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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
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Warren Nocon, executive vice president of Foley Entertainment Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report Hotel Californian at last month’s ILTM Cannes about his company’s Hotel Californian, a renovated luxury resort in Santa Barbara, Calif., that offers guests amazing accommodations, dining and access to the surrounding wine region. Nocon also details some of Foley’s other properties. For more information, visit www.hotelcalifornian or www.foleyentertainmentgroup.com.
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
James Ferrara, co-founder and president of host agency InteleTravel, talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report during InteleTravelQuest 2023 at the Moon Palace in Cancun about the agency's record-breaking growth and its decision to change consortia from Ensemble back to Travel Leaders Network. Ferrara also details InteleTravel’s newest certification programs and a new loyalty program for both travel advisors and clients. For more information, visit www.inteletravel.com.
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Rhys O’Connell, new general manager of the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove, Fla., talks with Amy Tate of Insider Travel Report about the hotel's history, its recent renovation, and the amenities it offers, including bike rentals and a poolside activations. O'Connell also details upcoming events in 2024 and the hotel's recent awards, including the being on the Condé Nast Hotlist. For more information, visit www.MayfairHouseMiami.com.
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Tom Rowntree vice president-global luxury brands for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about the completely renovated Carlton Cannes, the iconic hotel on Boulevard de la Croissette in Cannes, known as the grand meeting point of the French Riviera. The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, NOW has updated public areas, redecorated and enlarged rooms and suites, new bars and restaurants, and even a whole new wing and courtyard. For more information, visit https://carltoncannes.com/en or www.ihg.com.
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Andre Gerondeau, chief operating officer of Melia Hotels International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about how Melia is expanding its brands around the world and adding new lifestyle hotels. Gerondeau details Melia’s growth with the Gran Melia, Melia Collection, Me by Melia, Paradisus and new Zel brands, the latter formed in partnership with tennis pro Rafael Nadal. For more information, visit www.melia.com.
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this year’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about what’s new at Preferred. Ueberroth details how her hotel representative group is structured and showcases the new luxury properties that are being added this year and next. For more information, visit www.preferredhotels.com.
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Charles Richez, general manager of Le Majestic Cannes and area general manager of Let Gray d’Albion in Cannes, Les Neiges in Courcheval and Le Carl Gustaf in St. Barts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. Richez details the renovations made to Le Majestic, still considered the place to stay during ILTM, as well as what’s going on at the three other Barriere Group properties he oversees. For more information, visit www.hotelsbarriere.com.
Monday Dec 25, 2023
Monday Dec 25, 2023
Neto Moreira, area general manager-luxury brands for Accor in Rio, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this year’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about what Accor offers in Rio de Janeiro, including the Fairmont Rio Copacabana and the Santa Teresa MGallery Rio de Janeiro. Accor’s Luxury Cluster in Rio provides true luxury options for your clients in Brazil’s capital of fun. For more information, visit www.fairmont.com/copacabana-rio or www.santateresahotelrio.com.
Monday Dec 25, 2023
Monday Dec 25, 2023
Nathaniel Most, vice president of sales for Barriere Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this year’s ILTM Cannes about his company’s collection of 18 luxury properties in France, the Caribbean, U.S. and beyond. These include the famed Le Majestic in Cannes, Fouquet’s Paris, Le Normandy in Deauville, Fouquet’s New York, Les Neiges in Courcheval, and Le Carl Gustaf in St. Barts. For more information, visit www.hotelsbarriere.com.
Friday Dec 22, 2023
Friday Dec 22, 2023
Daniel Durazo, director of external affairs at Allianz Partners USA, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what Allianz’s new survey revealed about top domestic and international destinations for the holidays and how Americans often rely on travel advisors for trip planning. Durazo also discusses the partnership between Allianz and AK Travel Group, parent of Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal; the introduction of new covered reasons for trip cancellation; and upcoming enhancements to the Allianz travel app and claims portal. For more information, visit www.AllianzAdvantage.com.
Friday Dec 22, 2023
Friday Dec 22, 2023
Mohan Koka, veteran general manager of the Kimpton Surfcomber, talks with Amy Tate of Insider Travel Report about his quintessential Art Deco hotel in the heart of South Beach. Koka details the recently renovated rooms, hip bars and dining venues, and poolside cabanas that make the Surfcomber one of the most popular hotels on the beach. For more information, visit www.surfcomber.com or www.kimptonhotels.com.
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Kathyrn Kelly, executive chef and director of culinary enrichment for Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Culinary Arts Center on Regent’s brand-new Seven Seas Grandeur. Guests on the cruise have the chance to take cooking classes to help them learn how to make great food using simple culinary techniques—and yes we did take the course and we did eat the food. For more information, visit www.rssc.com.
