As we gear up for Journeys United Kingdom 2025 - the premier event connecting British luxury travel buyers with top-tier suppliers from Italy, Europe, and the Mediterranean - we had the pleasure of sitting down with Annette Mentiplay, the dynamic Charter Sales Manager from City Cruises. From unexpected career twists to industry insights, she shares her story, her thoughts on the ever-evolving travel landscape, and why Journeys events stand out from the crowd.
A River of Roles: From Psychology to Private Charters
When you picture a Charter Sales Manager for London’s iconic City Cruises, you might imagine a straight path through hospitality and tourism. But for our interviewee, the journey has been anything but ordinary.
"My background is quite varied," she laughs. "I have a degree in psychology, studied interior architecture and counselling, and worked in industries like IT, hospitality, beauty, and even TV production! It might sound random, but each role has given me skills that come in handy when I least expect it. Plus, it helps me see situations from different perspectives."
Smooth Sailing into City Cruises
So how did she end up on the Thames? "It was all thanks to a coffee shop conversation!" she says. "A former colleague bumped into my soon-to-be manager, Ann Hayes, who mentioned she was hiring. My name came up, and the rest, as they say, is history. That was almost five years ago."
Now, she spends her days ensuring City Cruises' fleet is booked for unforgettable private events, from corporate gatherings to milestone celebrations.
What's New on the Water?
City Cruises isn't one to rest on its laurels. "We’re elevating our dining experience by making all our dishes in-house. Our chefs are busy preparing up to 1,000 covers a day," she explains. "Plus, we’re giving our vessels a refresh to ensure guests enjoy the best possible experience."
Trends on the Horizon
When it comes to travel trends, unpredictability remains the name of the game. "Since COVID, booking patterns have been all over the place," she notes. "This year started strong with a lot of enquiries, but we’re seeing more smaller or much larger groups - the mid-sized bookings seem to have dipped."
A Bright Future for City Cruises
The horizon looks promising. "We’re focusing on growing our private charters and dining experiences," she shares. "There are exciting announcements on the way, so stay tuned!"
Why Journeys United Kingdom Stands Out
City Cruises is returning for its second year at Journeys UK 2025, and the enthusiasm is palpable. "Journeys brings together such a fresh, diverse group of industry professionals," she says. "The Fam-Meet® format allows us to build genuine relationships through shared experiences, rather than just swapping business cards. It’s networking done right."
Industry Insights: Balancing Value with Costs
Before we wrapped up, we asked her to share one key issue the industry needs to address. "The cost of living has hit everyone, including the travel industry," she says. "We need to find ways to offer value for money without compromising on service or staff well-being. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s essential for our industry’s success."
Join the Journey
Journeys United Kingdom 2025 promises to be another unforgettable event, connecting the best of British luxury travel with exceptional suppliers from across Europe and the Mediterranean. With partners like City Cruises on board, attendees can expect a journey as memorable as the destinations they sell.
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