Riviera Travel Appoints Lisa Ertmann as Regional Sales Director for Upper Midwest: A New Chapter for North American Expansion

Published on December 12, 2025

Riviera Travel, one of Europe’s leading river cruise operators, has announced the appointment of Lisa Ertmann as its new Regional Sales Director for the Upper Midwest region. This strategic move comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it continues to strengthen its North American presence and build stronger relationships with travel advisors across the United States. With this appointment, Riviera Travel is positioning itself to enhance its sales operations and drive further growth in the U.S. market.

A Strong Industry Veteran Leading the Charge

Lisa Ertmann brings over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, having previously held significant positions at Norwegian Cruise Line. Before joining Riviera Travel, Ertmann was the Senior Manager of Trade Marketing at Norwegian, where she honed her expertise in sales strategy and marketing execution. With a background as a travel advisor, she is well-equipped to understand the challenges and needs of the industry, making her a perfect fit for her new role at Riviera Travel.

In her new role, Ertmann will be responsible for driving sales growth and fostering relationships with travel advisors in the Upper Midwest, including key markets such as Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit. Her role will include educational support, collaborative initiatives, and implementing targeted marketing campaigns to ensure that travel advisors have the tools they need to sell Riviera Travel’s premier river cruise offerings.

Riviera Travel’s Growing Presence in the U.S. Market

The appointment of Ertmann comes as part of Riviera Travel’s broader strategy to expand its reach in the U.S. market, building on its strong foundation of high-quality European river cruises. The company, which has been recognized for its luxury and immersive travel experiences, aims to position itself as a major player in the North American market by enhancing its brand visibility and building stronger connections with travel professionals.

Stuart Milan, the President of North America for Riviera Travel is overjoyed to welcome Lisa to the Riviera Travel team, and they are confident that her expertise will have a significant impact on their growth in the region. He further emphasized that Ertmann’s “innovative approach” and focus on strong trade partnerships will play a pivotal role in the company’s continued success. According to Milan, Ertmann’s appointment aligns with Riviera Travel’s plans for a successful 2027 and beyond, as the company prepares to unveil new and exciting cruise itineraries.

Riviera Travel’s Vision for the U.S. Market: Growth and Innovation

Riviera Travel is not just expanding in the U.S. through leadership appointments; the company is also focused on providing innovative cruise experiences tailored to the growing demand for luxury and river cruises in the U.S. As part of its commitment to the North American market, Riviera Travel has already launched several new initiatives, including a solo river cruise ship set to debut in 2027, as well as plans for expansion in Asia, with a Mekong River cruise scheduled to launch in the same year.

The addition of the solo river cruise ship marks an exciting new chapter for Riviera Travel, as it aims to cater to the growing demand for solo travel experiences. With this new offering, solo travelers can enjoy the luxury of a river cruise without the need to share a cabin, making it an ideal choice for those seeking adventure and cultural exploration on their own terms.

The Mekong River cruise expansion into Asia in 2027 will provide an entirely new destination for Riviera Travel’s customers, offering travelers a chance to explore Southeast Asia through the company’s renowned luxury cruising experience. This will allow the company to diversify its offerings while continuing to meet the evolving demands of its U.S. clientele.

Strengthening Travel Advisor Relationships: The Key to Success

For Riviera Travel, building strong relationships with travel advisors is paramount. Ertmann’s role will focus on providing the support that advisors need to effectively promote Riviera Travel’s offerings to their clients. This support will come in the form of educational programs, training, and a variety of marketing tools to make it easier for travel advisors to sell European river cruises and luxury itineraries.

Ertmann’s extensive experience in trade marketing will be a valuable asset in creating campaigns that resonate with the diverse audience of U.S. travelers. Her deep understanding of the industry and the needs of travel advisors will be instrumental in positioning Riviera Travel as the go-to brand for river cruising in North America.

Riviera Travel’s Plans for 2027 and Beyond: A Vision for the Future

Looking forward to 2027, Riviera Travel has exciting plans to continue expanding its presence in the U.S. market. The introduction of the solo river cruise ship and the Mekong River cruise expansion are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for the brand. With the new leadership appointment and continued focus on providing exceptional experiences for travelers and travel advisors alike, Riviera Travel is poised to become a dominant force in the North American river cruise market.

For travelers and travel professionals looking to explore Europe’s scenic rivers and immersive cultural experiences, Riviera Travel offers a world-class option with luxurious accommodations, personalized itineraries, and a brand that continues to innovate and evolve.

Image Source : Travel Market Report