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Insider Travel Report assists travel advisors by discussing the changing travel landscape with a line-up of special guests VIP guests, the movers and shakers...
Episodes
6 hours ago
6 hours ago
Gina Weyer, vice president of training for the Signature Travel Network, and Nolan Burris, Signature’s talent development consultant, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the role of AI in the travel industry and in their travel agency cooperative. Burris explains how AI can help travel advisors by providing faster answers to common questions and assisting with sales training. Weyer says the key to successful training is specialization and community sharing of best practices. For more information, visit http://join.sigtn.com.
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
11 hours ago
11 hours ago
André Gerondeau, chief operating officer at Meliá Hotels International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the expansion of Meliá’s hotels, with 15 properties set to open across its luxury brands in the Caribbean, Europe and Southeast Asia. Meliá’s brands include Me by Meliá, Meliá Collection, and Zel, the boutique lifestyle brand created in partnership with tennis superstar Rafael Nadal. This is the first in a series of interviews completed at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) held in Cannes last month. For more information, visit www.melia.com.
2 days ago
2 days ago
How top destinations cater to the family market with suggested tours, itineraries, hotels, activities and more. We examine in depth what these countries have offer for family travel and how travel advisors can sell them. Moderated by Alan Fine, chief multimedia officer of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Tarja Koivisto, country manager USA for Visit Finland; Samer Abu Taleb, manager, marketing and sales-North America for Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing; and Paul Mcdonagh, travel and industry engagement manager for Tourism Ireland.
2 days ago
2 days ago
Simon Blacoe, vice president of hotel operations for Azamara Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Azamara’s differentiators and guest experiences. He highlights the line’s destination immersion, including curated events such as AzAmazing Evenings and White Nights, as well as the focus on authentic, local food and wine. Blanco also explains how the ships are meticulously maintained, offers insights into dining experiences across the fleet, and discusses Azamara’s appeal to a growing audience of younger cruisers, multi-generational families and premium travelers. For more information, visit connect.Azamara.com or www.Azamara.com.
2 days ago
2 days ago
Jamie Margolis, owner of Moms at Sea and winner of Dream Vacations' Bobby Haupt Franchise of the Year Award, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how she transitioned from a pediatric respiratory therapist to a travel advisor by leveraging her Facebook group, which grew from 100 to more 110,000 members. Margolis emphasizes the importance of authenticity, engagement, and providing value in social selling and highlights her focus on family cruising with Royal Caribbean. For more information, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.
2 days ago
2 days ago
Michelle Lardizabal, chief sales officer of Azamara Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Azamara's commitment to destination immersion, small-ship advantages and its comprehensive inclusivity. She highlights the brand's unique offerings such as curated country intensive itineraries, extended stays in ports, and partnerships with PerryGolf and Micato Safaris. Lardizabal also emphasizes Azamara's loyalty to travel advisors, who represent 86 percent of all bookings,, and outlines resources like Azamara Connect and special promotions to support advisors. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
2 days ago
2 days ago
Brent Hill of Tourism Fiji talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the launch of nonstop flights on Fiji Airways between Fiji and Dallas, offering three weekly flights that connect Fiji with American Airlines’ extensive U.S. network. Hill highlights Fiji’s unique culture, Fiji Airways' award-winning airline service, and new resort developments, including a Crowne Plaza and a Westin set to open in 2024. For more information, visit www.fiji.travel or www.fijiairways.com.
2 days ago
2 days ago
Katina Athanasiou, senior vice president of sales and services for the Americas at Celebrity Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the cruise line's new deployments and special offers. Highlights include a 110-night Grand Voyage on the Celebrity Solstice and a special wave season promotion. For more information, visit www.TheCelebrityCommittment.com and www.Celebrity.com.
5 days ago
5 days ago
Dondra Ritzenthaler, the relatively new CEO of Azamara Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her return to the cruise industry and her plans to be the leader in small ship immersion. She highlights the brand’s focus on small ships, destination immersion and strong relationships with travel advisors, supported by initiatives like Azamara Connect and the Azamara World Academy. Ritzenthaler also discusses planned improvements in technology, customer service and ship updates. For more information, visit connect.azamara.com and www.azamara.com.
