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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
44 minutes ago
44 minutes ago
Jillian Blackbeard, founder of Africa’s Eden, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the private-sector tourism organization representing eight African countries and how it works with travel advisors to promote and sell multi-destination travel across the region. Blackbeard also discusses Africa’s Eden’s Global Travel Show, educational tools for the trade, and how travel advisors can engage with destinations for travel ranging from backpackers to high-end luxury. For more information, visit https://africaseden.travel.
44 minutes ago
44 minutes ago
J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about last week’s Internova PLUS gathering of top luxury advisors and preferred partners at Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. O’Hara reveals why this has become his favorite event of the year, serving to unify all the group’s luxury travel sellers from Global Travel Collection, Travel Leaders Network, Nexion, Altour and other Internova groups. The fourth Internova PLUS in the last four years, this meeting also was the first held internationally. For more information, visit www.internova.com.
12 hours ago
12 hours ago
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, talks with Michaela Guzy of OTPYM about the country’s rapid emergence as a global tourism destination, how it opened to international leisure travel in 2019, and why tourism is being positioned as a driver of the economy. He also discusses record visitor growth, major aviation and airport expansion, large-scale destination projects, and Saudi Arabia’s focus on safety and sustainability. For more information, visit www.visitsaudi.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.
4 days ago
4 days ago
5 days ago
5 days ago
Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury river cruise line’s recently launched campaign, “Journeys That Move You,” as well as the new brand refresh with new colors and design. Powell also talks about the eight new river ships that will give AmaWaterways a fleet of 40 by 2030. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
5 days ago
5 days ago
Kristian Anderson, executive vice president-global sales for Atlas Ocean Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Explorer’s Club in New York City about his cruise line’s revolutionary new high-tech sailing ship, Atlas Adventurer, coming in late 2028. Anderson details how to sell Atlas Ocean today and in the future, where it will sail and what travel advisors can offer their clients. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.com.
6 days ago
6 days ago
James Rodriquez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Explorer’s Club in New York City about his luxury expedition cruise line’s new high-tech sailing yacht, the 400-guest Atlas Adventurer, which will make its debut in late 2028 with cruises in Asia and Africa. Rodriguez reveals Atlas Ocean’s plans for a new class of ship and new itineraries around the world. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.com.
6 days ago
6 days ago
Mike Mumford, general manager of Brand g Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report about his company’s line of vacation products designed for LGBTQ+ travelers. Mumford tells us why Brand g has quickly become the go-to operator for high-net-worth LGBTQ+ travelers on chartered river and ocean cruises and exotic tours of Europe, Asia, the Middle East Africa, South America. For more information, visit www.brandgvacations.com.
7 days ago
7 days ago
Faye Papaioannou, senior marketing & PR manager, for Santo Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her company’s group of luxury hotels and private villas on the idyllic island of Santorini in Greece. Papaioannou details the accommodations, dining and spa services suitable for couples, solos and families. For more information, visit www.santocollection.gr.
Sunday Jan 25, 2026
Sunday Jan 25, 2026
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how his country used Hurricane Melissa as an opportunity to rebuild a stronger and more resilient tourism sector, accelerating recovery across airports, attractions and infrastructure. He explains Jamaica’s destination assurance guarantee, which signals that when the island is declared open, operations and visitor services are in place, allowing travel advisors to sell Jamaica with confidence. For more information, visit www.visitjamaica.com.
Sunday Jan 25, 2026
Sunday Jan 25, 2026
Peter Slosse, head of Visit Ypres and his trade marketing representative talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on our tour of Flanders to the In Flanders Field museum and the World War I battlefields just outside of the town, where 500,000 soldiers were lost during the conflict. It's a fascinating and moving visit to a place that was so crucial in history and where so many lost their lives capped off by the Last Post nightly memorial service. For more information, visit www.visitieper.be/en, www.inflandersfields.be or www.visitflanders.com.
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Anne Vanneste, co-owner of De Halve Maan (Half Moon), Bruges' oldest continuous brewery, talks with James Shillinglaw about her family-owned company, which offers a wonderful tour, restaurant and beer store showcasing Flanders’ top beverage. Vanneste also tells us about the only beer pipeline in the world stretching from downtown Bruges to the bottling plant just outside town. For more information, visit www.halvemaan.be/en.
