AmaWaterways to open regional office in Sydney

The managing director is Steve Richards, a Queenslander with more than 20 years experience in the tourism industry, who was most recently Silversea’s director of sales for Australasia.

The APT (Australian Pacific Touring) Travel Group that had a shareholding in AmaWaterways and an 18-year partnership selling its products in Australia, decided not to charter its ships past 2024.

Full inventory

Richards will be responsible for all 2025 departures of AmaWaterways’ 29 ships operating in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America, where, as reported here, the company will put two custom-built vessels on the Magdalena River.

‘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,’ co-owner Gary Murphy said.

‘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,’ Murphy said.

New chapter

‘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.

‘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,’ he said.