5 days ago
5 days ago
How top destinations cater to the family market with suggested tours, itineraries, hotels, activities and more. We examine in depth what these countries have to offer for family travel and how travel advisors can sell them here on Virtual Roadshows-Selling Family Vacations. Moderated by Alan Fine, chief multimedia officer of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Melanie Schinkel, Aussie specialist program team leader for Tourism Australia; Kristin Carlson for Tourism Exchange Japan; Art Jimenez, executive director of tourism for Visit Reno Tahoe; and Vivian Salazar, director for Baja California Tourism Board.
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Anton Simunovic, general manager of Trim Castle Hotel, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the hotel's connection to the Puca Festival and its ideal location for exploring Ireland's Halloween heritage. The hotel offers special programs and events for festival visitors and is within easy reach of key attractions like the Hill of Ward, the ancient Celtic site where Halloween originated. The hotel will soon update its 68 rooms and public areas to better reflect the town's character and history. For more information, visit www.TrimCastleHotel.com or www.Ireland.com.
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
How top all-inclusive resorts cater to the family market today with even more features such as mini-theme parks, water parks, family rooms, kids clubs, baby care and much more. We detail the state of the art in family all-inclusive resorts here at the Virtual Roadshows-Selling Family Vacations. Moderated by Alan Fine, chief multimedia officer of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Sergio Rodriguez, leisure sales executive for Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort; Jaimie Robinson, international leisure sales manager for Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica; and Sara Ronghi, director of marketing and brand development, director for the Americas for Melia Hotels International.
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Martin Nolan, co-director of the Puca Festival in Trim and Athboy, two adjoining towns in northern Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Ireland's most authentic Halloween celebration. Nolan discusses the festival's origins, its connection to the local community, and its focus on sustainability. The Puka Festival features a parade, music performances, and a reenactment of the ancient Celtic ritual of lighting and sharing the flame on the Hill of Ward, the spot historians say was where Halloween first began. For more information, visit www.PucaFestival.com or www.Ireland.com.
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
With a slew of new family friendly ships making their debuts in the last two years, the cruise industry is poised to deliver even more incredible vacations for families, including new family friendly rooms and suites, new entertainment, elaborate kids clubs, great activities, onboard theme parks and water parks, and much more. It all adds up to providing the perfect family vacation. Moderated by James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Alicia Steuart, senior director of sales for Carnival Cruise Line; Miguel Sanchez, manager-business development for Silversea Cruises; and Marsha Patrick, director of sales, Western United States and Canada for Princess Cruises,
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
It’s not a category of travel one usually associates with family travel, but river cruises can provide the perfect family vacation, especially for families with slightly older kids (12 years plus). Families can tour Europe without having to pack and unpack, explore city centers and find family friendly attractions and historic sites throughout. We talk with river cruise lines that offer great family vacations. Moderated by James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Rob Huffman, director of field sales for AmaWaterways, and Jen Halboth, chief executive officer for Riverside Luxury Cruises and Riverside Collection, Americas.
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Susan Brennan, head guide at Trim Castle in Trim, Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the history of Trim Castle, including its role as a symbol of Norman power in Ireland and its connections to Halloween. She describes the visitor experience, highlighting guided tours, historical features like the dungeons and a great hall, and the castle's pivotal role in the Norman Conquest. For more information, visit heritageireland.ie.
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
What can stimulate more togetherness than experiencing a tour program to a top destination and experiencing historic sites, great scenery and great destinations as a family. These top tour operators specifically cater to the family market with special programs and activities. Moderated by James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Jennifer Doran, director of sales and marketing for Sceptre Tours; Kathy Writer, president of Celtic Tours; and Ryan Grissett, regional director of sales for Collette.
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Michael Cooper, strategic director of the new Peacemakers Museum in Derry, Northern Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Ireland’s transition from conflict to peace. The museum provides insights the Free Derry period, Bloody Sunday and the Good Friday Agreement, while showcasing artifacts and installations that illustrate life during the Troubles. Cooper explains how international involvement, particularly from U.S. President Bill Clinton, played a crucial role in fostering peace and envisioning Irish reunification through democratic means. For more information, visit www.PeaceMakersMuseumDerry.com.