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Jenny Rafter, head of global leisure sales for Aer Lingus, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the airline’s achievements in 2023, including the introduction of new aircraft with extended flight range and new routes such as the resumption of Minneapolis-Dublin service and a new Denver-Dublin flight. Rafter also reminds travel advisors that Dublin and Shannon airports offer American citizens the convenience of pre-clearance back to the U.S. For more information, visit www.Aerlingus.com.
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Bernhard Klotz, senior director-culinary for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the fantastic dining options aboard the brand new Seven Seas Grandeur. Klotz details the gourmet culinary offerings at the newly designed Compass Rose, Chartreuse, Prime 7, Pacific Rim, Sette Mari, La Veranda, and more, which together make the ship of the most luxurious dining venues in the world. For more information, visit www.rssc.com.
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Alison Metcalfe, executive vice president for the U.S., Canada and Australia for Tourism Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the recovery of Irish tourism and how the country is focusing on sustainable growth in the future. Metcalf encourages travel advisors to explore booking their clients beyond Dublin, linking travel to festivals, events and the diverse offerings available in different regions of Ireland. For more information, visit www.Ireland.com.
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Carly Biggart, vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas for Hurtigruten Norway, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Hurtigruten's history, focusing on both coastal cruising along the Norwegian coast and expedition cruises that emphasize science and education when traveling with HX, Hurtigruten's new sister brand. Biggart details the fleet, including hybrid electric ships, plans for a zero-emission ship by 2030, and new itineraries, including the North Cape Express and a Western Africa expedition cruise. For more information, visit www.Hurtigruten.com and www.AgentPortal.Hurtigruten.com.
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Yohandel Ruiz and Greg Walton, principals of Studio DADO, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how they designed Seven Seas Grandeur, from the sumptuous public spaces to the unique restaurants to the luxurious rooms and suites. Experienced ship designers, Ruiz and Walton have worked on previous Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships, as well as Norwegian Cruise Line’s vessels. But this is the first time they have designed a ship completely from bow to stern. For more information, visit www.rssc.com.
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Steve Perillo, president and owner of Perillo Tours, and Keith Baron, the new chief operating officer for the company, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Perillo's recent successes despite the pandemic, plans for expansion beyond Italy into such destinations as Greece, Spain and Hawaii. They also focus Perillo’s appreciation for travel advisors and their role in influencing client decisions, plans for more advisor training, fam trips and possible changes to Perillo's already lucrative commission structure. For more information, visit www.PerilloTours.com.
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Shawn Tubman, senior vice president of sales, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the christening voyage of the new luxury Seven Seas Grandeur, the third in a series of luxury vessels launched by Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Tubman details how you can best sell the ship to your clients, including its incredibly sumptuous accommodations, fine dining restaurants and exquisite design. For more information, visit www.rssc.com.
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Some of the best family vacations can be had by booking a tour, a tour package or a river cruise. On this panel, top river cruise companies, tour operators and wholesalers describe how your clients can have a great family vacation with their products. This panel is moderated by James Shillinglaw, editor in chief and co-founder of Insider Travel Report, with panelists including Alex Pinelo, senior vice president-sales for AmaWaterways, www.AmaWaterways.com; Rob Pugliese, account manager-global sales for Collette, www.Collette.com; and Amy Comparato, senior brand director for Pleasant Holidays and Journese, www.Journese.com.
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Jennifer Tombaugh, president of Tauck, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the company's history as the first licensed tour operator in the U.S., its family-owned status and its operations across 70 countries as it nears its 100th anniversary in 2025. Tombaugh details Tauck’s new programs, and touches on the recovery in 2023, the strong demand for 2024 and the anticipation for the 2025 anniversary year. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his river cruise line’s successful 2023 and a promising 2024. Schreiner also details his ambitious plans for river cruising along the Magdalena River in Colombia, which include having to build the infrastructure from the ground up. He outlines the upcoming launch of two ships on the river, scheduled for late 2024 and 2025, each with 30 cabins, sailing seven-night itineraries from Cartagena to Barranquilla. For more information, visit www.AmaWaterways.com.
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Top international and domestic destinations often cater specifically to the family travel market. In this panel, you’ll find how Malta, Australia and Laurel County in Kentucky offer great options for families, including activities and sightseeing, accommodations and more. You’ll find out how these destinations target the family market and what marketing materials they have to help you sell to families. Moderated by Alan Fine, chief multimedia officer and co-founder of Insider Travel Report, the panelists include Michelle Buttigieg, representative-North America for Malta Tourism Authority, www.VisitMalta.com and www.TravelAgentAcademy.com; Gustavo Inciarte, account manager, Western Canada for Tourism Australia, www.AussieSpecialist.com; and Kelly Burton, executive director for the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission in Kentucky, www.VisitLondonKY.com.
