Discover the World, a global leader in travel sales, marketing, and distribution, has announced a new partnership in India with VIVA Cruises, one of Europe’s fastest-growing international river cruise operators.
Discover the World’s established presence in India, its relationships with travel agents and tour operators nationwide, and its expertise in positioning international travel products make it well placed to develop awareness and demand for VIVA Cruises among Indian travellers and the travel trade.
Under the partnership, Discover the World will represent VIVA Cruises commercially in India, leading trade engagement, sales development, market education, and brand positioning to drive awareness and demand across key Indian cities. The collaboration is designed to establish VIVA Cruises as a compelling choice for Indian travellers seeking premium, experience‑driven European travel.
VIVA Cruises is known for its contemporary river cruise experience, offering year-round sailings across the Rhine, Danube, Main, Douro, Moselle, and beyond. The brand appeals to discerning travellers seeking a premium product, high-quality dining, and culturally rich experiences, all delivered through a modern and sustainably focused fleet. With the new product line VIVA Boutique, the company further elevates its offering with a more intimate, design-led concept tailored to guests seeking a highly personalised, stylish cruising experience. Operating on the Seine and the Venetian Lagoon, and the Po River, 50% of the cabin categories on board are suites.
Andrea Kruse, CEO & Co-Founder of VIVA Cruises, said, “India represents a strategically important and high-potential market for river cruising. Partnering with Discover the World gives us immediate access to an experienced team that understands the nuances of the Indian travel trade and knows how to position premium travel products in this market successfully.”
Rony Broun, Vice President Sales Asia, said, “This partnership is built on a shared commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences and unlocking new opportunities in the Indian market.”
Patrick Ell, Vice President Commercial & Marketing, added, “By leveraging Discover the World’s established distribution network and deep market expertise, we are well positioned to accelerate brand awareness, drive sales, and unlock long-term growth opportunities in India.”
Dipti Adhia, Country Director, Discover the World, India, said, “We are delighted to welcome VIVA Cruises to our portfolio and are excited about the opportunity to grow their presence in the Indian market. With Discover the World’s strong and established network within the travel fraternity across all segments in India, we are well-positioned to build awareness and drive demand for VIVA Cruises and VIVA Boutique. We look forward to implementing a dynamic sales and marketing strategy that firmly places VIVA Cruises on the radar of Indian travellers, while working closely with the trade to make river cruising an increasingly popular and mainstream holiday choice.”