviera is launching flight inclusive Long Haul Tours out of Ireland – something that she feels has been driven by support from the trade here.
Japan and South Africa definitely hit the mark with Japan in favour at the moment and South Africa continuing to be a firm favourite with Irish clients for many years, Sri Lanka, Morocco and Vietnam are also on the list.
Carrie advised that this preferred airline partnership was with Emirates and that small group tours had max 25 with an average of 22 and classic tours had a maximum of 36. Hotels were always minimum 4 star and breakfast was always included. The premium small group tours also included extra unique experiences (e.g., cooking classes, nights in traditional ryokans).
One thing that stuck out for me as a key USP was their Price Promise: Prices rarely go down, but in the event they do drop, guests receive a voucher for the difference plus 25%. That’s a real win / win for those nervous to book early. And with a dedicated trade team of 6 – they are ensuring that the trade in the UK and Ireland is a priority.
As always, I brought the narrative back toward the rivers and asked for an up to date break down of their customer base and customer preferences.
Carrie was open in that they currently are 50/50 trade consumer but that she wants that to skew to 60/40 very soon toward trade. She also highlighted the 82% repeat rate Riviera enjoys and an age demographic of 60plus with an increasing number of Americans and Irish on each sailing. The Irish of course, still preference the Danube, with the Rhine and the Duoro polling up next. Carrie talked about how Irish guests love the split level bar and restaurants on board the newer ships as it offers a more social dining and bar experience and a spacious feel brought in by the floor to ceiling windows.
BUT! The highlight of the interview is the launch of the Riviera Alba on the Mekong – with just 25 rooms and a 2:1 staff ratio – this is sure to be a boutique and premium experience. Follow ITTN for more details.
New & Upcoming Incentives
- 10% off 2027 long haul tours, available to agents and consumers.
- 2026 tours will feature complimentary upgrades (e.g., hotel or room).
- Upcoming creative trade incentive programs (details to be announced soon).
Upcoming Webinar
Riviera Travel Long Haul Tours Webinar
Thursday 23 Oct
9.30-10am
Register here: http://bit.ly/4nWNBLT
