Hays Travel Launches First River Conference Aboard MS Riviera Radiance

Between November 27 and December 1, Hays Travel will host its inaugural Conference on the River, welcoming 140 delegates aboard the MS Riviera Radiance in Budapest. The event, organized by Hays Travel’s Head of Cruise, Catriona Parsons, centers on the theme “Cruising into the Future,” aiming to enhance agents’ knowledge about river cruising.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore the latest ships and itineraries from various suppliers while enjoying the luxurious amenities of the Riviera’s newest vessel. The cruise will navigate the Danube, making stops in Bratislava, Slovakia, and Vienna, Austria. In Vienna, delegates will partake in a panoramic tour followed by free time to explore the city.

Parsons emphasized the growing popularity of river cruising, stating, “River is the biggest growth area in cruise, and it’s easy to understand why. The ships are like luxurious boutique hotels, and their smaller size fosters a convivial atmosphere, with guests happily chatting to each other—often about the incredible views and multiple destinations they experience along the way.” She highlighted that the intimate nature of river cruises allows guests to easily access city centers and enjoy exceptional dining on board.

This conference aligns with Hays Travel’s strategy to promote river, luxury, and expedition cruising. Parsons noted, “Our people are now excellent at selling ocean cruise, so this conference is part of our strategy to promote river, luxury and expedition cruising. It’s an opportunity for agents to experience this style of cruise first-hand and leave equipped with all the inspiration and supplier info they need to sell river to their customers.”

According to figures shared at Hays Travel’s recent overseas conference in Greece, approximately 290,000 customers embarked on river cruises in 2024. Additionally, one-fifth of adults expressed interest in trying a river cruise within the next five years, indicating a promising market for this segment.

During the conference, delegates will hear presentations from leading cruise lines, including Riviera Travel, Hurtigruten, Azamara Cruises, Marella / Tui, Royal Caribbean International, Ambassador Cruise Line, Vista, Avalon Waterways, Celestyal Cruises, and MSC Cruises. This diverse lineup underscores the commitment to providing agents with comprehensive insights into the river cruise industry.

As Hays Travel embarks on this new venture, the company aims to equip travel agents with the knowledge and experience necessary to thrive in the evolving landscape of river cruising, promising an enriching experience for both agents and their clients.