The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Jessica Hall Upchurch, vice chair and global stewardships strategist for Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Virtuoso Travel Week about Virtuoso’s renewed strategy to protect global travel and tourism resources. Upchurch reveals the luxury travel network’s new strategy to become a global steward of responsible tourism policies. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.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. 

Kimberly Daley, chief operation and chief revenue officer for Transcend Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new Transcend MS Connect, a river ship sailing the rivers of Europe designed for group travel, from corporate meetings to weddings and beyond. Daley gives us a tour of the ship’s 60 staterooms (carrying 120 guests), which can be reconfigured into 30 larger suites; the unique two-level lounge and restaurant linked by forum space dominated by a large video screen; a revolutionary spa with multiple treatment rooms and a fitness center, and much more. For more information, visit www.transcendcruises.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. 

Tristan Dowell, chief commercial officer for Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his first three months on the job, what he is already understanding about the luxury network that he might not have known before, and his experience at Virtuoso Travel Week as part of the group. A veteran hotel executive formerly with Hyatt, Dowell, who is based in the U.K., is now on the travel agency side, overseeing a global network of Virtuoso agencies. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.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. 

Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas about news that came out of the event (including a new Virtuoso intelligence capability), where Virtuoso is as a luxury travel network today, and the state of luxury travel business. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.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. 

Hans Rood, chief development officer of Transcend Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this brand-new river cruise ship targeting a redefined group travel market. With a unique design, Transcend Connect boasts facilities that cater to the needs of corporate groups and even destination weddings. And there are more ships on the way as Transcend opens a whole new market for river cruises. For more information, visit www.transcendcruises.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. 

Arne Heuwekemeijer, general manager of Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his classic and completely refurbished luxury property in the heart of Amsterdam. With both modern décor in the rooms and suites and classic furnishings of the public rooms, the hotel offers a mix of modern and historic, including some great restaurants, a wonderful spa and a mixology bar named after original hotel’s founder. For more information, visit www.anantara.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. 

We’ve all seen the photos and maybe some videos, but I finally got the chance to take ballon ride at dawn over the rocky landscapes of Cappadocia.With nearly 100 balloons in the sky, each carrying 30 people, this is truly a must-do experience. Watch, enjoy and be inspired to book yourself and your clients to Turkiye. This is the fourth video in four-part series on Turkiye. For more information, visit www.goturkiye.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. 

My tour of Istanbul with Ali Faik Anayurt, a Turkiye tour guide, where we visited some of Istanbul’s main historic and cultural attractions, including Galata Tower, Galataport (the cruise port complex) , the famed Haiga Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the city’s fascinating neighborhoods, exotic markets and local restaurants. This is the first in a four-part series on Turkiye. For more information on Turkiye, visit www.goturkiye.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. 

Josh Hargrove, general manager of Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the differences between the two historic Waikiki properties and how travel advisors can match clients with the right resort. Hargrove also discusses Moana Surfrider’s 125-year history and $90 million renovation, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani’s updated pool and bar experience, access to dining across the Marriott Waikiki Collection and Marriott Bonvoy benefits. For more information, visit www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnlwi-moana-surfrider-a-westin-resort-and-spa-waikiki-beach/overview and www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnlks-sheraton-princess-kaiulani-waikiki-beach/overview.

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. 

Jeremy Gow, senior director of hospitality operations at World Equestrian Center Ocala in Florida, talks with Sara Perez Webber of Insider Travel Report about the destination’s evolution from an equestrian venue into a luxury resort with multiple hotels, restaurants, shopping, meetings and events. Gow also discusses the new Equestrian Manor, culinary experiences, weddings, group business, and how travel advisors can sell this Central Florida destination beyond the equestrian market. For more information, visit www.worldequestriancenter.com/ocala-fl. 

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. 

Jason Schreier, CEO of Aegis Travel Insurance, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the company’s customizable plans, including coverage not only when a traveler gets sick, but also when a performer such as Taylor Swift becomes ill and the ticketed event is canceled. Schreier also discusses adjustable benefits, instant payments during covered emergencies and travel advisor commissions. For more information, visit www.goreadyinsurance.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. 

Jacki Marks, global head of trade sales & engagement at ALG Vacations, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the evolution of the Kindness Movement, the impact of the 2026 Kindness Events, and how investing in travel advisors and communities is strengthening the travel industry. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com/kindness. 

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. 

John Beck, regional director-IHG Hotels & Resorts, talks with Amy Tate of Insider Travel Report about the EVEN Hotel New York-Times Square South, a modern boutique “wellness” hotel in midtown New York on the West Side. Part of the IHG’s growing EVEN brand, this hotel features stylish rooms with great amenities and features, plus “fun” public areas like a garden wall, game room and fitness center. For more information, visit www.ihg.com/evenhotels. 

