The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Scott Wiseman, senior vice president for Apple Leisure Group Vacations (ALG Vacations), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the recent Ascend conference in Cancun about how ALG Vacations has addressed travel advisor complaints and made major changes to improve service and response time for its many vacation brands. ALG Vacations accomplished all this over the past year during the pandemic after integrating its brands. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com or www.appleleisuregroup.com. 

Sandy Lovick and Dave Lovick of Minnesota’s Market Square Travel, a mother and son team and winners of Travel Leaders Network’s Associate of Year award, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why they were selected as the franchise delivering excellence in service and representing the Travel Leaders brand, how they worked through the pandemic period. As four-time winners of the award, Sandy and Dave also detail what Travel Leaders programs and services they used to bring their business back.  For more information, visit www.travelleaders.com, www.travelleadersnetwork.com.

Statia, resident Disney artist and historian at Walt Disney World, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the history of Disney World and how it developed into the largest theme park complex in the world. Statia also details how Walt Disney’s planning and direction resulted in today’s Disney World, which is celebrating its 50thanniversary this year. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/50.

Heather Nelson, head of international sales for Radisson Hotel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Radisson Collection, a new generation of high-end properties that gives Radisson an entry into the luxury market in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa with some famed hotels. For more information, visit www.radissoncollection.com.

Disney Imagineers Katrina at Dstew talk with James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report about how they developed the new “Enchantment” nighttime fireworks and light spectacular centered around Cinderella’s Castle in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom them park. It’s all part of the 50^th anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/50.

Jackie Marks, executive vice president of ALG Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Ascend conference in Cancun earlier this month about all the tools and policy changes the wholesaler has made to address travel advisor concerns. Marks shows how ALG Vacations used the pandemic period to improve service, develop new programs, and help travel advisors book more packaged vacations. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.

Daniel Matiasch and Marta Forstein, owners of the 1908 Lisboa hotel, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this nearly new property located in a newly hip area of Lisbon. The areas features lots of cool new restaurants and bars—though the hotel’s own restaurant, Infame, specializes in new wave Portuguese fusion cuisine that can’t be beat. The hotel also is full of fascinating and colorful art throughout. For more information, visit www.1908lisboahotel.com.

Ray Snisky, president and CEO of Apple Leisure Group Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Ascend conference in Cancun about how his wholesaler giant has used the pandemic period to resolve many of the challenges it faced with the travel advisors who sell its vacation products, including faster call response time and upgrades in group travel. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com or www.appleleisuregroup.com. 

Roger Block, president of Travel Leaders Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s EDGE conference about the state of his travel agency group and its members, how Travel Leaders has helped its members get through the pandemic crisis, and what sales look like for the rest of this year and into 2022 and beyond. For more information, visit www.travelleaders.com or www.travelleadersnetwork.com.

Alejandro Reynal, CEO of Apple Leisure Group (ALG), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the recent Ascend conference in Cancun about how his company will operate under Hyatt Hotels & Resorts’ ownership, how ALG has emerged from the pandemic and how it has made critical changes to improve its service to travel advisors. For more information, visit www.appleleisuregroup.com or www.algvacations.com.

Ashley Levine, Disney imagineer overseeing the new Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this major new attraction, set to debut next year at Disney’s EPCOT. The new thrill ride will be one of the largest “dark” coasters in the world with much more included—a major innovation in theme park technology. And it’s all part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/50.

John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Travel Leaders Network’s recent EDGE conference in Orlando about how Travel Leaders has emerged from the pandemic, how it has helped its travel agency members, and the prospects for a full recovery for travel and travel advisors. For more information, visit www.travelleaders.com.

Melanie Bronstein, marketing strategy manager for Disney’s Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about this new two-day experience for families and Star Wars enthusiasts. Galactic Starcruiser will make its debut in Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/50. 

Yassim Doud, head of sustainability for Ponant, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel report about the brand new Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant's newest luxury expedition vessel, which features hybrid electric engines powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), a unique system that purifies water making it drinkable, no use of plastics in any part of the ship and much more. Together all these measures make the ship ready for cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic. For more information, visit www.ponant.com.

Jared, the Disney Imagineer project manager for Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this special two-night adventure in Disney Hollywood Studios where guests can be part of the action and save the galaxy in an attraction that is perfect for families. It’s all part of the new attractions, experiences and shows making their debut as part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/50.

Jared, the Disney Imagineer project manager for Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this special two-night adventure in Disney Hollywood Studios where guests can be part of the action and save the galaxy in an attraction that is perfect for families. It’s all part of the new attractions, experiences and shows making their debut as part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/50.

