River myths persist in ‘pivotal year’
Josie Klein RiverView Conference, Amsterdam
The river cruise sector needs to do a “better job” of dispelling misconceptions among customers if it is to seize opportunities during a “pivotal” year, according to experts. Speaking at Clia’s RiverView
Conference in Amsterdam this week, the association’s river cruise chair Jamie Loizou noted the sector had lagged behind ocean cruise in its post-pandemic recovery but was now seeing a “tangible resurgence” in sales. However, Riviera Travel chief
executive Phil Hullah expressed disappointment about ongoing negative perceptions of the sector and urged operators and agents
to “do more” to educate consumers. “It is frustrating we haven’t done a
better job,” Hullah said. “People have misconceptions that river cruising is boring and we need to do a better job at dispelling those myths and getting the message across that this couldn’t be further from the truth. “All river cruise operators need to
be more creative in their marketing and to show real people who have an affinity for river cruising, not just actors or celebrities. “We want to showcase the voices
of real passengers who can share their experiences. There is so much more breadth to river cruising than people realise.” Hullah praised innovation within the sector, including developments in
On the Beach ‘still backing trade’ after Classic reshuffle
Lucy Huxley
Classic Collection Holidays parent company On the Beach has reiterated its commitment to the trade after a management reshuffle, including the departure of chief executive Andy Freeth. Under the new structure,
agency sales and marketing director Si Morris-Green will step up to become B2B director, with Freeth and product and commercial director Alexandre Gavalda leaving. Classic Collection Holidays was
acquired by On the Beach Group in 2019 and offers luxury and package
4 14 MARCH 2024
holidays predominantly through independent travel agents. On the Beach said the decision
to restructure the business followed the recent announcement of its partnership with Ryanair, which currently does not cover B2B package bookings via the Classic Package Holidays brand. Freeth was appointed chief
executive of the parent company of Classic Collection and Classic Package Holidays in November 2022. Product and commercial director
Gavalda has been with the company for almost five years and was previously commercial director at
People have
misconceptions about river cruising. We need to do a better job at dispelling those myths
sustainability, deployment and solo travel offerings, and AmaWaterways managing director Loizou urged the almost 550 delegates to capitalise on the diversity and value on offer. “River cruising has seen a surge
in demand, and although until fairly recently the demand from the UK had taken longer to bounce back than other cruise sectors, we have now seen that resurgence culminate
in an increase in sales,” Loizou said. Describing 2024 as a “pivotal year”,
he added: “With the high quality of service and range of destinations, no section of travel offers more bang for your buck than river cruising. “You [agents] are in the right
place to capitalise on this and to supercharge your business.” Hullah encouraged delegates to
look outside the cruise sector and delve deeper into their databases to find potential river cruise customers. “The kind of people you would
suggest it to are those who want to combine relaxation with a little bit of exploration, which can be anything from a stroll around town to a long cycle ride,” he said. “I wouldn’t narrow it down beyond that.”
Andy Freeth
Vivid Travel and head of commercial and product at Kuoni. A spokesperson added: “We
would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy for being part of the On the Beach journey and we wish him all the very best for the future. “We remain committed to
growing the business and supporting the trade with the service and product that we have a reputation for delivering and that they have come to expect.” Freeth stepped down from his
role as chief executive of JG Travel Group in September 2022, having
Si Morris-Green
joined the domestic operator in January 2021. He previously headed tour
operators If Only and Gold Medal/ Travel 2 and was sales director of the Global Travel Group, having started his career at Airtours. He said: “I have really enjoyed
my time with Classic Collection and On the Beach Group. While sad to leave I am equally excited to see what opportunities present themselves for the next chapter of my career.” On the Beach declined to expand
on its plans for trade distribution and the two Classic brands.
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Steve Dunlop
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