The Travel Franchise is known for staying ahead of the curve and preparing our agents to capitalise on them.
This month, we reached another exciting milestone: our first-ever company river cruise, a seven-night Gastronomy of the Seine voyage through the heart of Normandy, in partnership with our key trade partner Riviera Travel.
Ten of our top travel consultants spent one week on the elegant small ship MS Jane Austen to experience the magic of river cruising first-hand.
Accompanied by our expert cruise trainer Kerrie Hardwick and BDM Danielle Dry, the group explored France’s most scenic waterways, visiting châteaux, vineyards, markets and cultural landmarks – from the D-Day Beaches to Monet’s gardens – culminating in a day in Paris.
Whilst there was no hard core training onboard, it was a deep dive into a booming niche. As Gemma Ashworth, Riviera Travel’s new Key Account Manager for Homeworkers, explained:
“Each day has been structured around specific learning objectives, from understanding Riviera’s UK-market focus to observing excursion logistics and identifying niche market appeal for groups such as painting enthusiasts, culinary clubs and ex-military members.”
Among the attendees were some of our most successful consultants, including Mark and Isobel, who have booked over £10 million in holidays since joining the franchise, and Gemma, one of our top ocean cruise sellers.
“Trips like this are invaluable,” said Gemma. “You can read all the brochures in the world, but nothing beats walking the decks and meeting the crew. I can now recommend Riviera’s river cruises with complete confidence.”
Although Mark is one of our top consultants, he had never been on a river cruise before. After spending one week onboard Riviera’s ship he realised that river cruising is a ‘great untapped opportunity’ for this business.
“When you are running a busy company you often stick with what you know but I realise that our clients are are the prefect demographic for river cruising and I’ve just sold one to a solo traveller on my return after seeing how many singles were on our cruise. Hopefully that’s the first of many!”
Mark also benefitted from spending time with his peers – other top performing consultants who run their businesses in a variety of different ways.
Why river cruising is on the rise
River cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel – and for good reason.
Passengers enjoy boutique-style ships with fewer guests, no crowds and itineraries that dock right in the heart of Europe’s most charming cities. Meals onboard often reflect the regions you’re sailing through, and because of their smaller size, river ships are both eco-friendly and immersive.
At CLIA’s conference earlier this year, the global rise in river cruising was a major discussion point.
In addition, Riviera Travel has noted a surge in solo travel bookings, while Viking recently announced that 55% of its 2026 capacity is already sold. Even major ocean brands like Celebrity Cruises are entering the market, with a fleet of ten new river ships launching in 2027.
With river cruising offering high commissions and repeat customers, it’s a niche that agents should target.
Training that keeps agents ahead
At The Travel Franchise, we’re not just observers of these trends – we equip our agents to lead the way. Every franchisee can start with our Beginner’s Cruise Course, a six-week course led by Kerrie, and progress to our Expert Cruise Club, gaining access to an intermediate and advanced course with webinars, ship visits, fam trips and company-hosted cruises like this one.
Co-founder Paul Harrison summed it up perfectly:
“This trip is one of many unique and award-winning training opportunities we offer. It combines cultural immersion with practical education – helping our agents stay ahead of the game and ready for what’s next.”
Ready to set sail on a profitable new career? Join the franchise that prepares you for booming trends with expert training and exclusive luxury trips.
