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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

Feb 11, 2025
Feb 11, 2025
23 min
Manuela Fahringer, general manager of the Zemi Miches All-Inclusive, Curio Collection in the Dominican Republic, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new resort in an increasingly popular region of this Caribbean paradise. Fahringer details the accommodations, the dining and the activities available at this luxury property, which is designed for families, couples and solo travelers. For more information, visit www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pujmiqq-zemi-miches-all-inclusive-resort.

Feb 11, 2025
Feb 11, 2025
38 min
Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer of WorldVia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new book, “Travel Marketeering: A Complete Guide to Starting (or Refreshing) Your Travel Agency,: Harrell talks about his business background and why he was inspired to write the book, which is aimed at helping entrepreneurial agency owners or those new to the business. “Travel Marketeering” is a soup-to-nuts guide to starting, operating and marketing travel, an essential guide to finding success in the agency business. For more information, visit Harrell’s agency website at www.worldvia.com or buy the book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Feb 10, 2025
Feb 10, 2025
4 min
Robert Huss, owner of Getaway Guys, part of KBI Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on Valiant Lady about why he decided to focus on selling Virgin Voyages. Huss, one of the top 10 travel advisors selling Virgin Voyages, explains how he’s found success selling this exclusively all-adult brand, from the dining to the entertainment to the Virgin vibe. For more information, visit www.firstmates.com.

Feb 9, 2025
Feb 9, 2025
4 min
Bridget Flowers, owner of Travel Dreams, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report during Virgin Voyages special sailing aboard Valiant Lady for its top 100 selling travel advisors. Flowers, who is one of the top most successful advisors selling the adults-only cruise, tells us why she focuses on and how she’s profited in selling Virgin Voyages. For more information, visit www.firstmates.com.

Feb 9, 2025
Feb 9, 2025
33 min
Francesco Contini, executive vice president-sales and marketing for Antarctica21, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his Chilean-based cruise line, which pioneeredair-cruise expeditions in Antarctica. The three-ship luxury line prides itself on knowing the unique geography, natural history, wildlife and ecology of the White Continent. For more information, visit www.antarctica21.com.

Feb 7, 2025
Feb 7, 2025
17 min
Kenton Jones, general manager of Tryall Golf & Beach Club in Jamaica, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his famed all-villa property featuring one of the top golf courses on the island. Jones details the history, the accommodations, the dining and much more in this comprehensive interview exploring one of Jamaica’s top resorts. For more information, visit https://tryallclub.com.

Feb 7, 2025
Feb 7, 2025
26 min
Olivier Chavy, CEO of The Lux Collective, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his eclectic collection of luxury resorts in Mauritius, Maldives and China, with upcoming properties in Vietnam and the UAE. The veteran hotelier, who is headquarter in Mauritius, talks about his plans to grow, expand and open additional Lux Resorts & Hotels, SALT Resorts, Tamassa Resorts and Socio in more countries across the region. For more information, visit www.theluxecollective.com.

Feb 5, 2025
Feb 5, 2025
6 min
Riccardo Bortoloti, general manager of Grand Hotel Bristol, part of R Collection Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ILTM Cannes luxury show last December about his family-owned hotel group in Italy. Bortoloti describes his own hotel in Rapallo, but also showcases other R Collection properties on Lake Como, the Italian alps near Mont Blanc, and other upscale destinations. For more information, visit www.rcollectionhotels.it/en/index.

Feb 5, 2025
Feb 5, 2025
15 min
Morris Chia, founder and CEO of Trevello Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his Canadian host travel agency is expanding into the U.S. with its purchase of Gifted Travel Network (GTN). He also tells us what role Andy Stuart, former CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, will play as co-chairman and co-founder of Trevello as it seeks to grow the agency here. For more information, visit www.trevello.com or www.giftedtravelnetwork.com.

Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
7 min
George Cohen, managing director of the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ILTM Cannes luxury travel show last December. Cohen describes his quintessential luxury hotel located in Johannesburg, with great rooms and suites, fine dining and a true South African experience. For more information, visit www.saxon.co.za

Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
27 min
Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, president and CEO of Collette, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her tour company has evolved since she became CEO two years ago. Leibl-Cote details what destinations Collette goes to today and what tour products it offers in the premium market, including two countries she just got back from, Kenya and Tanzania. She also talks about how Collette supports the travel advisor community with multiple initiatives. For more information, visit www.gocollette.com.

Feb 3, 2025
Feb 3, 2025
19 min
Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president-sales and marketing, for Riviera Travel talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her company’s recent name change (from Riviera River Cruises) She also provides details on improvements in Riviera’s fleet, new longer itineraries, and new ways Riviera is working to support travel advisors. For more information, visit www.rivierarivercruises.com.

Feb 3, 2025
Feb 3, 2025
6 min
Gerhard Struger, general manager of the Fairmont Golden Prague, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, at last December’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his hotel, one of the newest in the Czech capital. Struger gives us details on the hotel, the accommodations, dining and great location in the heart of Prague. For more information, visit www.goldenpraguehotel.com.