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. 

Bas Bosschieter, CEO of Captain’s Choice, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his bespoke luxury tour operator and what unique experiences it creates for guests in places around the world. Whether it’s by private jet, small luxury ship or a unique rail journey, this Australian company, based in Melbourn, pushes boundaries for high-end clients with innovation and fresh thinking itineraries and experiences. For more information, visit www.captains-choice.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. 

Lucy Shulman, director of sales and marketing for Kimpton Ashbel New York-Park Avenue, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about her recently reopened and refurbished property on posh Park Avenue. It’s part of a new wave of Kimpton hotels located around the city, offering comfortable and classic accommodations in the city’s top neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.ashbelhotelnewyork.com or www.kimptonhotels.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. 

John Diorio, vice president and managing director of business development for North America for Celestyal, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his boutique cruise line’s new itineraries in the Western Med during the winter season. With two ships now cruising the Aegean, Adriatic and Alboran Seas, Celestyal now delivers a complete Mediterranean experience. New value pricing also makes the cruise line one of the most affordable in the market. For more information, visit www.celestyalcruises.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. 

Gina Gabbard, chief commercial officer for First in Service (F1S), a Virtuoso-member luxury host agency, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Summit in New York about what’s new at F1S and what the trends are in luxury travel today. Gabbard also tells us why she participated in the T+L Summit and the value she got out of the invitation-only meeting. For more information, visit www.firstinservice.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. 

Paul Brady, news director for Travel + Leisure, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Summit in New York about the latest trends in luxury travel and top news in upscale travel this year, Brady, who moderated several key panels during the Summit, also reveals what he sees for luxury travel in the year ahead. For more information, visit www.travelandleisure.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. 

Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal, president of Fischer Unlimited (formerly Fischer Travel), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Travel + Leisure World's Best Summit in New York about her famed luxury travel agency, which remains independent with no independent contractors. Fischer-Rosenthal also tells us about the legacy of her famed father, Bill Fischer, and how the next generation of ownership is already in place with her son Max. For more information, visit www.fischertravel.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. 

Karen Magee, president of Valerie Wilson Travel (VWT), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her famed travel agency is working as part of Frosch Travel under the umbrella of Chase Travel, owned by J.P. Morgan Chase. Magee tells us how VWT is growing, what it’s focused on and how it remains a member of the Virtuoso luxury consortium. For more information, visit www.valeriewilsontravel.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. 

Ana Tomicevic, vice president, global brands, Inclusive Collection for Hyatt, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Summit about the growth and brand expansion of Hyatt’s all-inclusive resort collection. Tomicevic tells us how the 11 brands in the collection have expanded dramatically in just the last few years, growing most recently in luxury all-inclusive resorts. For more information, visit www.hyattinclusivecollection.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. 

Jacqueline Gifford, editor in chief of Travel + Leisure, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about last week’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Summit and the trends and news it produced. Gifford tells us about her on stage conversation with her boss, Barry Diller, chairman of People Inc.; what she got out of the rest of the conference and more. She also gives us an update on what’s new at Travel + Leisure, including a second Summit scheduled for London in October and a brand-new Substack newsletter called The Fast Track. For more information, visit www.travelandleisure.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. 

Chef Suzanne Vizethann of Buttermilk Kitchen talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her popular brunch restaurant in Atlanta and how her career as a chef brought her success and fam. And now Chef Suzanne has opened a new location in Camden, Maine. Both restaurants are the perfect places to book for your clients traveling in those areas—and brunch remains one of the most popular meals while traveling. This is the second in a series of columns and videos we are running under the Insider Eats name. For more information, visit www.suzannevizethann.com or www.buttermilkkitchen.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. 

Vito Spalluto, managing director of 7 Pines Resort Sardinia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury boutique resort on the Costa Smeralda. New direct air service this summer on Delta is leading more Americans to discover this Italian island getaway and this resort, which ticks on the boxes on culinary, wellness and relaxation. For more information, visit https://7pines-sardinia.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. 

Sara Kline, the new director of sales and advisor engagement at InteleTravel, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her newly created role, the company’s 145,000 travel advisors and plans to expand sales training and advisor engagement, including support for new advisors in the UAE. Kline also discusses foundational business skills and the importance of preparing advisors to earn supplier trust. For more information, visit www.inteletravel.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. 

Michelle Woodley, president of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how Preferred Travel Group supports independent hotels, Preferred's 625-hotel portfolio, collections, quality assurance program and the Beyond Green sustainability brand. Woodley also discusses new hotel additions, the I Prefer loyalty program and the travel advisor portal. For more information, visit www.preferredhotels.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. 