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sashan Wirasinghe, vice president of sales and marketing for Cuurate DMC, a destination management company in Sri Lanka, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about the country's tourism and its potential for American travelers. Sri Lanka is a growing destination for honeymooners and families, offering a range of experiences from cultural heritage sites to wildlife safaris and beach stays. Cuurate offers customized itineraries and high-end services, including luxury accommodations and transportation. For more information, visit www.cuurate.xyz.
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Mikko Turtiainen, director of sales-the Americas for Condor, the German leisure airline, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the carrier’s expansion of service from the U.S. to Germany, new A330neos with a great business and premium class, being used on trans-Atlantic routes, and great connections all over Europe from the airline’s Frankfurt base. For more information, visit www.condor.com.
Saturday Dec 07, 2024
Saturday Dec 07, 2024
Dondra Ritzenthaler, the new president and CEO of Azamara Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Signature Travel Network owners’ meeting about her first few months on the job. Most important, Ritzenthaler reveals details of Azamara’s revamped Azamara World Academy training coursse along with enhanced earning opportunities. For more information, visit https://connect.azamara.com/world-academy or www.azamara.com
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Adam, a welcome service assistant with the National Trust of Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The 300-year-old bridge was constructed by salmon fishermen to reach a spot where salmon nets could be dropped more effectively than more convenient spots. The National Trust has owned the site since 1960 and it is now a popular tourist destination offering scenic views and a glimpse into the area's history. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/carrick-a-rede.
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Yvonne Muldoon, director of sales for Europe and North America at Aer Lingus, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the airline's new routes, including its recently launched Las Vegas-Dublin service. Muldoon discusses the airline's extensive European connectivity, the benefits of U.S. pre-clearance facilities in Dublin, and its plans to expand routes to destinations like Indianapolis and Nashville using its fuel-efficient fleet. For more information, visit www.aerlingus.com.
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Nevelle McConaughey, visitor operations manager and a descendant of one of the original gatekeeping families of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the site's history, including its designation as one of two natural World Heritage sites in the U.K. McConaghy highlights the wonder of the rock formations, the legend of Finn McCool, the giant who built the causeway, the environmentally sustainable design of the visitor center, and efforts by the National Trust to preserve the natural heritage of the site. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Jamie Margolis, owner of Moms at Sea and winner of the Bobby Haupt (HOP) Franchise of the Year Award, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about transforming her family travel Facebook community into a thriving business. Margolis shares her journey from starting a Facebook group in 2017 to becoming a Dream Vacations franchise owner. By growing her Facebook group from 100 to 110,000 members, Margolis has also won Dream Vacations’ 2021 Rookie of the Year Award, was the first recipient of the Trailblazer Award, and is now a member of the Circle of Excellence, which recognizes the top one to two percent of agencies in the network. For more information, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Simonie Giorgi, general manager of the Park Hyatt Milano, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the hotel's success, its location near Milan's Duomo and its unique features, including renovated suites, standout dining, and a boutique spa. Giorgi highlights his focus on personalized guest experiences, sustainability efforts, and the importance of embracing competition and continuously improving service to maintain the hotel's high standards in Milan's competitive luxury market. For more information, visit www.hyatt.com.
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the recent Elevate conference aboard Celebrity Ascent, which brought together more than 900 attendees, including 600 travel advisors and 60 preferred partners, to network, share knowledge and discuss new trends in the travel industry. Key topics included the integration of artificial intelligence, marketing technology, and business optimization tools, with a focus on flexible strategies for catering to diverse travel niches, such as luxury travel and land vacations. For more information, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Ciara Sugrue, head of festivals and events with Failte Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Ireland as a year-round destination, offering memorable experiences through festivals that highlight local culture. With a view of Trim Castle behind her, Sugrue discusses the Puca Festival (“puca” means “ghost” in Gaelic), which features more than 40 events, including ceremonies, parades, and performances celebrating Halloween and its origins as the Celtic holiday, Samhain. For more information, visit www.pucafestival.com or www.ireland.com.
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what her host agency announced at its annual conference, which this year was in New Orleans. Friedman details the slew of marketing, training and technology programs introduced and offers her thoughts on how the host agency model is evolving. For more information, visit www.nexion.com.
