Riviera Travel Promotes Vicky Billing to Director of Trade & Partnerships UK & Ireland

Monday, Jun 16, 2025 0

Riviera Travel in Line for Rapid Expansion

Riviera Travel, a cruise and touring specialist, has announced the promotion of Vicky Billing to the role of Director of Trade & Partnerships UK & Ireland, effective immediately. Vicky steps up from her previous position as Head of Trade Partnerships, continuing to report directly to Chief Commercial Officer Robin Shaw.

This promotion comes after a sustained period of exceptional commercial performance, to which Vicky has been instrumental. Since joining Riviera, she has brought a bold, solutions-driven approach, tackling challenges head-on and delivering standout results, including a remarkable almost 50% year-on-year growth in trade business.

“Vicky has reported directly to me for the past year whilst Stuart Milan has focused on our expansion in North America, and her contribution has been transformative” said Robin Shaw, CCO at Riviera Travel. “She’s brought a relentless focus on delivery, challenged us to think differently, and championed the needs of our agent partners. This promotion recognises the scale of her impact and her unwavering commitment to making Riviera Travel the easiest and most rewarding company to do business with.”

Under her leadership, Vicky launched Riviera Explorer, a significant six-figure digital investment aimed at supporting cruise specialists and those new to cruise in deepening their knowledge of Riviera’s offering. The tool has helped agents boost confidence and drive bookings, exemplifying her “trade-first” approach.

She has also spearheaded several initiatives including the creation of a 24/7 dedicated trade team, enhanced travel concierge services, and more than 300 trade events and fam trips scheduled for 2025 and including a flagship mega fam to Sri Lanka which took place earlier in June.

Her vision is rooted in collaboration: “I see travel as one big family working together,” Vicky commented. “I’m incredibly proud to step into this role and continue working alongside such a passionate and talented team. Everything we achieve at Riviera is down to the people behind it, and that includes the fantastic travel agents we partner with every day. My focus is simple: be easy to do business with, stay trade-first, and keep driving growth together through brilliant service and standout products.”

An integral part of Vicky’s new role will involve working closely with Country Manager for Ireland, Carrie Day, to significantly grow Riviera’s footprint across the Irish market. Together, they are aiming to increase market share in Ireland by more than 50% over the next 12 months, fuelled by a renewed focus on trade partnerships, tailored marketing support, and elevated service for agents in the region.

Beyond her commercial impact, Vicky is known for her contribution to team culture and wellbeing. She founded the Back in Time For Bed initiative—a support forum for working parents—and remains a visible champion for inclusive leadership. “It’s incredibly important to work for a business that looks after its people,” she says. “With Riviera’s 4.7 Feefo rating, 13+ years of recognition from Which? Travel, and a strong track record of promoting from within, I know I’ve found my travel home.”

Vicky now leads a 24-strong team across the UK and Ireland, covering Trade Sales, Trade Support, Partnerships, Groups & Affinity, Irish Trade, and all related marketing activity.

Shaw concludes: “Vicky’s leadership is energising. She brings growth and commerciality to everything she touches—and this step up reflects that. She’s known within the business for being dynamic and full of ideas, and I’m excited to see those come to life in this new role. Vicky is great to work with, and we’re lucky to have her steering the ship, so to speak!”

Looking ahead, Vicky has already outlined an ambitious growth strategy for Riviera’s trade channels. With her leadership, the business is set to deepen trade relationships, accelerate innovation, and continue its impressive momentum across the UK and Ireland.