Sachi, the Disney imaginer overseeing much of the design for Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Wish, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the opulent interiors of the new ship, which will make its debut in June 2022. Launching during Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the Disney Wish will be a bit larger than its predecessors but will still very much reflect the Disney ethos. For more information, visit www.disneycruises.com.

Florent Khury, hotel director for Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the lavish accommodations, onboard activities and sumptuous cuisine available onboard this luxury expedition ship that will focus on Antarctica and the Arctic. For more information, visit www.ponant.com.

Heather, manager of the new Cirque du Soleil -Disney show “Drawn to Life,” talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the very first Cirque show to use Disney animation as its theme. The spectacular makes its debut on Nov. 18 in a dedicated theater at Disney Springs, replacing the former Cirque show La Nouba. It’s all part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/drawntolife  or www.disneyworld.com/50. 

Jonathan Zakaria, expedition leader aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the ship’s unique programs offered to Antarctica and the Arctic. Le Commandant Charcot will be able to venture into areas of Antarctica that few if any other ships can match. The ship also will be the only one to feature cruises to the North Pole next July—it already has made one trip to the Pole earlier this year. For more information, visit www.ponant.com. 

Joe Jiffo, vice president of sales for American Queen Voyages, formerly American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about  the company's new itineraries for river, Great Lakes, ocean and expedition; new programs designed to assist and incentivize travel advisors; and what "all-inclusive" truly means on an American Queen Voyages journey. For more information, visit www.aqvoyages.com.  

What will you and your clients find to eat at Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration? Crystal Saunders, pastry chef at EPCOT, showcases some sweet treats in her talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report—nobody is going home hungry. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/50. 

Frederic Jansen, global brand ambassador for Ponant, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the brand new 245-guest Le Commandant Charcot luxury expedition ship, which features the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea and opulent accommodations, including four duplex suites. The ships PC2 classification also allows it to journey deeper into Antarctica and even cruise to the geographical North Pole, the only cruise ship capable of doing that (and it will do that four times next July). For more information, visit www.ponant.com.

Geoff Gljiva, vice president of operations at Patina Restaurant Group, which manages the new Space 220 restaurant at Disney's EPCOT, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Patina and Disney developed this first "restaurant in space," a simulated experience that takes diners 220 miles above the Earth to eat in a space station. It's all part of the new features being introduced at EPCOT as part of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/50.

Captain Patrick Marcheseau, who helms Ponant's new Le Commandant Charcot, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury expedition ship sailed to the geographic North Pole, the only passenger vessel to do so, even before it entered service. Capt. Marcheseau also details the many groundbreaking features of his new ship, including LNG-powered hybrid engines, the highest PC2 ice-class in the industry, and opulent amenities like the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea. For more information, visit www.ponant.com.

John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the rebranding of his company as American Queen Voyages as it expanded beyond rivers to lakes, oceans and expedition cruising. Waggoner also recalls the history of his company, which began with one classic Mississippi paddlewheeler. For more information, visit www.aqvoyages.com.

Steve Davison, creator of “Harmonious,” the new nighttime spectacular at Disney’s EPCOT, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the themes, the music, the animation and the fireworks that are part of one of Disney’s most intricate outdoor evening shows. “Harmonious” was launched as part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/50.

Joe, the production designer for Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in the newly expanded France Pavilion at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Disney’s newest immersive animated attractions, part of a number of new rides and innovations introduced for Disney World’s 50th anniversary. For more information, www.disneyworld.com/50.

Marilyn Cairo, vice president of global sales for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Karisma’s recent Gourmet All-Inclusive Vacation Consultant (GIVC) Awards, which honor some of the all-inclusive multi-brand chain’s top producing travel advisors. For more information, visit www.karismahotels.com.

Pascal Dupuis, general manager of the Andaz Mayakoba, gives an update on his property to James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report during the recent ILTM North America. Andaz Mayakoba opened five years ago as the fourth property in the luxury Mayakoba resort complex on the Riviera Maya in Mexico, offering great restaurants, sumptuous accommodations and a top spa. Dupuis talks about what’s new and how business has been as we emerge from the pandemic. For more information, visit www.andazmayakoba.com.

Robin Flanz, director of marketing and commerce for the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America about his luxury resort in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The property, the only Mandarin Oriental in the Caribbean, features opulent accommodations, great dining and proximity to local shops and restaurants. For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com/canouan.

Christina Deeny, vice president of global sales and marketing Auberge Resorts Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America about how her company is growing the brand and adding unique new luxury resorts in the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.aubergeresorts.com.

