Aspire to host 25 agents on luxury river cruise for The Retreat

Aspire is partnering with luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways to host this year’s annual overseas VIP trip, The Retreat.

The event has become a key part of Aspire’s annual events calendar, with 25 top luxury sellers being whisked to a different part of the world each year.

The event launched in 2018 in Greece, the following year it was held in South Africa and in 2021 after a year hiatus due to the pandemic, The Retreat took place in Dubai.

This year will bring agents and suppliers together for a four-night Rhine river cruise on board AmaMora (pictured).

The vessel will set sail from Basel in Switzerland on November 14, with Switzerland Tourism supporting the event.

Suppliers already confirmed to attend include Atlantis The Royal, Carrier, Explora Journeys, Ikos and Sani Resorts, Oceania Cruises, One&Only, Silversea Cruises and Quark Expeditions.

The event combines one-to-one business meetings with activities and experiences showcasing the destination.

The year’s itinerary will include activities in Switzerland, Germany, France the Netherlands.

Aspire editor Hollie-Rae Brader said: “I’m delighted to confirm this year’s Retreat will showcase the world of river cruising. Each year we ask our agents where in the world they could benefit from visiting and what kind of product they would benefit from experiencing, and river cruising remains an area that some of our readers lack confidence in when selling. I believe this experience will help demystify the sector.

“The concept behind The Retreat is all about helping agents and suppliers to build stronger working and social relationships while also learning about a destination and product, and so I’m thrilled to take to the Rhine and showcase something different.”

Jamie Loizou, UK managing director for AmaWaterways, said: “AmaWaterways is a huge supporter of the travel agent community with 97% of our business coming via our travel partners.

“We are incredibly excited to work with Aspire to host The Retreat and share the experience aboard the beautiful AmaMora with 25 of the best luxury travel agents in the UK.”

Supplier spaces are limited. Anyone wishing to find out more information should email hollie@travelweekly.co.uk.