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Brad Tolkin, co-chairman and CEO of World Travel Holdings, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his company's record-breaking momentum in both cruise and non-cruise sectors during Dream Vacations and CruiseOne's annual conference aboard Celebrity Ascent. Tolkin emphasizes the importance of professional travel advisors, the growth potential fueled by demographic trends like the "silver tsunami," and the role of social media and AI in evolving travel products. Tolkin advises travel advisors to focus on specialization and customer service, highlighting the fact that a loyal, well-serviced client base is key to long-term success. For more information, visit www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com.
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Cesar Silva, general manager of the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the property’s extensive renovations, which highlight Portuguese culture and history. The hotel features uniquely themed suites, three diverse restaurants, a luxury spa and a chocolatier, offering guests a comprehensive sense of place. It also provides personalized guest services, including suite check-ins, airport transfers and a shuttle service to downtown Lisbon. For more information, visit www.corinthia.com/lisbon.
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Ireland isn’t just about Saint Patrick’s Day, it’s also the birthplace of Halloween, or Samhain, as it was originally known. Siobhan De Paor, a shaman or spiritual leader of the community, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the true origins of Halloween at the very site historians believe where it all began. That site is on a privately owned farm on the Hill of Ward, near the towns of Trim and Athboy, where the Puka Festival is celebrated (“Puka” means ghost in Gaelic). For more information, visit www.PucaFestival.com and www.Ireland.com.
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Marilyn Cairo, vice president of sales for Classic Vacations, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the recent Signature Travel Network conference in Las Vegas about her transition to Classic Vacations after 32 years in the hotel and resort industry. Cairo highlights Classic’s growth into more than 100 global destinations with a focus on luxury and details new technology and strategic initiatives. She also discusses partnerships with agencies and agency groups like Signature. For more information, visit www.classicvacations.com.
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Michele D'Agostino, co-founder of Secret Atlas expedition micro cruises, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about micro cruises, intimate journeys aboard small ships designed to explore remote and pristine destinations with minimal environmental impact. D'Agostino explains why micro cruises offer a more personal and immersive experience compared to larger expedition ships, enabling closer encounters with nature and local cultures. These small-scale voyages with fewer guests emphasize sustainability, reduce ecological footprints, and provide exclusive access to areas inaccessible to larger vessels. For more information, visit www.secretatlas.com.
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Manujaya Fernando, deputy general manager, sales and marketing for the Heritance Aarah Maldives, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about the resort's appeal to multi-generational families, honeymooners and destination weddings. Fernando details the resort's luxury service, including butlers for all guests, with family-friendly and adults-only amenities that attract visitors from Europe, Asia and increasingly the U.S. For more information, visit www.heritancehotels.com/aarah.
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
David Gilroy, sustainability manager for the Puca Festival in Trim and Athboy, Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Puca festival’s connection to the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain, which later became Halloween in the U.S. Gilroy explains the historical significance of the Hill of Ward and Trim Castle, highlighting archaeological findings that support the area's mythological ties. For more information, visit www.pucafestival.com.
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Karin Kopano, general manager of The Ned, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her two-year-old boutique hotel located in one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Manhattan. Set in the former NoMad Hotel, The Ned offers multiple restaurants, bars, Ned’s Club and a rooftop bar, meaning you never really have to leave the property. The luxurious rooms and suites are comfortable, spacious and feature classic period décor. For more information, visit www.thened.com/nomad.
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Nathan Parr, a travel advisor from the Travel and Cruise Desk in Oregon, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the Signature Travel Network’s 2024 conference in Las Vegas. Parr discusses winning Signature's sales excellence award and shares his passion for travel in Thailand, emphasizing its broad appeal. Parr explains how Signature's robust resources, including preferred suppliers and AI-powered marketing tools, support his ability to sell Thailand effectively and provide tailored travel options to clients. For more information, visit http://join.sigtn.com.
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Mike, a Disney imagineer responsible for many of the interiors on Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Treasure, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what this family focused cruise ship features in an interview just a day after last week’s christening. Disney Treasure offers signature rotational dining, great kids clubs, family-oriented accommodations, fantastic entertainment and so much more. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com.
