AmaWaterways has named Steve Richards as Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, based in Sydney. Richards will move directly from ocean to river cruising into the newly created position, starting at the end of November.
He has been tasked with launching AmaWaterways’ sales and marketing activities, promoting the line’s 29 luxurious ships offering a full range of river cruise and land packages in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America for all departures starting in 2025.
“We are extremely happy and proud to have Steve join the AmaWaterways team as we launch our business entry into the important Australia and New Zealand marketplaces,” said Gary Murphy, Co-Owner of AmaWaterways. Murphy revealed the agenda for an Australia/New Zealand operation exclusively to LATTE earlier this year at Virtuoso Travel Week.
“Steve will be leading a talented sales and marketing team and we are confident that under his leadership, we will build strong and successful relationships with our valued travel partners in both countries.”
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A seasoned executive, Richards brings over 20 years of commercial experience in the tourism industry having worked overseas and in Australia across a range of travel organisations including coach touring, independent travel, small-group touring, hotels and most recently cruising.
Richards is the current Director of Sales & Marketing, ANZ for Silversea Cruises and has been at the ultra-luxury brand for more than four years. His career includes stints with Wendy Wu Tours Australia as General Manager, and at Best Western Hotels & Resorts for close to five years. Richards also amassed more than 10 years with The Travel Corporation across numerous brands, including AAT Kings, Inspiring Journeys, Contiki and the defunct Creative Holidays.
“I’m incredibly excited to be a part of this new chapter in AmaWaterways rich history as we build a strong team in this region,” Richards said today. “I
look forward to more Australian and New Zealand travellers experiencing AmaWaterways’ world-class river cruising and working with all travel partners to achieve this.”
Headquartered in Calabasas, California, AmaWaterways recently celebrated 21 years of river cruise operation. Further details on the individual and group reservation process in Australian and New Zealand currencies will be available in the near future.