Eric Schmit, Riviera Travel (Photo Credit: Eric Schmit)
Bio
With nearly 15 years in luxury travel, primarily at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Eric Schmit has driven significant revenue through sales leadership and strategic partnerships. As Vice President of Sales for North America at Riviera Travel since May 2025, he’s been spearheading a massive growth plan by 2027 via trade-first strategies, including high-touch agent engagement and innovative tools like e-learning platforms.
Reporting to Stuart Milan, Schmit leads a team of Regional Sales Directors, focusing on premium river cruises for affluent over-55 travelers. Passionate about creating value, he blends data-driven tactics with personalized outreach to elevate the industry.
In his prior role at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, he spearheaded sales initiatives that delivered double-digit revenue growth by cultivating strategic partnerships and deploying consultative workshops alongside robust objection-handling strategies. At Riviera Travel, he’s rolled out a dynamic “Connect, Compete, Celebrate” framework to evaluate teams, introduce compelling agent incentives, and propel double-digit quarterly expansion. By revitalizing programs such as Seminar at Sea for hands-on training, tailoring outreach to high-potential accounts, and launching FAM incentives with virtual roadshows, he’s also amplified brand visibility.
These efforts, bolstered by e-learning integration and a sharpened focus on group and solo travel, have empowered advisors, fortified collaborations, and sparked innovation during Riviera’s North American surge.
Eric is 37 years old.
“What does it mean to you to be named to the TravelPulse 40 Under 40? Being named to the TravelPulse 40 Under 40 is a humbling milestone in my 15-year journey in luxury travel, where I’ve been privileged to lead transformative sales strategies and forge deep industry partnerships,” said Eric. “At Riviera Travel, I’m channeling that passion to grow our premium river cruising and escorted tours in North America, offering unmatched value—with all-inclusive experiences for the over-55 affluent market. This recognition fuels my drive to build high-touch relationships and deliver significant long-term growth, ensuring every traveler experiences Riviera’s 4.7/5 Trustpilot-rated excellence.”
Industry References
“As Executive Vice President of Business Development at Riviera Travel, I’ve collaborated closely with Eric since he joined as Vice President of Sales for North America in May 2025,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera Travel’s Executive Vice President of Business Development. “His strategic vision has been instrumental in our expansion, implementing a 30/60/90-day plan that aligns sales teams with aggressive growth targets, including 5x revenue by 2027. Eric’s ‘3Cs Framework’ has fostered collaboration, driving quick wins like enhanced agent incentives and e-learning adoption.
“With 15 years in luxury travel, Eric excels in partnership management—evident in his targeted outreach to top accounts, yielding significant YTD gains. His innovative tools, such as co-branded marketing and group programs, have boosted brand awareness and advisor engagement. Eric’s leadership is inspiring: enthusiastic, data-driven, and focused on value, making him a standout innovator shaping our industry’s future,” said Conroy.
“As President and CEO of Signature Travel Network, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Eric over the course of his impressive career in luxury travel, most recently in his role as Vice President of Sales for North America at Riviera Travel,” said Alex Sharpe, President & CEO Signature Travel Network.
“Eric is a rare talent whose strategic vision and collaborative spirit have had a tangible impact on our shared success. His ability to foster meaningful partnerships and drive innovation has significantly enhanced our access to premium cruise offerings, elevating the experience we provide to our most discerning clients. He combines analytical acumen with a personalized, high-touch approach that resonates deeply within the luxury space.
“Over nearly 15 years in the industry, Eric has continually demonstrated a commitment to excellence and forward-thinking leadership. At Riviera, he introduced dynamic engagement frameworks such as ‘Connect, Compete, Celebrate,’ which not only energized frontline agents but also translated directly into measurable sales growth. He has revitalized training programs, reimagined incentive structures, and consistently championed initiatives that empower the travel advisor community.
“What sets Eric apart is not just his results-driven mindset, but his genuine passion for mentorship, innovation, and the long-term health of the travel industry. He is an emerging leader whose influence is already shaping the future of travel in meaningful ways. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition,” finished Sharpe.
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