Bradley Kiesendahl, president and CEO, and Brooke James, vice president of sales, marketing & hospitality at Woodloch talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their family-owned resort complex in Pennsylvania’s Poconos. With three properties—The Pines at Woodloch family resort, The Lodge at Woodloch luxury boutique spa resort and The Springs, Golf Resort at Woodloch—there is literally something for everyone at this expansive resort complex just two hours from New York City. For more information, visit www.woodloch.com or www.thelodgeatwoodloch.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. 

Robin Lawther, vice president of Expedia TAAP (Travel Agent Affiliate Program), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how his company has moved beyond giving advisors access to commissionable hotels, tours and activities from the Expedia inventory. Expedia TAAP is introducing new capabilities that help travel advisors and agencies streamline back-office operations, reduce manual work and scale their businesses more effectively. For more information, visit www.expediaTAAP.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. 

Bill Brodsky, managing director of Boston Harbor Hotel, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about the independent waterfront hotel’s history, spacious guestrooms, harbor views, dining, live music, meetings, weddings and wellness facilities. Brodsky also discusses Boston’s upcoming events, its membership in Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection. For more information, visit www.bostonharborhotel.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. 

Dr. Shenika Baisley-Woodley talks with James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report about how she won ASTA's Travel Advisor of the Year Award at this year's ASTA Travel Advisor Conference. Dr. Baisley-Woodley was recognized for her efforts to mentor her fellow advisors and for the service she provides to her clients. She also happens to be a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army with a PhD in healthcare administration. Her agency, Divine Dreams Destinations, is a member of the InteleTravel host agency. For more information, visit www.phdtraveldiva.com or www.inteletravel.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. 

Javier Cabrerizo, chief strategy & transformation & AI officer for HBX Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s HBX MarketHub in the Dominican Republic about how HBX will introduce an upgraded Bedsonline.com that travel advisors can use to build their business. Cabrerizo says the new solution, set for a September launch, aims to fill all the needs of the market in inspiring, planning and booking hotels, activities and more. For more information, visit www.bedsonline.com or www.hbxgroup.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. 

Jim Tedesco, vice president of sales for ALG Vacations, talks with Jennifer Jones of Insider Travel Report about improving booking demand, the resilience of Mexico and the Caribbean as well as growth in Europe and beyond. Tedesco also discusses Italy rail packages, cruise pre- and post-stays, the new ALGV advisor portal, ALG Vacations Pro training and benefits available through the company’s Elite program. For more information, visit www.algvacations.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. 

Xabi Zabala, chief operating officer of HBX Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s HBX MarketHub in the Dominican Republic, about the tools HBX has developed to help advisors sell more travel. With an optimistic outlook for travel in the fugure, Zabala sees AI as driving more sales and innovation in the future. For more information, visit www.hbxgroup.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. 

Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the destinations being booked now and into the fall by travel advisor sellers of Classic. Krueger also details the programs and services Classic has developed to make advisors even more successful in the future as its primary source of distribution. For more information, visit www.classicvacations.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. 

Chris Dane, president of Hickory Global Partners business travel consortium, now owned InteleTravel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about being recognized by ASTA as the winner of the Barbara O’Hara Advocacy Award for his long support of travel advisors, travel agencies and ASTA itself. Industry veteran Dane has been a supporter of advisor causes for more than four decades even as he held different executive posts in the travel industry, including more than 20 years with American Airlines. For more information, visit www.asta.org. 

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. 

Francesca Merlino, chief commercial office for Hudson Yards Experiences, talks with Amy Tate of Insider Travel Report, about Edge, the newly refurbished and improved SkyDeck experience in Manhattan. Visitors can discover iconic New York City views, a thrilling glass floor and bar, music and more just four minutes from Times Square. For more information and tickets, visit www.edgenyc.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. 

 

David Ansellem, chief distribution officer, for HBX Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s annual HBX MarketHub in the Dominican Republic, about HBX’s distribution strategies for hotel products and more, including through travel agencies in the U.S. If you’ve ever wanted to compete with the big OTAs on rooms and rates, HBX is the place to start. For more information, visit www.hbxgroup.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. 

Nicholas Huss, CEO of HBX Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s annual MarketHub Americas, which took place in the Dominican Republic earlier this month. One of three MarketHubs that HBX holds every year, the America’s edition focused on the issues affecting travel today, including AI in a big way. Huss details what HBX is all about as a bed bank and more for travel advisors and other industry players and gives us an update on what the future holds for the company. For more information, visit www.hbxgroup.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. 