Alison Gilmore, portfolio director-events for the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes, set for Dec. 6-9, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the famed flagship luxury show is shaping up this year. After a successful ILTM North America last month, ILTM Cannes is attracting nearly 3,000 luxury buyers and suppliers who are eager to get back to business. For more information or to learn how you can participate if accepted, visit www.iltm.com.

Robert Keddy, regional manager-North America for Tourism Western Australia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America about the many attractions of this region of Australia, which includes everything from Perth to the Kimberly. Australia is closed to U.S. visitors now, but is widely expected to reopen by the first quarter 2022 if not before—and Western Australia beckons visitors with its many natural attractions. For more information, visit www.westernaustralia.com. 

Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM-North America about how the three luxury hotels of his Bahamas mega-resort are coming back from the pandemic with a new waterpark, more high-end restaurants, and even more attractions and amenities for guests. For more information, visit www.bahamar.com.

Paolo Lugardi, manager trade relations-North America for Switzerland Tourism, and Matthias Butler, chief marketing officer for Jungfrau Railways, talk with James Shillinglaw about how the famed railway through the rock of the Jungfrau mountain in Switzerland has a whole new set of luxury options for visitors, including a new high-tech cable car to get visitors to the top of the mountain. For more information, visit www.jungfrau.ch. 

Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of World Travel Holdings (WTH) and parent company of Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc., talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how WTH is consolidating its agency brands, including merging Cruises Inc. into Dreams to better support their travel advisor members. For more information, visit www.worldtravelholdings.com or www.DreamVacationsFranchises.com.

Silversea Cruises CEO Roberto Martinoli and Chief Commercial Officer Barbara Muckermann talk with Peter Callahan of Insider Travel Report about a new luxury program being introduced on Silver Dawn that will be rolled out across the fleet. Just as S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) brought food immersion into the entire Silversea experience, Otivm (pronounced "Otium") brings the indulgences of the spa into the stateroom and beyond for an almost seamless luxury experience. For more information, visit www.silversea.com. 

Diane Frisch, owner of Diane Frisch Destinations, and this year's Nexion Travel Group Ambassador of the Year, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her agency, how she uses Nexion's services, how she was recognized as Nexion Ambassador for helping to promote all the great things the host agency can do for its affiliates, and how she helps her fellow Nexion advisors. For more information, visit www.nexion.com.

Lisa McGregor, owner of Fort Lauderdale-based Passport Pleasures, a Nexion travel advisor, talks with James Shillinglaw about how she started her luxury travel agency, how she’s grown it and what advice she has for her fellow advisors on getting back to business as we emerge from the pandemic. McGregor gave on of the Next Talks at Nexion’s recent CoNexion conference in Orlando. For more information, visit www.nexion.com.

Amy Butcher, who was named travel advisor rising star in the U.S. by Nexion Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw about how she started Pineapple Destinations, her Utah-based agency, how she has grown it even during the pandemic and how she uses Nexion’s training and resources to boost her business. For more information, visit www.nexion.com.

There’s more to river cruising than just Europe. We take a look at more exotic river cruise products and how they cross the line between traditional river cruising and expedition cruising. How has exotic river cruising become so intertwined with luxury travel? Annie Fitzsimmons, a luxury travel journalist, moderates a panel with Gary Murphy, vice president of sales and co-owner of AmaWaterways; Steve Spivak, senior vice president of sales for Tauck; and Francesco Galli Zugaro, owner and founder of Aqua Expeditions. This discussion was originally broadcast in June as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.

Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at her host agencies first “in-person” conference in two years, held at Universal Orlando Resort last week. Friedman details the latest programs to coach Nexion travel advisors and provide them with the resources they need to improve their businesses. For more information, visit www.nexion.com.

Gabe Rizzi, president of Internova Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the state of Internova and its new branding, Nexion’s CoNexIon conference last week in Orlando (Nexion is owned by Internova), and how the travel industry and travel advisors are successfully emerging from the pandemic. For more information, visit www.internova.com.

Francisco Blanch, leisure sales director for Discover Puerto Rico, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how easy it is to visit the island from the U.S. mainland, with no need for passports, no currency exchange or even COVID testing. Blanch discusses what travelers can expect once they arrive, including all the renovations and complete recovery from the hurricanes of three years ago. For more information, visit www.discoverpuertorico.com. 

Luxury keeps getting redefined—and now we have the new age of post-pandemic cruising that will redefine it once again. We examine the new features, amenities and health and safety standards of true luxury cruising and how travel advisors can sell the category even better. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel including Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn; Mark Conroy, managing director of Silversea Cruises; Jack Anderson, president of Crystal Cruises; Jason Montague, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises; and Bob Lepisto, president of SeaDream Yacht Club. This discussion was originally broadcast in June as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.