Riviera Travel has announced a significant restructure within its UK Trade team, reinforcing its commitment to being one of the most agent-friendly & easiest River Cruise and Touring brands in the market. These changes have been driven by market demand, growth opportunities identified by Riviera, and the business’s global strategy. Internally, there’s also a recognition that aone-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work and accounts need to be managed in a more strategic way.
Riviera will be expanding its trade team, with new roles being introduced to provide even greater support to travel agents andensure deeper specialisation across key areas of the business. There’s a strong sense of momentum and shared purpose as Riviera continues to invest in its people and its agent-first approach.
As part of this evolution, Amanda Docherty has been promoted to Head of Trade UK, succeeding Vicky Billing. Amanda, who currently serves as National Sales Manager for Home-Based Agents, brings over 30 years of industry experience and a proven track record in team leadership and relationship building. Since joining Riviera in April 2024, Amanda has made a substantialimpact and is well-positioned to lead the trade team into its next phase of growth.
Other Strategic Moves Within the Trade Team
- Claire Hills, currently National Sales Manager, has been appointed to the newly created role of Strategic AccountManager, reporting directly to Amanda Docherty. Claire brings a wealth of commercial expertise and a strong strategicmindset, making her ideally placed to lead and grow Riviera’s key account partnerships at a senior level.
- Lloyd Morris has also been promoted to Strategic Account Manager, also reporting into Amanda. Since joining Riviera in January 2024, Lloyd has consistently exceeded expectations, delivering significant growth across his accounts and earning widespread respect across the travel industry.
- The remaining five Key Account Managers (KAMs) will now report into Amanda, providing robust regional support across the UK.
- Carrie Day, Country Manager Ireland, will continue to report into Vicky Billing.
Reflecting on the changes, Vicky Billing, Director of Trade & Partnerships UK & Ireland, says:
“We’ve had two incredibly successful years, and we’re determined to build on that momentum. But we also recognise that one size doesn’t fit all. Introducing two senior Strategic Account Manager roles allows us to tailor our approach to the needs of different partners and regions. These changes are designed to improve business efficiency and ultimately lead to a better product and service for both our customers and our agent partners – it’s all about making Riviera even easier to do business with.”
“Following my own promotion earlier this year, it was important we put in place the right structure to succeed my previous role – one that not only supports Amanda as Head of Trade, but also strengthens the team as a whole. We’ll also be recruiting a new Key Account Manager for
Home-Based Agents to continue the great work Amanda has led in this area. In the meantime, Amanda will continue to supportthe Home-Based Agents to ensure continuity and care for the team.
“With Claire and Lloyd stepping into their new roles and further appointments in the pipeline, supported by our fantastic KAMteam, I’m confident we’re well placed for continued growth and even stronger trade partnerships. Claire has demonstrated outstanding strategic thinking and resilience; this new role is a natural progression for her. Lloyd has been a standout performer since Day One, and I’m excited to see both of them thrive in their new positions.”
Amanda Docherty, new Head of Trade, explains, “Since joining Riviera Travel, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this fast-paced and constantly evolving company. We have an exceptionally talented team of Trade Account Managers, and I’menergised by the opportunity ahead. Over the years, Vicky and I have built a strong, trusting partnership and our complementarystrengths and shared values are what make this transition so exciting. Vicky is an inspiring leader who always puts people first, and I’m proud to continue that legacy while also going on my own leadership journey. These are exciting times for Riviera Travelas we continue to evolve and make it even easier for our partners to do business with us”
Billing finishes by saying, “I never take the support of our trade partners for granted, but I also know that kind of loyalty is earned by having the right people in the right roles. I’m proud to lead a dynamic and diverse team of 24, where individuality is celebrated and collaboration is second nature. Riviera isn’t just a company; it’s a community, and that’s our true strength. As I’ve always said: People buy people.”
