Riviera Travel Appoints Schmit As VP Sales
Riviera Travel has named industry veteran Eric Schmit as vice president of sales for North America, deepening the company’s commitment to the region following the opening of its flagship office in Fort Lauderdale. Schmit brings more than 14 years of luxury travel and hospitality expertise, most recently serving as director of business development and national accounts at Regent Seven Seas Cruises. In that role, he restructured the sales organization, strengthened partnerships with Signature Travel Network and Virtuoso, and consistently exceeded revenue targets through strategic relationship-building.
Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel, praised Schmit’s blend of energy, strategic thinking and collaborative spirit as the ideal fit for the company’s ambitious growth plans. Milan noted that Schmit’s proven ability to lead high-performing teams and develop meaningful trade partnerships will accelerate Riviera’s brand visibility and sales growth across the United States and Canada. Schmit will oversee all North American sales functions, reporting directly to Milan, and will focus on enhancing trade relationships, driving market share and ensuring advisors have the tools and support they need to sell Riviera’s ultra-premium river cruises, ocean yacht voyages and global land programs.
Joining Schmit on Riviera’s expanding North American sales team is Jarret Kettinger, who has been appointed regional sales director. Based in South Carolina, Kettinger brings a background in hospitality sales and a track record of cultivating strong travel advisor relationships. In his previous role as director of key and host accounts at Railbookers Group (formerly Yankee Leisure Group), he managed partnerships with top agencies, host agencies and consortia, mentored sales teams and represented the brand at major industry events. Kettinger will report to Schmit and play a vital role in driving regional engagement initiatives and supporting advisors throughout key markets.
Riviera Travel’s decision to enhance its North American leadership team comes amid growing demand for luxury cruising and experiential travel. The company has long been recognized for its focus on small-ship river cruises in Europe, intimate ocean yacht experiences in destinations such as the Mediterranean and Antarctica, and tailor-made land tours spanning six continents. By investing in experienced sales leadership and establishing a prominent headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Riviera aims to capitalize on the recovering leisure travel market and evolving consumer preferences for personalized, high-end voyages.
Schmit expressed enthusiasm for his new role and the opportunity to build on Riviera’s four-decade legacy. He emphasized his commitment to working closely with travel advisors, host agencies and consortia to deliver bespoke marketing programs, educational events and incentive-driven initiatives. “I’m excited to join Riviera Travel at such a pivotal time,” Schmit said. “Our goal is to strengthen our North American presence by equipping partners with compelling value propositions and unforgettable product experiences that meet the growing appetite for premium travel.”
As Riviera Travel expands its footprint in North America, its enhanced sales infrastructure is expected to drive stronger advisor engagement and increased bookings across its portfolio. Schmit and Kettinger will lead a team dedicated to delivering personalized training, strategic account management and collaborative marketing support. With the Fort Lauderdale office serving as a hub for regional operations, the company is poised to deliver on its promise of ultra-premium adventures, setting a new standard for luxury cruise and land travel in the North American market.
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