Allison Kushner, a travel advisor with Four Hundred, a Virtuoso-member host agency, talks with Amy Tate of Insider Travel Report, about how to sell the Salterra Resort & Spa, a year-old luxury property that is the perfect retreat for families, couples and singles. With a great beach and pools, an awesome spa, great accommodations and lots of activities, Salterra could be just the right choice for your clients looking for an off-the-grid escape in Turks and Caicos. For more information, visit www.salterra.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. 

Adrianne Calvo, special guest celebrity chef at Salterra, the brilliant year-old resort in South Caicos, talks with Amy Tate of Insider Travel Report about the food she prepared for guests during her mini residency at the resort. It’s all part of a Salterra program to host guests chefs that provide great culinary experiences for clients. For more information, visit www.salterra.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. 

Renata Saramago, hotel manager for MS Roald Amundsen, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the ship accommodates and feeds guests on an Alaska expedition cruise. With spacious suites, a dedicated suite restaurant and two other dining options for guests, Roald Amundsen has all the comforts of home and much more, making for a great Alaska cruise experience. For more information, visit www.travelhx.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. 

 

Adrian Rubio, expedition leader on HX Expeditions’ MS Roald Amundsen, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the ship’s cruise to Alaska, featuring unique ports of call and amazing scenery throughout. Rubio describes how HX delivers a very different kind of Alaska cruise, combining incredible scenery, wildlife viewing and interaction with locals. For more information, visit www.travelhx.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. 

John Hazzard, managing director of Salterra, talks with Amy Tate of Insider Travel Report about his one-year-old luxury resort on remote South Caicos Island in the Turks and Caicos. Designed for families, couples and singles, the property, named for the nearby salt flats, features a great beach, a private island, lots of activities and excursions, an amazing spa, special culinary programs, and very comfortable and stylish accommodations. For more information, visit www.salterra.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. 

Bram Olaf van Spriel, captain of the MS Roald Amundsen talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on an expedition cruise to Alaska last month. Captain van Spriel tells us about the features of this still-new vessel, powered by a hybrid propulsion system, and why it is a popular option for guests seeking comfort along with the thrills of discovery. For more information, visit www.travelhx.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. 

James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report goes to the tip of Manhattan in Battery Park to watch the Sail4th America 250 tall ship parade and aerial review on a hot day on Pier A. It was a spectacular event that won’t be repeated anytime soon. For more information on the ships and aircraft participating, visit www.sail4th.org. 

If you wish to see this video, please go to our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport). 

Josh Stevens, senior vice president of strategy and growth for Global Travel Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s GTC ARRIVE conference in Austin, Texas. Stevens says GTC is seeing incredible growth in average daily rate across all GTC hotel bookings, with sales up nearly 10 percent in the luxury corporate, luxury leisure and entertainment segments. Demand of for luxury travel keeps going up in all segments, although Steven notes cruise sales are up nearly 20 percent for luxury ocean, river and yacht categories. For more information, visit www.globaltravelcollection.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. 

Katie Williams, chief operating officer and co-founder of Tern, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her company has become so successful in just three years, with its products and services adopted by many of the big agency consortia and host agencies. Tern is an all-in-one, cloud-based software platform built specifically for travel advisors and travel agencies that is designed to replace the patchwork of separate tools (CRMs, itinerary builders, commission trackers, email, spreadsheets) that advisors traditionally juggle. And now Tern is using AI to make it even easier for advisors to accomplish all these tasks so they can focus on selling travel. For more information, visit www.tern.travel. 

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. 

Simon Brooks, senior vice president-advisor success for Global Travel Collection (GTC), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s GTC ARRIVE conference in Austin, Texas, about his role with the luxury host agency. Brooks oversees the relationship GTC’s 1,500 independent contractors have with host, helping them work with preferred suppliers and sell more travel. Essentially his job is to make every advisor successful in selling luxury leisure, corporate and entertainment travel. For more information, visit www.globaltravelcollection.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.

Ragan Stone, senior vice president of In the Know Experiences, part of the Global Travel Collection (GTC), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, at GTC’s ARRIVE conference in Austin, Texas, last month about how her unit fits in with the rest of the GTC luxury host agency. In the Know, which offers bespoke vacation planning, VIP event access (like sold-out concerts and fashion shows), and custom corporate entertainment worldwide, is now where many advisors go to train to become great GTC luxury travel sellers. For more information, visit www.globaltravelcollection.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. 

James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with the founders of Toggle Travel, a travel technology platform providing business analytics and reporting for host agencies developed by three University of Michigan computer science graduates—Husain Boxwala, Matthew Wade and Gabriel-Francois Gatete. Toggle Travel was named the winner of the 2026 ASTA Entrepreneurs of the Year at last month’s Travel Advisor Conference in San Diego and received a $10,000 cash prize sponsored by the Dan and Gloria Bohan Foundation—and we find out why. For more information, visit www.toggletravel.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.