Wendy said she was “surprised and delighted” to receive the award.
Wendy Haines, owner of Wendy Haines Travel, has been recognised as Top Overall Agent for Riviera Travel in the UK and Ireland for 2026, a prestigious accolade celebrating outstanding performance and partnership within the travel industry.
The awards, held on 26 March 2026 at Hotel Café Royal in London, brought together Riviera Travel’s top-performing trade partners from across the UK to recognise excellence in river cruising and touring.
Although Wendy was unable to attend the ceremony, as she was travelling in the Arctic Ocean with her Wanderers, her achievement was warmly celebrated by colleagues and industry partners alike.
I am surprised (and gutted I missed the ceremony!) and delighted.
Thanks to Riviera Travel for supporting me, they’ve helped me grow my business especially with my group bookings. I only recommend suppliers that I trust. They’re also local to me, it’s a great relationship.
Wendy also gave a “special thank you” to Lloyd, Riviera Travel Account Manager, describing him as “an amazing support”.
Wendy’s success reflects her deep product knowledge, built through first-hand experience of Riviera Travel’s tours and river cruises, as well as the strong relationships she has developed over time. This close partnership allows her to secure exclusive offers and added value for her customers, ensuring every booking is tailored and trusted.
Lloyd said he has had “the pleasure of working closely with Wendy for some time, and she is truly deserving of this award”.
She is a fantastic ambassador for our brands and a pleasure to work with.
Alongside her individual bookings, Wendy also runs a thriving community of solo female travellers through her ‘Wanderers’ group, organising hosted trips and holidays that bring like-minded women together to explore the world with confidence. While these trips span a range of trusted travel partners, they reflect the same care, attention and personal service that underpin her wider business.
Supported by her dedicated team, Claire (Travel Expert), Jane (Customer Service Consultant) and Cheryl (Customer Service Consultant), Wendy continues to deliver a personal, attentive service that puts her customers at the heart of everything she does.
This award is a testament to Wendy’s commitment, her expertise in river cruising and touring, and the genuine care she brings to every client relationship.