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Janet Bava, chief commercial officer for Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report in PortMiami just before the christening of Star Seeker, her line’s newest small ship. Bava details how you should sell this new vessel, which is starting in the Caribbean before heading through the Panama Canal and up to Alaska and then on to Japan over the next year. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the day the brand’s new Star Seeker was christened in Miami. Prelog describes the 224-guest ship, the first newbuild for his line, giving it a fleet of seven ships with an eighth on the way. Sun Seeker is beginning with cruises to the Caribbean and will sail through the Panama Canal before heading up to Alaska and then Japan. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Tom Pieters, our private guide from Visit Flanders, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of the medieval town of Bruges, with its classic Belfry Tower overlooking the main square, its canals, picturesque buildings, churches and cloistered hidden garden. Pieters also takes to the town’s De Halve Maan (Half Moon) brewery, which we’ll feature in a separate Insider Video later this week. For more information, www.visitflanders.com.
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Lindsey Pearlman, president of Travel Leaders Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the group and its advisors did last year and the outlook for this year. Pearlman, who was named president last June, also details the programs and services that Travel Leaders advisors can use to develop profitable businesses at a time when it’s great to be an advisor. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Marco Frank, trade and partnerships manager-North America for Visit Flanders, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about our brief tour of Flanders, which has a completely different culture, history and cuisine from the rest of Belgium. In Part II of the interview, we explore Ypres and Ghent. For more information, visit www.visitflanders.com.
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Marco Frank, trade and partnerships manager-North America for Visit Flanders, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about our all too brief tour of Flanders, which has a completely different culture, history and cuisine from the rest of Belgium. In this Part 1 segment, we explore Brussel and Bruges. In Part 2, we’ll tour Ypres and Ghent. For more information, visit www.visitflanders.com.
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Taylor Ahlsmith Ruecking, the brand-new president of The Travel Institute, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his plans for the non-profit group, which educates travel advisors about the travel profession and supports all their training needs. Ruecking, the son of long-time Travel Institute supporter, the late Scott Ahlsmith, also comes to the job with 11 years of experience at the educational group. For more information, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com.
Sunday Jan 18, 2026
Sunday Jan 18, 2026
Laurent Grima, director of operations at Cour de Loges, A Radisson Collection Hotel in Lyon talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this wonderful hideaway in the medieval old town combining Renaissance charm with a five-star property. The hotel is surrounded by great restaurants and attractions, but it also has its own soon-to-be Michelin Star restaurant helmed by Chef Anthony Bonnet. For more information, visit https://courdesloges.com/en or www.radissoncollection.com.
Sunday Jan 18, 2026
Sunday Jan 18, 2026
Nicola Butler, founder of Noteworthy, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury destination management company offering tour programs in London, England, Scotland, Ireland, Paris and Normandy. Butler also tells us how Noteworthy will celebrate 40 years of providing unique experiences to its upscale clientele and travel advisor partners. For more information, visit www.noteworthy.co.uk.
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her cruise line’s plans to renovate all three of its ships, starting with Azamara Quest this year. Quest will even get a new deck that will feature 12 big suites, a new Atlas Bar and revamped restaurants and lounges. It’s all part of a major rebirth for the destination-immersion focused Azamara. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
Greg Habeeb, chief development officer for WorldHotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about his growing group of independent luxury hotels and hotel brands. WorldHotels is on a hot streak, as we’ve been reporting recently, and it’s adding properties around the globe to suit your clients’ needs. For more information, visit www.worldhotels.com.
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Spyros Kouris, CEO of Numo Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his collection of upscale beach resorts in Greece. From the Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort in Crete to the Numo Mykonos Boutique Resort, From the The Royal Senses Resort & Spa and The Royal Blue Resort & Spa in Crete to the Troulis Apart Hotel, Numo offers a wide range of luxury accommodations, And in 2026 it will open the Conrad Corfu. For more information, visit https://numohotels.com.
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Jalsa Urubshurow, founder and CEO of Nomadic Expeditions and Three Camels Lodge, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about his thoroughly original company offering tours of Mongolia, India, Nepal and Tibet, as well as Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia. Born in the U.S. to Mongolian parents, Urubshurow offers a fascinating account Mongolian politics and culture and how to experience it with his luxury tour operator. For more information, visit www.nomadicexpeditions.com and www.threecamellodge.com.
