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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 shaping the travel industry and ordinarily hard to reach. Each episode features one-on-one conversations with industry leaders giving listeners firsthand insight as they delve into a variety of timely topics.
Episodes
12 hours ago
12 hours ago
Gilberto Salcedo, vice president of tourism for ProColombia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas about his country’s multiple travel offerings, from historic cities like Cartagena to incredible natural attractions to luxurious experience—and soon a brand new river cruise. For more information, visit https://colombia.travel/en.
12 hours ago
12 hours ago
Gary Sadler, chief sales officer for Unique Vacations, representative of Sandals and Beaches, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ASTA Caribbean Showcase about why Sandals has sponsored and hosted the annual event for the past three years. Sadler says Sandals will sponsor ASTA Caribbean Showcase for at least 10 years as it seeks to help travel advisors to better sell the region and boost the economy of the entire Caribbean. For more information, visit www.sandals.com or www.asta.org.
2 days ago
2 days ago
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report about last month’s ASTA Caribbean Showcase at the Sandals Royal Curacao in Curacao. The third Caribbean showcase staged by ASTA in partnership with Sandals, this event, like its predecessors, proved to be another success. For more information, visit www.asta.org and www.sandals.com.
2 days ago
2 days ago
Robert Marucci, commercial director for Hotel Del Coronado, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas about his famed hotel located just across the bay from San Diego and known as a haven for celebrities and vacationers alike. The Hotel Del has been recently refurbished and there are other projects in the works to keep this historic property on top as a marquee resort. For more information, visit www.hoteldel.com.
5 days ago
5 days ago
Michael Unsworth, owner LD Restaurant and hotel on Korcula, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his Michelin-star food and high-end boutique located in the old town on this spectacular Croatian island. Unsworth, a former British banker who now calls Korcula home, tells us just why the island is so special to him and for visitors and residents alike. For more information, visit www.ldrestaurant.com. For more information on Korcula, email info@visitkorcula.eu or visit www.visitkorcula.eu.
5 days ago
5 days ago
Rodrigo Esponda, director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, about his destination’s continuing focus on creating a haven for luxury travelers. Esponda details the newest luxury hotel developments, new air service and new luxury experiences for high-end travelers. For more information, visit www.visitloscabos.com.
6 days ago
6 days ago
Conor O'Leary, managing director of historic Gleneagles, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report an update on what’s new and what stays traditionally the same at this famed Scottish golf resort. Interviewed at Virtuoso Travel Week last month in Las Vegas, O’Leary highlights the sumptuous spa and health club, Michelin-star dining and activities such as Land Rover driving and falconry, which make Gleneagles one of Scotland’s top luxury resorts. For more information, visit https://gleneagles.com.
6 days ago
6 days ago
Bojana Lozica, our guide for Korcula, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this medieval town located on the island of Korcula in Croatia. Lozica, who is a Korcula native, details the history and architecture of this historic town as well as what’s do and see in the rest of Korcula and its surrounding islands. To get in touch with her, send a What’s App message to +38598705714 or email blozica@gmail.com. For more information on Korcula, email info@visitkorcula.eu or visit www.visitkorcula.eu.
7 days ago
7 days ago
Virginia Irurita, founder and executive partner of Made for Spain and Portugal, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Virtuoso Travel Week about how she is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her Spain and Portugal specialist this September. As a destination management company, Made for Spain and Portugal offers curated luxury trips including top hotels, guides, attractions, dining, transportation and much more for a high-end clientele. For more information, visit www.madeforspainandportugal.com.
7 days ago
7 days ago
Barbara Muckermann, the new CEO of Kempinski Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of last month’s Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, about her new role as head of one of the luxurious hotel collections in the world. Muckermann, who most recently served as CEO of Silversea Cruises, has big plans for Kempinksi, which she wants to turn into a widely recognized brand here in the U.S. and throughout the world. For more information, visit www.kempinski.com.
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Samy Ghachem, the new general manager of the upcoming La Dolce Vita-Orient Express, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Virtuoso Travel Week about his brand new Italian luxury train, which is set to debut next spring. Ghachem, who previously served as managing director for Le Sereno in St. Barths and Il Sereno on Lake Como, reveals new details of this sumptuous luxury train, which will feature multiple itineraries to the top cities of Italy with plans to expand to other destinations as well. For more information, visit www.orient-express.com/la-dolce-vita.