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Muwas Siddeek, facilities manager for Underneath the Mango Tree in Dickwella, Sri Lanka, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about what makes the 22-room boutique hotel special and how the beach resort’s wellness program includes Ayurvedic treatments. For more information, visit Under the Mango Tree. For more information, visit www.crazyhollmann.com/en/sri-lanka-utmt.
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Odhran Dunne, chief executive of Visit Derry, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Derry Halloween, Europe’s largest Halloween festival held in Derry, Northern Ireland. Dunne discuss the city’s historic roots, the festival's origins as a community event, and its evolution into a major celebration attracting more than 100,000 attendees annually. The four-day event features illuminations, parades, performances, and cultural showcases, culminating in a grand street parade and fireworks. For more information, visit www.DerryHalloween.com and www.Ireland.com.
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Emma Kearney of Titanic Belfast talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why her museum remains a must-visit, even for returning guests. The latest updates to Titanic Belfast focus on the story after the Titanic’s sinking, including new galleries that explore personal stories of passengers, shipbuilders and Robert Ballard, the ocean explorer who discovered the wreck. The refreshed experience combines authentic artifacts with immersive technology to offer a deeper understanding of Titanic’s legacy. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Annie Fitzsimmons, Embark Beyond’s editor in chief in charge of content, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new role developing content for the clients and prospective clients of the host agency’s travel advisors. Using video and engaging social media and more, Fitzsimmons is creating a whole new way to market luxury travel and boost sales for Embark advisors and preferred partners. For more information, visit www.embarkbeyond.com.
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Jamie Jones, owner of WhirlAway Travel and a member of the Signature Travel Network board, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her insights into her role on the board, the advantages of Signature’s marketing, technology and training support, and her enthusiasm for its nonprofit initiative, Travel Elevates. Jones emphasizes her agency’s focus on luxury travel, her expertise in Africa, and the value of integrating philanthropic opportunities into client experiences. For more information, visit https://join.sigtn.com.
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Jack Ezon, managing partner of Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his innovative Virtuoso host agency and its equally out of box annual conference, held last week in Los Cabos, Mexico. Ezon has his advisors and preferred partners engage in a series of games, contests and networking exercises to collectively turn them into power sellers of luxury travel. For more information, visit www.embarkbeyond.com.
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Karl Kannstadter, vice president of content strategy for exploration at the Signature Travel Network (STN), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his efforts to elevate the profile of adventure travel, including expedition cruises, safaris and active travel experiences for STN travel advisors. By creating tools and resources for advisors and developing personalized connections between advisors and preferred partners, Kannstadter is working to help advisors stay informed and better serve their clients. For more information, visit https://join.sigtn.com.
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Jim Heilman, vice president-product development for AREA15, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his four-year-old immersive entertainment attraction, which features experiences, art, restaurants and stores, as well as event spaces. Since we interviewed AREA15 back in 2020, it’s grown substantially and now is about to welcome a Universal Studios’ Horror Unleashed next year. For more information, visit www.AREA15.com.
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Ross Mollison, founder and impresario of SpiegelWorld, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his “alternative” shows now playing in Las Vegas and other venues. From the Absinthe circus to the theater where Atomic Saloon is performed, SpiegelWorld specializes in funny, raunchy performances with circus acts that are almost the antithesis of Cirque de Soleil—and many of your clients will thank you for recommending them. Other shows include DiscoShow and The Hook (in Atlantic City) plus restaurants and bars. For more information, visit www.spiegelworld.com.
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Gina Weyer, vice president of training, and Nolan Burris, talent development consultant, both with the Signature Travel Network, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how Signature is using AI to streamline tasks, improve communication and support travel advisors. They emphasize the importance of combining technology with human expertise to enhance client experiences, encourage specialization and drive business growth. This approach highlights AI as a tool to complement, not replace, travel advisors. For more information, visit https://join.sigtn.com.
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Karen Yates, executive vice president of information technologies for Signature Travel Network, a member-owned travel agency cooperative, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the group's latest technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI). She explains how Signature is helping travel advisors adopt AI to boost efficiency, starting with education and progressively rolling out customizable solutions for cruise and hotel bookings, marketing, and advisor profile creation. For more information, visit http://join.sigtn.com.