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Bridgette Bienvenu, director of sales and marketing for the Tampa Edition, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about her luxury property in the heart of Tampa, which opened in the fall of 2022. Beinvenu makes a case that the hotel is the most luxurious in the city, with designer rooms, top restaurants and hip lounges befitting the Edition brand. For more information, visit www.editionhotels.com.
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Stuart Campbell, a luxury hotel and resort developer representing Eagle Creek Hospitality talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about the still-to-open Viceroy Resort Sun Valley in Ketchum, Idaho. Campbell details the plans for a property, including rooms, dining, access to the slopes and much more, which is on track to open in June 2026. For more information visit www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Lisa O’Conner, group director of sales & marketing for Carlisle Bay Antigua, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about her resort, an old sugar plantation that opened in 2004. O’Connor details updates to the accommodations, dining, guest programs and more of this quintessential Antigua luxury property. For more information, visit www.carlisle-bay.com.
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Robin Stangroom, CEO of The Set Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about how his group of luxury hotels has grown from three properties in 2021 to 12 hotels in the U.K., Netherland, Mexico, Greece, Israel, Philippines, Jamaica, Thailand and China. Indeed, it’s a whole new Set for the upscale collection of unique hotels and resorts. For more information, visit www.thesetcollection.com.
Monday Jan 12, 2026
Monday Jan 12, 2026
Join Dominique Meyer, resident manager of JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, for an exclusive sponsored Insider Access tour of this breathtaking property located right on Eagle Beach. JOIA Aruba by Iberostar offers an all-suite escape where contemporary island design, ocean views, and personalized butler service create effortless relaxation, all guided by its Wave of Change commitment to sustainability. Guests enjoy exceptional dining across three restaurants and five bars—including a rooftop venue—featuring responsibly sourced seafood, premium drinks, and thoughtful touches like reef-safe practices. Rejuvenate at the serene spa with ocean-view cabanas and island-inspired treatments, knowing each stay supports a more sustainable future for Aruba and beyond. For more information, visit www.Iberostaragents.com.
Sunday Jan 11, 2026
Sunday Jan 11, 2026
Claudio Meli, general manager of The Place Firenze, part of The Hospitality Experience, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his very upscale boutique hotel in Florence and more. Belli, selected as the hotelier of the year at last year’s Virtuoso Travel Week, also reveals what it takes to be the consummate general manager and what it takes to get in the Hospitality Experience collection. For more information, visit www.theplacefirenze.com or www.thehospitalityexperience.it.
Sunday Jan 11, 2026
Sunday Jan 11, 2026
Francois Delahaye, chief operating officer for Dorchester Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show, about his famed group of luxury hotels in the U.K., France, Italy, the U.S. and Dubai. Known as the consummate hotelier, Delahaye tells us what’s new at Dorchester Collection and the company’s plans for the future. For more information, visit www.dorchestercollection.com.
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Jeanette Ho, global head of brand and commercial for Banyan Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about her famed Bayan Tree Asian resort and spa brand, which just reached resorts around the world, including its first property in Singapore. Ho details Banyan’s growth and its plans for hospitality in the future. For more information, visit www.banyantree.com.
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Gregor Wateler, general manager of Jing An Shangri-La Shanghai, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about his tenure overseeing the brand’s flagship property. A veteran Shangri-La general manager, Wateler previously managed the Pudong Shangri-La and other properties in the brand, which is well-known as one of the most luxurious hotel companies in Asia and the rest of the world. For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com.
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Vangelis Daktylides, one of four Greek brothers who owner Myconian Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his collection of 14 boutique properties on the island of Mykonos. Daktylides details how his resort company has grown on the island and the authentic experiences it delivers. For more information, visit www.myconiancollection.gr.
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Kalia Konstantinidou, co-founder and group executive officer of Empiria Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her collection of boutique luxury resorts in Greece on the islands of Santorini, Paros and Peloponnese. Konstantinidou describes these properties and how her company works to create the best Greek experience for your clients. For more information, visit www.empiriagroup.gr.
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wolfgang Greiner, senior vice president for Althoff Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his company’s newest property, The Florentin, located in Frankfurt, Germany. The former Villa Kennedy, The Florentin offers guests an urban retreat in the middle of the bustling city of Frankfurt. For more information, visit www.althoffhotels.com or https://taj-hessischer-hof.com.