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Sofia Vandaele, general manager pf the InterContinental New York Barclay, talks with James Shillinglaw about her historic hotel, one of the original properties built near New York’s Grand Central Station to lodge the rich and famous. Today the property features large, completely renovated rooms and suites, and offers one of the best locations in New York. For more information, visit www.icbarclay.com or www.ihg.com.
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Janet Bava, chief commercial officer for Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Virtuoso Travel Week conference in Las Vegas about the latest news from the premium small ship specialist. We’ve covered Windstar a lot this year, but Bava details the newest itineraries, talks about the addition of two new ships, and highlights all the great programs for travel advisors offered by line. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Ryan Terrier, CEO of Island Routes, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his destination management company is marking 15 years of selling commissionable day trips and excursions in more than 20 islands in the Caribbean. Began by Adam Stewart, now executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International, the luxury all-inclusive resort company, Island Routes now sells pre- and post-cruise trips and excursions from top resorts across the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.islandroutes.com.
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Tshering Tobgay, prime minister of Bhutan, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Bhutan's geographical features, highlighting its status as a carbon-negative nation with 72 percent forest cover and laws that prohibit climbing its mountains above 19,000 feet to protect their sacredness. Tobgay also discusses the country's tourism strategy, which focuses on "high value, low volume," with plans to cap visitors at 300,000 annually. For more information, visit www.Bhutan.Travel.
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Shweta Jain, the new chief marketing and sales officer for The Lela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. Jain showcases The Leela’s 12 award=winning properties, each with its own unique location, art, culture and cuisine accompanied by Indian hospitality, celebratory rituals and immersive experiences. Find out what’s new and how you can create a real Indian luxury experiences with The Leela. For more information, visit www.theleela.com.
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Camille Olivere, chief sales officer at Globus family of brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the appetite for small group travel, what inspired this immersive product line, what it means for travel advisors, and what their clients can expect traveling on a Small Group Discovery tour. For more information, visit www.agents.globusfamily.com/ways-to-travel/small-groups.
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Lori Nelson-Kraft, senior vice president of corporate affairs for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, talks with James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report about how your clients can see this year’s race and experience all that goes with it. Scheduled the weekend of Nov. 21-23, this year’s Grand Prix promises to be as big event as last year’s race. Nelson-Kraft details the different packages and viewing opportunities, including the best places to watch the race. For more information and tickets, visit www.f1lasvegasgp.com.
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Virtuoso Travel Week about how it’s now even easier for you to work with her luxury wholesaler. Krueger details the new Beyond by Classic booking platform, new hotels and destinations in Classic’s inventory, plus other programs that can boost your luxury travel business. For more information, visit www.classicvacations.com.
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Christos Gkekas, founder and director of Blue Villas, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about the origins, growth, and unique offerings of his luxury villa management company in Greece. Starting with just 15 villas in 2011, Blue Villas' portfolio has expanded to more than 600 properties across 20 destinations. Gecas emphasizes the "three blues" concept—villas featuring views of the sea, sky, and a pool—and explains his company's strict quality verification program, personalized services and tailored experiences. For more information, visit www.BlueVillasCollection.com.
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Barbara Biffi, the new senior vice president-global sales for Silversea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Virtuoso Travel Week about her new role, the luxury and expedition cruise products she’s now responsible to sell through travel advisors in the U.S. and around the world, and what lies ahead for Silversea. The best part of it all is that Biffi is veteran Silversea executive who knows the brand intimately. For more information, visit www.Silversea.com or www.MySliversea.com.
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Shawn Tubman, senior vice president of sales, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vega about all the new opportunities travel advisors have to sell his luxury cruise line. Tubman details the new Iconic Explorations land program that advisors can book, the newest destinations for 2025, the new partnership with Aston Martin and its Formula 1 Grand Prix team. Most importantly he reveals the upcoming new class of ship with the launch of Seven Seas Prestige next year. For more information, visit www.rssc.com/agent.
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
David Griffiths, event director for the International Golf Travel Market, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the largest global golf tourism event, bringing together around 400 exhibitors and 350 buyers (travel advisors) from 45 countries to network in Lisbon starting Oct. 14, 2024. The annual event has seen significant growth, particularly from North America, driven by the increasing popularity of golf with younger and female golfers. For more information and to attend, visit www.IGTMarket.com.
