CLIA River View Podcast CLIA

Andy Harmer talks with Paul Melinis (Managing Director UK & Europe) at APT Travel Group to hear about his journey into travel from a young age and how the path that took him to his current role. Paul shares how he introduced the “APT Difference” which first started as a term used internally to a signature above and beyond levels of service to becoming something guests refer to when posting their travel experiences on social media. As a big foodie and wine connoisseur Paul has a big part in driving how APT continue to elevate their dining offerings across the board from portions, healthiness, elevated wine options etc. Also listen up for what’s coming up in 2024 including their newest ship launching in the Douro.

Andy Harmer talks to first time river cruiser Tim Hames in this fascinating and slightly different episode we hear from Tim as someone who had until recently never been on a river cruise. Tune into hear what he expected vs what his actually experience onboard turned into.

Recorded during the Advantage Travel Partnerships special cruise conference in Paris onboard their stunning ship Joie de Vivre.

Andy Harmer sat down with Chris Townson (Managing Director, UK & Ireland) at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises to hear more about what's new at the cruise line.

In this in-depth podcast Chris shares a wealth of knowledge and inspiring information for agents to learn about. Listen to learn more about long haul, European experiences as well as diving deep into the unique destination in Asia and India and even the Amazon experience which he likeness to an almost Water Safari experience rather than river cruising as guests get a truly destination-based experience whilst also retaining the luxury that Uniworld offers its guests.

Chris also updates us on some developments and expansions within the UK team and the importance in how they have changed the way they’ve communicate their product and how agent can do the same with their customers to improve sales opportunities.

Andy Harmer talks with Patrick Ell (Head of Marketing & Digital) at Viva Cruises who recently joined as CLIA's newest River Cruise Operator. Patrick goes in depth to explain what sets Viva Cruises apart and tells us about their impressive growth since launch and some of the trends they are seeing in the market and what's coming next.

Andy Harmer talks To Chris Townson the Managing Director UK & Ireland at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises to hear about his path into his current role, what sets Uniworld apart and the importance of the travel trade partnerships to their success, how they provide crucial education to agents and more about what's coming next in 2024 and beyond.

Andy Harmer talks with UK Sales Director at CroisiEurope, John Fair to find out what makes their product truly unique with a fascinating insight into some of the exclusive destinations they offer river cruise passengers. They also chat Africa! (Cue that famous Toto song). You’ll have to listen in to find out if it’s the news agents have been waiting for since our Vienna event.