In Good Company: Michael Lundquist on Building Trust, Telling Stories, and Charting New Rivers

amanda7443
Oct 16
3 min read

In Good Company is a series by AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives that highlights the people behind the brands shaping today’s incentive travel landscape. This week, we sat down with Michael Lundquist, Director of Business Development, at CroisiEurope.

CroisiEurope. What felt different about this opportunity? Why now?

With 22 years in the travel industry, including 20 years focused on river cruises, this role was the ideal opportunity to leverage my extensive network to promote an exceptional international cruising product, and I was drawn to the rare, family-owned nature of the company, which aligns deeply with my values.

CroisiEurope is a family-owned French brand with deep roots. How are you approaching business development in North America for a product that’s already so established in Europe?

Every day, my incredible colleagues and I work tirelessly to boost this brand's presence in the North American market through dedicated sales efforts and strategic networking at conferences and events, often breaking new ground, and I'm proud to say our success has been remarkable. We have big plans to continue to develop in this market and MICE is a key component.

You’re launching 2027 Amazon itineraries. What makes this program different- not just from other Amazon cruises, but from anything CroisiEurope has done before?

Our 2027 Amazon cruise programs, focused on the Brazilian Amazon along the Rio Negro, offer passengers a unique opportunity to experience extraordinary wildlife aboard our luxurious, next-generation, 5-anchor river ship, designed with top environmental standards, marking our first cruise in the Americas while building on our expertise with exotic destinations like the Mekong and Africa.

We talk a lot about authenticity around here. What does that word mean to you in the context of group travel?

Authenticity to me is tied into honesty and this core value is important in the world of group travel because you have to be able to trust your partners. Not only when things go well, but also when you are facing challenges. Being transparent and authentic always helps to build trust and long-lasting relationships that can expand.

You’ve worked across land, river, and now deep Amazon exploration. What do you believe the river cruise space still hasn’t fully tapped into when it comes to MICE?

I believe river and small ship cruising is still untapped in the MICE world. It’s our job to push MICE planners outside of their comfort zone and let them know how wonderful it can be on a small ship cruise. There are many opportunities to customize experiences in this space, but the extra effort has to be embraced. I see this as a way MICE planners can set themselves apart from their competition. From culinary journeys celebrating food, wine, beer, liquor, and chocolate to unique perspectives on world history, immersive art, and vibrant music performances, a small ship cruise blends these elements into an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience.

You’ve trained teams, written travel articles, and built marketing strategies. What’s one lesson you’ve learned about how to tell a travel story that truly connects?

Travel stories that connect are unique. Uniqueness in travel means blazing new paths. My travel stories stand out by forging unique paths, venturing off the beaten track even in popular destinations, engaging with locals to immerse myself in their culture, savoring unfamiliar foods and drinks, and embracing both daytime adventures and vibrant nightlife, saving rest for when I return home.

Let’s flip the camera around for a second. What’s something people might not expect about you, but that shapes the way you lead?

My spirted sense of humor often surprises people, breaking down barriers to create an approachable atmosphere, fostering compassionate conversations that build trust, and allowing me to tackle problems with creative, enjoyable solutions.

Finally, who’s someone in this industry you’ve always admired or learned from. Someone who deserves to be in good company?

Without a doubt, Mike Schields, my managing director at one of my first industry jobs, inspired me to grow in my career and take calculated risks to achieve success, and I was thrilled to reconnect with him over dinner during a recent business trip to Chicago.

Want Incentives with a Global Perspective?

From the Seine to the Mekong, CroisiEurope delivers cultural depth, local flavor, and turnkey ease for planners. Learn more at www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.

In Good Company: Michael Lundquist on Building Trust, Telling Stories, and Charting New Rivers

CroisiEurope. What felt different about this opportunity? Why now?

CroisiEurope is a family-owned French brand with deep roots. How are you approaching business development in North America for a product that’s already so established in Europe?

You’re launching 2027 Amazon itineraries. What makes this program different- not just from other Amazon cruises, but from anything CroisiEurope has done before?

We talk a lot about authenticity around here. What does that word mean to you in the context of group travel?

You’ve worked across land, river, and now deep Amazon exploration. What do you believe the river cruise space still hasn’t fully tapped into when it comes to MICE?

You’ve trained teams, written travel articles, and built marketing strategies. What’s one lesson you’ve learned about how to tell a travel story that truly connects?

Let’s flip the camera around for a second. What’s something people might not expect about you, but that shapes the way you lead?

Finally, who’s someone in this industry you’ve always admired or learned from. Someone who deserves to be in good company?

Watch MICE Bites® ON DEMAND

Comments

CroisiEurope. What felt different about this opportunity? Why now?

CroisiEurope is a family-owned French brand with deep roots. How are you approaching business development in North America for a product that’s already so established in Europe?

You’re launching 2027 Amazon itineraries. What makes this program different- not just from other Amazon cruises, but from anything CroisiEurope has done before?

We talk a lot about authenticity around here. What does that word mean to you in the context of group travel?

You’ve worked across land, river, and now deep Amazon exploration. What do you believe the river cruise space still hasn’t fully tapped into when it comes to MICE?

You’ve trained teams, written travel articles, and built marketing strategies. What’s one lesson you’ve learned about how to tell a travel story that truly connects?

Let’s flip the camera around for a second. What’s something people might not expect about you, but that shapes the way you lead?

Finally, who’s someone in this industry you’ve always admired or learned from. Someone who deserves to be in good company?

Watch MICE Bites® ON DEMAND

Comments

CroisiEurope is a family-owned French brand with deep roots. How are you approaching business development in North America for a product that’s already so established in Europe?

You’re launching 2027 Amazon itineraries. What makes this program different- not just from other Amazon cruises, but from anything CroisiEurope has done before?

We talk a lot about authenticity around here. What does that word mean to you in the context of group travel?

You’ve worked across land, river, and now deep Amazon exploration. What do you believe the river cruise space still hasn’t fully tapped into when it comes to MICE?

You’ve trained teams, written travel articles, and built marketing strategies. What’s one lesson you’ve learned about how to tell a travel story that truly connects?

Let’s flip the camera around for a second. What’s something people might not expect about you, but that shapes the way you lead?