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Albert Mayr, general manager of the upcoming Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about his brand-new Taj property in the heart of Frankfurt. The Taj Hessischer Hof, set to open in February as the first Taj property in mainland Europe, transforms the historic Hessischer Hof hotel near the Messe (trade fair) into a luxury destination featuring Indian heritage, the Bombay Brasserie and the iconic Jimmy's Bar. For more information, visit https://taj-hessischer-hof.com.
Monday Jan 05, 2026
Monday Jan 05, 2026
Andrea Grisdale, founder and CEO of IC Bellagio, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about what’s hot, what’s new and what’s luxury in Italy for 2022. Grisdale talks about what regions of Italy are growing increasingly popular, where to find off-the-beaten path destinations, and what experiences IC Bellagio can provide to your high-end clients. For more information, visit www.icbellagio.com.
Monday Jan 05, 2026
Monday Jan 05, 2026
David Tobin, founder of DreamEscape U.K., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his bespoke destination management company offering designed trips to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Using a team of experienced travel design planners, dedicated guides and expert curators, DreamEscape can handle every aspect of a client’s journey from concept to completion, as well as private access to attractions, sights and activities usually off-limits to the public. For more information, visit https://dreamescape.co.uk.
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Ler Medina, general manager of UNICO Riviera Maya, and Ash Tembe, vice president of sales and marketing for North America at AIC Hotel Group, talk with Olivia Fleming of Insider Travel Report about the adults-only all-inclusive resort, its emphasis on local culture, art and gastronomy, and what distinguishes UNICO in the luxury all-inclusive market. For more information, visit www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com and www.allinagents.com.
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Milena Milic, sales and marketing director for Casa del Mar, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about her boutique hotel’s casa-style approach in Montenegro, its focus on local gastronomy, and how it serves as a base for exploring the Bay of Kotor. She also discusses working with local partners and supporting artists and community programs. For more information, visit https://casadelmare.me.
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
Francine Carter, representative of the Jamaica Tourist Board, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica’s recovery two months after a Category five hurricane, including which resort regions and attractions are open, cruise and air access, and the pace of rebuilding across the island. She also discusses reliable sources for real-time updates and the role of tourism in supporting communities and workers. For more information, visit www.visitjamaica.com.
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
Kyle Mais, managing director of the Jamaica Inn, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the property’s recovery in Ocho Rios two months after Hurricane Melissa, its location on Jamaica’s north coast, and why the inn was able to reopen quickly. He also discusses nearby attractions that have opened, including Dunn’s River Falls, nature and cultural experiences, and community tourism initiatives. For more information, visit www.jamaicainn.com.
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Danesha Clarke, director of sales and marketing for Ocean Eden Bay and Ocean Coral Spring, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica after Melissa, the Category 5 hurricane, including the state of power, water and connectivity at the resorts and what travelers can expect today. Clarke also discusses giveback efforts, support for employees and communities, family and adults-only resort options, and what attractions are accessible today. For more information, visit www.oceanhotels.com.
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
How different types of accommodations cater to the family market today with even more features. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report talks with Jhenelle Clarke, leisure sales coordinator for Princess Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica about how an all-inclusive can fulfill the needs of your family clients.
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
How different types of accommodations cater to the family market today with even more features. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report talks with Tina Lee-Anderson, director-leisure sales for Atlantis Bahamas, about how a large, full-service luxury resort can meet the needs of your family clients.
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Andrés Cope, general manager of S Hotels Jamaica, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about visiting Jamaica today, the island’s recovery after Hurricane Melissa, and how S Hotels has supported relief efforts while welcoming guests back to Montego Bay. Cope also discusses meaningful travel, ways visitors can give to local communities, and what makes the Jamaican-owned S Hotels special. For more information, visit www.shotelsjamaica.com.
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
How can you work with destination management companies (DMCs) and destination specialists to customize the perfect family vacation? This interview examines how one of these companies, ANZCRO, a DMC for Australia and New Zealand, organizes a trip that includes hotels and resorts, transfers, sightseeing and activities suitable for family travel. James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, interviews Nick Guthrey, CEO of ANZCRO.
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his group’s dramatic expansion in revenues and independent properties and hotel chains around the world. Hartley details how travel advisors can work with GHA to find the perfect hotel for their clients. For more information, visit www.globalhotelalliance.com.