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Sam Chamberlain, CEO-Americas for Ponant, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his new role, the diverse Ponant fleet and the luxury comforts aboard all of its ships. We just got back from a cruise on Le Ponant, the cruise line’s original three masted ship, so we talk with Chamberlain about that vessel and much more. For more information, visit www.ponant.com.
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Sivert Lohse Overli, executive head chef on Hurtigruten’s MS Trolljord, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the culinary treats available on the ship, which cruises the Norwegian coast between Svalbard and Bergen. The big surprise onboard is what we think is one of the best restaurants at sea, Røst, where Overli offers a multi-course wine-paired tasting menu. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
John Diorio, vice president of North American sales at Virgin Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the reasons your Sailors are choosing Virgin Voyages, which now features new and exhilarating destinations for 2025, and why we're always Brilliant For You. For more information, visit www.FirstMates.com.
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Marcus Faruga Karlden, food & beverage manager on MS Trollfjord, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the high-end dining available on this Hurtigruten Svalbard Express cruise of the Norwegian coast. The ship has three restaurants, including a main dining room, a bistro and Røst, the farm-to-table upscale dining outlet that just might be one of the best restaurants at sea. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Rob Coleman, senior vice president of sales now for both Holland America Line and Seabourn, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, talks about how he will now oversee sales for both brands with one dedicated team. Coleman also is no stranger to Seabourn, having worked in charter sales and more for the luxury line, even though he’s longtime sales executive and fan of Holland America. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com and www.hollandamerica.com.
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Gilad Berenstein, head of the Brook Bay Capital tech investment firm and on the board of Virtuoso, the luxury travel network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Virtuoso Tech Summit, which took place at the very beginning of Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas last week. Berenstein tells us about the speakers, the topics and the new travel technology firms that were showcased during the Summit. He also reveals the top trends in travel technology today. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Nivine Fakih, travel concierge on Le Ponant, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the excursions, sightseeing and activities on Ponant’s 32-guest luxury sailing yacht, the first ship in the fleet. During this cruise Le Ponant explored three ports in Greece, visiting small villages and seeing historic sites. The yacht also visited Montenegro and Dubrovnik, and also provided a great photo opportunity of Le Ponant under full sail. For more information, visit www.ponant.com.
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Hurtigruten Expedition Leader Rebekka Bohrer talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the incredible journey on MS Trollfjord during Svalbard Express. From Svalbard to Bergen, the ship explores from just a few hundred miles south of the North Pole down through the amazing fjords of Norway, offering bike tours, hikes, fast boat rides and more for guests. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Helen McCabe-Young, senior vice president of marketing at Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the luxury travel network markets for its members using a multi-faceted strategy including publications, email, lead generation and much more. McCabe-Young reveals the secrets behind marketing luxury travel today. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Baptiste Regnault, hotel director for Le Ponant, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this unique sailing vessel, Ponant’s first ship, and what it offers for your clients. Regnault details the accommodations for just 32 guests, the gourmet dining and the activities that make this truly a private yachting experience on this completely renovated vessel. For more information, visit www.ponant.com.
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
David Kolner, executive vice president of Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the luxury travel group’s survey of its members, including what the numbers say about being a travel advisors, where clients want to go and what the future looks like for luxury travel. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Jill Sandvik, hotel manager of MS Trollfjord, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the ship’s accommodations, dining, service and more on Hurtigruten’s Svalbard Express coastal cruise of Norway. Sandvik details the cabins and suites, the fine dining at the marquee restaurant Rost, and the wonderful service delivered onboard this newly renovated ship. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, the luxury travel network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas about what changes his group made to the event this year . Upchurch also discusses the state of the travel advisor profession, how artificial intelligence is impacting advisors and what the future hold for his organization. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Friday Aug 16, 2024
Friday Aug 16, 2024
Pascal Goger, master and commander of Le Ponant, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his classic and now thoroughly renovated three-masted sailing yacht on a cruise from Athens to Dubrovnik. Goger details how Le Ponant delivers a private yacht experience, complete with wonderful dining and great service—and of course the beauty of a ship under full sail. For more information, visit www.ponant.com.