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Steve Born, chief marketing officer for the Globus Family of Brands, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the variety of travel options offered by Globus, including escorted tours, river cruising, and independent travel covering 82 countries on six continents. Born emphasizes the value and high commission products provided to travel advisors, highlighting the uniqueness of each brand—including Globus, Avalon Waterways and Cosmos—and explaining Globus' new offerings such as Choice Touring and Undiscovered Tours. For more information, visit www.GlobusFamilyPartner.com
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Top international and domestic destinations often cater specifically to the family travel market. In this panel, you’ll find how Peru, Puerto Rico and Cayman Islands offer great options for families, including activities and sightseeing, accommodations and more. You’ll find out how these destinations target the family market and what marketing materials they have to help you sell to families. Moderated by Alan Fine, chief multimedia officer and co-founder of Insider Travel Report, panelists include Cecilia Berrocal, North America & U.K. market executive for PromPeru, www.PeruAgent.com; Johanna Gonzalez, leisure sales manager for Discover Puerto Rico, www.DiscoverPuertoRico.com; and Dan Tauger, national sales manager for Cayman Islands, www.CaymanRewards.com and www.VisitCaymanIslands.com/SalesTeam.
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Terry Dale, president and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about USTOA’s Annual Conference and Marketplace, this year held in Los Angeles earlier this month. Dale also reports on the latest travel trends, survey findings, and the importance of tour operators collaborating with travel advisors. For more information, visit www.USTOA.com.
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Why are all-inclusive resorts so perfect for a family vacation? We talk to some major all-inclusive resort companies about what they offer for families and how you can best prepare your family clients for a great stay. Moderated by James Shillinglaw, editor in chief and co-founder, Insider Travel Report, the panelists include Nicole Perez, director of sales-North America, Princess Hotels & Resorts (www.princess-hotels.com); Justin Heckman, national director of sales strategy, Club Med (www.clubmed.com); and Ashley Gibbs, senior manager-business development, all-inclusive, Hilton All-Inclusives (www.Hilton.com).
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Scott Koepf, chief strategy officer for Cruise Planners, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the host agency franchiser trains and educates its members to sell cruises, resorts, hotels and tours, as well as how it helps them run their businesses better. Travel industry veteran Koepf also offers his impressions of Cruise Planners more than five years after he joined the agency, which is celebrating 30 years in business and $1 billion in sales. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Diana Flores, a professional flag football quarterback with Mexico’s national team, talks with Jeanie Fang of Insider Travel Report about her role as Los Cabos’ brand ambassador. She shares her take on flag football, her favorite spots in Los Cabo and how best to experience the tourism riches of the region. For more information, visit www.visitloscabos.travel.
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Julie Byrd, president of Cabo Villas, talks with Jeanie Fang of Insider Travel Report about her luxury rental properties, part of Nocturne Luxury Villas, which offer personalized services including airport transportation, concierge assistance, special amenities, and unique curated experiences for milestone birthdays and other life events. Byrd goes into detail about her suites ranging from $1,000 for a three-bedroom to $35,000 for a 10-bedroom suite. For more information, visit www.NocturneLuxuryVillas.com and www.cabovillas.com
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Theresa Scalzitti, chief operations officer at Cruise Planners, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what it’s like to help run a host agency franchiser that just surpassed $1 billion in sales and is celebrating 30 years in business. Scalzitti also details Cruise Planners’ extensive marketing programs for its franchisees, which has helped push the group to new highs selling cruises, all-inclusive resorts, tours and more. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Katina Athanasiou, senior vice president of sales for Celebrity Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how you can better sell the brand new Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in the Edge class for Celebrity. Athanasiou details the ship’s many accommodation options, the fine dining onboard (including a Daniel Boulud restaurant) the spa, the entertainment and the innovative public spaces. For more information, visit www.thecelebritycommitment.com or www.celebritycruises.com.
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Brian Shultz, chief information officer for Cruise Planners, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month's Cruise Planners conference about how the host agency franchiser has launched the first practical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and Chat GPT to help travel advisors. Beyond AI, Shultz details how Cruise Planners is using video and new email technology to help its advisors better market travel. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her brand new ship, Celebrity Ascent, the fourth vessel in the line’s Edge class. Hodges Bethge describes what’s different on Ascent compared to previous Edge class vessels and details the fine dining, accommodations, entertainment and unique public spaces guests can experience. For more information, visit www.thecelebritycommitment.com or www.celebritycruises.com.
