Riviera Travel has initiated its first trade engagement meeting, gathered at London’s Renaissance Hotel. The meeting aimed at discussing pivotal trade initiatives.
Attended by ten selected agents and led by Riviera’s key executives, the assembly focused on recent trade advancements and future plans to support the thriving river cruising and escorted tours sector.
Establishing the Committee
The trade engagement committee was established to advance the river and touring market collaboratively with agents. Riviera Travel’s CEO, Phil Hullah, along with Channel Director Stuart Milan and Head of Trade Tom Morgan, spearheaded the meeting. The committee aims to make Riviera Travel the most trade-friendly brand by supporting agents and fostering growth within the industry. The selection process was inclusive, drawing participants through an open application via social media.
The committee, comprising ten members from distinguished travel agencies, forms a diverse representation within the industry. The inaugural meeting, characterised by a spirit of collaboration, laid down the groundwork for ongoing engagement, promising quarterly meetings to ensure continuous support and communication.
Insights from the Meeting
Tom Morgan expressed gratitude towards the agents for their active participation, highlighting the importance of the dialogue in understanding trade activities and exploring future opportunities. He mentioned the valuable suggestions shared regarding the sales of river cruises, which are vital for keeping agents informed and comfortable.
Morgan stated, “Many thanks to the agents for such an engaging first meeting. It was very helpful to discuss what activities we’ve delivered with the trade, what we’re working on, their thoughts on Riviera and future opportunities.”
Commitment to Trade Support
The focus of the meeting was to enhance collaboration with travel agents by providing comprehensive support and innovative initiatives. Key areas included developing strategies to bolster trade relations and strengthening the promotional efforts around river cruises.
Emphasizing the need for agents to feel empowered, Riviera Travel is dedicated to ensuring they have access to resources and information that facilitate effective sales practices. An action plan derived from the meeting’s findings will be created to guarantee that the discussed insights are implemented.
Riviera Travel places importance on structured and sustained engagement with agents, recognising their crucial role in bridging the company with potential clients and new markets.
Agents’ Perspectives and Contributions
Agent participation brought diverse perspectives, offering insights into market demands and potential growth areas. Steve Cox from Premier Travel noted that the collaborative environment encouraged openness, allowing agents to share their experiences candidly.
With representatives from Travel Club Elite, Inteletravel, Art of Travel, and others, the meeting was an opportunity for agents to contribute ideas directly impacting Riviera’s trade strategies. Their feedback is invaluable for customising future initiatives.
By incorporating these insights, Riviera Travel can navigate market dynamics better and adapt to evolving customer preferences, ensuring its offerings remain relevant and appealing.
Strategic Objectives Moving Forward
The trade engagement meeting was a step towards aligning Riviera Travel’s objectives with the needs of its trade partners. Future meetings will focus on refining these objectives based on agent feedback and market trends.
The agenda includes examining current sales models and identifying areas for enhancement. By doing so, Riviera Travel seeks to revolutionise its trade approach, ensuring agents are well-equipped to meet customer expectations.
As part of this strategic direction, the emphasis will be on leveraging digital tools and platforms to elevate agent capabilities and customer interactions.
Actionable Outcomes
The meeting concluded with actionable outcomes aimed at reinforcing Riviera Travel’s position as a leader in the travel sector. The formation of an action plan is central to these outcomes, focusing on the seamless integration of agent feedback into operational strategies.
Ensuring that these strategies translate into tangible benefits for agents is crucial. The plan will underscore the importance of feedback mechanisms and adaptive strategies.
Quarterly Engagements Begin
The initial trade engagement has set a precedent for future quarterly meetings. Such consistent interactions will serve to maintain momentum and adapt strategies in response to the dynamic travel landscape.
This inaugural meeting marks a significant milestone for Riviera Travel’s commitment to its trade partners. By fostering open communication and collaboration, the company is poised to enhance its service delivery and market position.