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Captain Ingar Lorentsen, who commands MS Trollfjord, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his recently renovated ship, which cruises on Hurtigruten’s Svalbard Express and Northern Cape itineraries. Capt. Lorentsen details the main features of this beautiful ship and where it sails. From the northmost town in the world to Norwegian fjords and coast communities, MS Trollfjord offers one of the most spectacular and scenic cruises in the world. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Chef Alberto Lozano, who oversees Huset in Svalbard, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his high-end restaurant offering a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings sourced from the land and seas around Svalbard. Owned by Norwegian coastal cruise line Hurtigruten, Huset is a Michelin-star quality restaurant that just might offer some of the best dining in the world, not just in the Spitsbergen archipelago, which is located just a few hundred miles south of the North Pole. For more information, visit www.huset.com.
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
John Waggoner, founder and former chairman of now defunct American Queen Voyages (AQV), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how is is relaunching Victory Cruise Lines, once part of AQV, with two ships on the Great Lakes. Waggoner also details what happened at AQV, including its growth and eventual demise, as well how he bought Victory I and II and reassembled his former team to launch Victory Cruise Lines as an all-inclusive small ship product. For more information, visit www.VictoryCruiseLines.com.
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Robert Young, sourcing manager for Britain, Spain, Italy, and Iceland for CIE Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about CIE's new guided vacations to Spain—plus the tour operator's two additional tours in Ireland and a Sicilian adventure, all new for 2025 travel. For more information, visit CIE Tours’ Best of Spain and Classic Sicily tour pages or click here to download a 2025 brochure.
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Steve Perillo, president and owner of Perillo Tours, and Keith Barron, chief operating officer, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Perillo’s 80th anniversary, recent successes and expansion plans. These include new tours that combine Italy with Greece, Spain and Portugal; a renewed commitment to travel advisors by offering customized trips; an enhanced travel advisor portal; increased social media engagement; and a brand new phone app. For more information, visit www.PerilloTours.com.
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Melissa Terry, experience manager for Chukka Caribbean Adventures at the Ocean Outpost in Sandy Bay, Jamaica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Chukka’s sustainable adventure parks in Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Grand Turk and Saint Thomas. The Jamaica facility offers horseback riding, ATV tours, ziplining, ocean bamboo rafting and catamaran cruises. Terry suggests that travel advisors join a pilot program to include Chukka's tours in their bookings for guests staying in nearby hotels, luxury villas or arriving by cruise ship. For more information, www.chukka.com.
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
Shari Munroe, director of sales and marketing for Aristo Kat Tours Limited of Montego Bay, Jamaica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his private yacht cruises, with a fleet of five yachts, and how his company can entertain groups of 10 to 40 people. Aristo Kat Tours' customizable packages include private chefs, mixologists, snorkeling, DJs and more. For more information, email reservations@AristoKatTours.com or visit www.AristoKatTours.com.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Andres Mocny, general manager of the all-inclusive Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the resort's rapid recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl. Macny also details his resort’s 50-year history, its location near the airport, room types, amenities, diverse dining options, pools, beaches, kids club, spa and fitness center. Managed by Playa Hotels under the Hilton flag, the resort caters to families from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. For more information, visit www.HiltonByPlaya.com/Rose-Hall.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Ray Snisky, group president at ALG Vacations®, along with several travel advisors talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about ALGV's 2024 Kindness Conference, hosting around 100 ALGVPro-certified travel advisors for workshops focusing on spreading kindness—to ourselves, to others and in travel. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Julian Somerville, sales and marketing executive for Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the inn's resilience post-hurricane. She also details its 65-year history hosting celebrities and its amenities, highlighting the beach, spa, suites, cottages, and food and beverage offerings. For more information, visit www.JamaicaInn.com.
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Finn Ackermann, chief commercial officer at Iberostar, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the new JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, the exciting evolution of Iberostar's new brand identity and the company's firm commitment to sustainability. For more information, visit www.iberostaragents.com/us.
The alliance between Iberostar and IHG excludes Iberostar’s interests in Cuba.
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Francisco Betancourt, head of sales for Juliana Hotel Paris, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his very quiet and out-of-the-way property that is just steps from the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, among other Paris attractions. We stayed at this hotel right before the Olympics and found it to be the perfect getaway from the bustle of Paris. For more information, visit www.juliana-paris.com.
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Robin Russell, president of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica's recovery after Hurricane Beryl. Russell highlights how his association’s year-round emergency manual and effective communication using Whatsapp and Starlink helped prepare and coordinate recovery efforts. He praises the Jamaican people for their community spirit and active participation in cleanup efforts. For more information, visit www.VisitJamaica.com and www.JHTA.org.