Riviera Travel River Cruises Sales and Marketing Executive (Australia) Gina Squirrell says one of the ways in which Riviera Travel distinguishes itself from other river companies is that they only sell via travel agents in Australia.
“We are 100 percent behind the trade. We don’t discount either, which assists the bottom line for agents. Our five-star cruises are also a lot more affordable than those offered by our competitors, with fares starting at A$1479 for a five-day cruise, including daily excursions.”
Travel Monitor caught up with Gina Squirrell to discuss more of the travel industry in this week’s Talking Travel.
What does your job involve?
My role involves being a dedicated point of contact for our partners in Australia. I am here to support Australian travel agents in both the sales and marketing of our European river cruises. This includes creating flyers as well as developing and providing agent training.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
I really enjoy travelling and meeting with agents across Australia and supporting their marketing activity for Riviera Travel. Our business boasts a wonderful, family-like culture with everyone working together in open-plan offices to support the company. It’s a great business to work for.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession?
While Riviera Travel is the market leader in river cruising in the UK, we are less well known in Australia. We started targeting the Australian market in 2017 so it’s still early days but penetrating the river cruising space in Australia is a major priority for us.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
Ensuring ships are as environmentally friendly as possible is a major challenge for the industry. We all need to play our part in looking after our planet. Earlier this year, Riviera Travel announced a new eco program which has seen the removal of single-use plastic bottles and straws from our river ships. They have been replaced by re-usable glass straws while plastic water bottles have been replaced by re-usable, Riviera Travel branded bottles – that passengers can take home with them.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months’?
More cruise lines are now catering to the needs of an increasing number of solo passengers. Riviera Travel River Cruises has been looking after solo travellers for several years now. We offer a selection of solo-only cabins – free of any single supplement – on every sailing and every ship all year long. In 2020, Riviera Travel will offer a record 12 river cruises across Europe exclusively for solo travellers, with all cabins dedicated to solo use and totally free of any single supplement, saving solo passengers thousands of dollars.
Who inspires you most and why?
My mum is my biggest inspiration because she is currently juggling a full-time job, a university course and being a mum. She motivates me to keep pushing myself.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I’d take my boyfriend to Switzerland. I have never been but would love to go. A log cabin on a mountain is my idea of a perfect relaxing holiday.
Company Website – www.rivieratravel.com.au