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
George Mendes, executive chef at the new Raffles Boston, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about all the culinary choices at the hotel, especially Amar, his modern Portuguese restaurant inspired by his own Portuguese upbringing. Mendes blends the flavors of his childhood with modern twists influenced by his global travels. For more information, visit www.RafflesBoston.com.
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Michelle Fee, founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, talks with James Shillinglaw after her host franchise agency's annual conference in Fort Lauderdale about the 30-year history of her group and how it achieved more than $1 billion in sales this year. Fee also details new programs that will help her members sell more travel, including the first practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) for travel advisors. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Simon Rodrigues. director of sales and marketing for Raffles Boston, the first Raffles in the U.S., talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the hotel, emphasizing its non-cookie-cutter approach, central Back Bay location, diverse dining options and more. Rodrigues encourages travel advisors to take advantage of a grand opening promotion. For more information, visit www.RafflesBoston.com.
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Cesar Silva, general manager of the Corinthia Lisbon Hotel, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about the premium suites in his property, its family friendly features, the spa's unique offerings, and Corinthia’s plans for future expansion in other locations. Silva also highlights the hotel's three restaurants and bars where food and beverage is a central attraction. For more information, visit www.corinthia.com.
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Oliver Dudler, general manager of the newly opened Raffles in Boston, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the historic hotel brand founded in 1886 in Singapore and its first hotel in the U.S. Dudley highlights the uniqueness reflected in the 147 guest rooms that cater to business travelers, weekend getaway seekers and families visiting the many colleges and universities in the area. Raffles Boston also features butler service, multiple restaurants, a sky lobby, a spa and a writer's lounge. For more information, visit www.Raffles.com/Boston or www.RafflesBoston.com.
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Mimi Lichtenstein, owner of Truvay Travel, talks with Dawn Barkley of Insider Travel Report about her association with Brownell Travel and her specialization as a Condé Nast Traveler Specialist, emphasizing the application process and the recognition it brings to her agency. Lichenstein also discusses her recent election to the Independent Contractor Advisory Board (ICB) at Brownell, which allows advisors to have a say in the company's operations, showcasing the agency's commitment to involving its advisors in its decision-making process. For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com.
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Fernando Pane, general manager of Sina Villa Medici, talks with James Shillinglaw at the Signature Conference in Las Vegas earlier this year about what makes his hotel such a special place for guests eager to visit Florence in style. Part of the Sina group of luxury hotels in Italy, Sina Villa Medici also is a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. For more information, visit www.sinahotels.com.
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Scott Case, general manager of The Knickerbocker, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury beaux arts property on Times Square which originally opened in 1906. Thoroughly updated with a modern interior décor, this hotel has a Charlie Palmer restaurant, a rooftop with spectacular views and enough history to intrigue anyone who loves historic hotels. For more information, visit www.theknickerbocker.com.
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Jessica White of Jessica White Travel in Richmond,Va., talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report during the 18th annual Brownell Academy in New Orleans about her banner year for sales, how Brownell Travel’s hosting program and mentorship program helped her achieve personal best revenue numbers, and why she would recommend the host agency to others. For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com.
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Adolfo Perez, senior vice president global sales and trade marketing at Carnival Cruise Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Carnival's newest ship, Carnival Celebration. Perez highlights Celebration’s size, amenities and sustainability focus, as well as the features of Carnival's previous ship, Mardi Gras, and the upcoming Jubilee, all part of Carnival's new Excel class. For more information, visit www.goccl.com or www.carnival.com.
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the franchise host agency's national conference on Carnival Celebration. Daly talks about the conference’s focus on learning opportunities, the positive reception by members to marketing and technology initiatives, and the importance of in-person interactions for fostering a sense of community. For more information, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Anna Ananika, manager of Pollicastro Boutique Hotel in Lecce, Italy, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about her family's 12-room luxury boutique hotel, which dates back to the 1500s. Pollicastro combines historical allure with contemporary comforts while showcasing the art of Anna's father-in-law, Roberto Miglietta. Ananika also reveals how renovations uncovered a room with a hidden chapel and allowed the family to create a suite with an underground in-room cave pool. For more information, visit www.pollicastroboutiquehotel.com.
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Famed Chef Michael White talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his newest restaurant, Paranza, located in the Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. White opened this new Italian dining experience just as Atlantis celebrated the 25th anniversary of the opening of the iconic Royal Towers. For more information, visit www.atlantisbahamas.com
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the impressive growth in bookings and sales of her host travel agency franchise organization, national and regional branding efforts, and the use of automated tools as the group's investment in technology. For more information, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.