Sydney Tukel, Riviera Travel (Photo Credit: Sydney Tukel)
Bio
Sydney Tukel could say that travel is in her DNA, the daughter of a successful travel agent. Following graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined Carnival Cruise Line as a Business Development Manager, where she discovered a passion for helping travel advisors.
Today, as Senior Director at Riviera Travel, she continues that passion. Throughout her career, she’s trained and educated over 5,000 travel advisors through FAMs, workshops, conferences, webinars and other events.
Sydney Tukel is 28 years old.
"Being named to TravelPulse’s 40 Under 40 feels especially meaningful because this industry has truly been part of my story from the very beginning,” said Tukel. “I took my first cruise at only 11 weeks old and grew up surrounded by travel, watching fierce, fearless women lead in the VP of Sales roles I dreamed of holding someday. For anyone who knows my family, you also know I grew up with some pretty big shoes to fill. I’m incredibly proud of that legacy, but I’ve always wanted to carve out a path that feels authentically my own.
“Early in my career, I sometimes held back parts of myself, which sounds shocking, I know. The more I’ve allowed myself to show up fully as Sydney, the more success, joy, and fulfillment I’ve found, but more importantly, the more genuine connections I’ve made. This is a relationship industry, and the relationships I’ve built along the way are not only what make it so special, but what I’m proudest of. This recognition feels like a meaningful step toward a dream I’ve had for years, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped me get here. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but even more excited about what’s still ahead."
Industry References
“Sydney Tukel has been with Riviera Travel for almost a year now, and in that relatively short time, she has truly taken her region by storm,” said Marilyn Controy, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Riviera Travel. “Despite her relative youth, Sydney has demonstrated an incredible level of professionalism, energy, and determination. She works tirelessly with her Travel Partners to grow the business for Riviera and is always looking for creative new ways to strengthen those relationships and drive results.
“Sydney is extremely creative, a fantastic public speaker, quick to follow up, and always open to new ideas and suggestions. She is also not afraid to express her opinion when she disagrees with a project or idea—always diplomatically and with the best interests of the business in mind. There is no doubt in my mind that Sydney is destined to achieve great heights in her career,” finished Conroy.
"Sydney worked on my team at Carnival Cruise Line as a Business Development Manager for the South Florida market before moving to Riviera River Cruises,” said Kirk Neal, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Carnival Cruise Line. “From the moment I met Sydney, I was struck by the poise, confidence, and strong sense of self that she brought to every interaction. While still early in her career, she demonstrated an impressive level of industry knowledge that was shaped by growing up in a family deeply rooted in the travel business.
“Like any emerging leader, Sydney is still developing and growing, but her potential is undeniable. She is someone worth watching as her career continues to progress, and I believe she represents the next generation of influential travel industry professionals,” finished Neal.
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