Independent public relations and communications agency Anne Wild & Associates (AWA) has been appointed by "Heritage Line - Refined Waterway Voyages in Southeast Asia" - to represent its luxury cruise line in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

With a remit to build and increase brand awareness and drive sales in both consumer and reseller segments, AWA's responsibilities will include media relations off and online, exclusive partnerships, agent and media familiarisation trips, creative ideation and special projects.

Commenting on the appointment, AWA's Managing Director Anne Wild said: “Travel is in our DNA at AWA, and we are thrilled to be expanding our Travel & Lifestyle portfolio once more. With Asia and the Mekong River in particular trending with Australian and New Zealand travellers during 2023, the timing is ideal to showcase Heritage Line as one of the most high-end cruise line in the region offering educational, cultural, adventurous and immersive cruise experiences along the waterways in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Their collection of very unique and exquisite designer ships will grow this year up to seven with the ever first luxury vessel to be launch by end of August sailing the less discovered upper Mekong in Laos. 

“We cannot wait to work alongside the team at Heritage Line to share Southeast Asia's stunning waterways, intriguing cultures, fascinating history, and spectacular scenery with Australian and New Zealand travellers.”

Heritage Line's Director of Sales and Marketing, Andreas Schroetter said: “As we re-introduce our boutique brand into the Australian and New Zealand markets, we are looking forward to leveraging AWA's extensive experience, creative approach, and exceptional media relationships to achieve cut-through with our target audience. We look forward to welcoming new and returning travellers who are keen to discover our region's alluring waterways.

“We believe that our very unique positioning as a niche lux-operator offering one-of-a-kind artisan on- and offshore experiences will be of high interest to the discerning AUS & NZ cruise traveller. With over 15 unforgettable itineraries in the portfolio, along various Southeast Asia's river systems, operated with a collection of unrivalled crafts, we can proudly say that we are setting benchmarks in small-ship luxury river cruising in the region.”

AWA has also been reappointed by international client Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts, owner of 11 prestigious boutique hotels in Mykonos, one of the most sought-after European destinations for Australian travellers.

“We are honoured to continue representing the fabulous, family-owned properties of the Myconian Collection, a unique group of luxurious hotels which occupy some of Mykonos' most iconic locations and offer the impeccable service of a traditional family-run boutique hotel,” said Anne Wild. “Australians flocked to Greece during the first post-pandemic season last year, and with two new properties to discover, we anticipate demand for the Myconian Collection to be even higher during 2023.”

 AWA's travel expertise has been recognised by the global Travel Lifestyle Network (TLN), with AWA as TLN's representative agency in Australia and New Zealand.  Anne Wild also sits on the TLN Board heading up the APAC region.