In a strategic push to deepen its relationship with Ireland’s travel trade, Riviera Travel has unveiled a multi-pronged initiative designed to empower Irish travel agents with better tools, products, and training. The campaign includes exclusive familiarisation (FAM) trips, new culturally immersive tour itineraries, and most notably, regional departures from Irish airports to make premium European holidays more accessible to local travelers.
These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of Ireland’s dynamic outbound travel market, as well as the rising demand for personalised and high-quality travel experiences.
FAM Trips Offer Agents First-Hand Experience
Taking place between 12–19 June 2025, Riviera Travel’s latest series of FAM trips will give selected Irish travel agents the opportunity to explore destinations they promote first-hand. These familiarisation trips are carefully curated to highlight the quality of Riviera’s product—whether boutique river cruises on the Danube or cultural journeys through Provence, Burgundy, and the Rhine Valley.
FAM trips offer invaluable experiential training. According to the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), agents who personally experience destinations are significantly more effective in advising clients. Riviera’s program is aligned with this belief, offering immersive travel exposure to help agents boost customer trust and satisfaction.
Expanded Escorted Tour Offerings for Irish Market
Riviera Travel is also rolling out a broader selection of escorted tours for 2025, with specific appeal to Irish holidaymakers. These tours combine scenic sightseeing, historical discovery, and cultural immersion in Europe’s most beloved regions.
Upcoming itineraries include:
- Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Pompeii
- Spain’s Andalusia and Seville
- France’s Dordogne and Loire Valley
- Germany’s Romantic Road and Black Forest
- Austria and Czech Republic cultural highlights
This expansion ensures that travel agents in Ireland can meet a range of traveler interests, from culinary tours and art-focused journeys to relaxed scenic escapes—all with Riviera’s hallmark attention to quality, comfort, and value.
Regional Departures from Ireland: A Game-Changer
One of the most impactful developments is the introduction of regional departures from Irish cities, including Dublin, Cork, and Shannon. These departures significantly reduce travel time and hassle for clients, especially those who prefer to avoid major UK hubs like Heathrow.
This move allows Riviera Travel to tap into the increasing demand for direct access luxury travel—a trend gaining traction among Irish travelers, especially older adults and retirees looking for convenience and comfort. By offering easier gateway options, Riviera is removing barriers to travel for thousands of potential clients who had previously been hesitant due to logistical concerns.
Strengthening Irish Trade Ties
According to Riviera Travel’s spokesperson, the company sees Ireland as a “key growth market” and is investing long-term in local partnerships. These latest efforts are part of a broader commitment to ensure Irish travel professionals have everything they need to succeed, from training and support resources to diverse, competitive travel products.
Riviera’s presence has grown steadily in Ireland, and their engagement model—marked by agent support, transparency, and accessible pricing—has helped them build strong trust within the Irish travel trade community.
Empowering Agents for a Changing Travel Landscape
As the travel industry evolves, so do customer expectations. Personalisation, sustainability, and cultural authenticity are now top priorities for many holidaymakers. Riviera Travel’s approach empowers Irish agents to meet these shifting preferences with tailor-made experiences backed by deep local insight.
“Today’s travelers want more than just a package—they want a story, a sense of discovery, and meaningful engagement with the places they visit,” said a Riviera representative. “We’re here to help agents deliver that.”
Riviera Travel Products: What’s on Offer?
For 2025 and beyond, Irish agents will be able to offer clients:
- Boutique European river cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Douro
- Luxury small-group escorted tours in over 30 countries
- Multi-country rail tours and coastal explorations
- Holiday extensions and pre/post-cruise options
- Voluntourism and eco-conscious travel choices for responsible travelers
Riviera Travel’s product line is particularly attractive to adventurous retirees, culture-seeking couples, and multi-generational family groups, which make up a significant segment of Ireland’s outbound travel demographic, according to Fáilte Ireland’s latest 2024 data.
A Sustainable and Strategic Partnership
By launching these initiatives, Riviera Travel is doing more than just selling tours—it’s laying the foundation for long-term strategic collaboration with Irish travel agencies. This comes at a time when many agents are still recovering from the disruptions of the pandemic and eager for reliable partners that offer flexibility, earning potential, and continued innovation.
With its eyes firmly on the future, Riviera is positioning itself as a top-tier European travel provider—one that understands the Irish market, supports its agents, and helps clients discover the world in ways that are authentic, enriching, and unforgettable.
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