Feb 2, 2025
Feb 2, 2025
7 min
Margaux Deygat, senior sales manager of The Ritz Paris talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ILTM Cannes travel show in December. Deygat details the changes and the charm at this famed hotel and how you should sell the luxury property today. For more information www.ritzparis.com.

Feb 2, 2025
Feb 2, 2025
18 min
Alain Bullo, general manager of the Londra Palace in Venice, Italy, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the extensive renovations to the ground floor, the hotel's commitment to sustainability, and efforts to preserve Venetian craftsmanship through the Place of Wonders initiative. Bullo also discusses over-tourism in Venice, upcoming events and future renovation plans. For more information, visit www.londrapalace.com.

Jan 31, 2025
Jan 31, 2025
18 min
Jill Fox, vice president of sales and marketing for The Pierre, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how the famed New York hotel keeps its appeal for upper-crust guests. Now with a completely new management team, including a new general manager and Fox herself, the hotel continues to feature lavish rooms and suites, sumptuous public rooms and lounges, and an innovative restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information, visit www.thepierreny.com.

Jan 31, 2025
Jan 31, 2025
7 min
Jeff Morris, chief marketing officer for the West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about why his destination is perfect for the upscale marketing. From top boutique hotels to eclectic shopping and fabulous dining, West Hollywood remains one of the most fashionable places for luxury travelers. For more information, visit www.visitwesthollywood.com

Jan 29, 2025
Jan 29, 2025
20 min
Gaetano de Cola, regional sales manager of the Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte property in Florence, Italy, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about the hotel's history, prime location, recent renovations and the Ferragamo family's influence on its design. He also highlights hospitality trends in Florence, luxury accommodations for families, and the hotel's dining, wellness and expansion plans. For more information, visit www.roccofortehotels.com.

Jan 29, 2025
Jan 29, 2025
18 min
Ana Henriques, general manager of the soon-to-open Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new luxury property located deep within the protected land of Peninsula Papagayo. Henriques says the resort will feature exclusive accommodations facing ethereal views of Bahia Huevos and the Pacific Ocean, sophisticated dining experiences showcasing modern Peruvian cuisine, and locally influenced spa and wellness center. For more information, click on www.ritzcarlton.com.

Jan 28, 2025
Jan 28, 2025
8 min
Dezy Setiwati, hotel manager for Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about her new Bali resort located in the heart of Ubud. Mandapa is an indigenous Balinese village, providing a sensory journey to wellness and nature, with 35 suites and 25 private pool villas, four unique dining concepts. For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

Jan 28, 2025
Jan 28, 2025
15 min
John Diorio, vice president of sales-North America for Virgin Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard Valiant Lady on a cruise with 100 advisors who are top-sellers of the cruise line. Diorio details how to sell Virgin Voyages as the only premium line that caters to adults only, features a variety of great cuisine and innovative entertainment. For more information, visit www.firstmates.com or www.virginvoyages.com.

Jan 27, 2025
Jan 27, 2025
11 min
Sara Maestrelli, owner of Collezione Em, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about her family-owned company’s newest hotels. At ILTM Cannes in 2023, Maestrelli introduced us to Violino D’Oro, her family’s luxury hotel in Venice. This year she provides us details about Villa Roma Imperial and Pension America in Forte dei Marmi on the Tuscan coast. For more information, visit https://collezioneem.com.

Jan 27, 2025
Jan 27, 2025
16 min
Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard Valiant Lady during a cruise with 100 top-selling travel advisors. Saverimuttu says 2024 was a year when everything seemed to come together for Virgin Voyages as it improved its product. With the impending arrival later this year of the company’s fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, he’s predicting another banner year for the thoroughly innovative cruise line. For more information, visit www.firstmates.com or www.virginvoyages.com.

Jan 26, 2025
Jan 26, 2025
11 min
Mark Nolan, managing director of Dromoland, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his luxury Irish Castle, what’s new and what’s to come. But the biggest news is from Nolan himself, who tells he’s now retiring after more than 36 years on the job. Nolan takes stock of his hotel career, which was spent almost entirely at the castle. For more information, visit www.dromoland.ie.

Jan 23, 2025
Jan 23, 2025
10 min
Sébastien Legrand, director of sales and marketing for The Ritz Paris, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about what’s new at one of the most famous hotels in the world. After being completely renovated in 2016, The Ritz reopened with new rooms and suites, updated restaurants and bars. The hotel has continued to add new features and services that you can sell to your luxury clients. For more information, visit www.ritzparis.com.

Jan 22, 2025
Jan 22, 2025
9 min
Brandon McCurley, managing director of the Parker Palm Springs, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month's ILTM Cannes luxury show about his uber popular luxury resort that remains a retreat for the rich and famous. McCurley reveals the history, room and suite categories, and dining options available at this historic property. For more information, visit www.parkerpalmsprings.com.

Jan 21, 2025
Jan 21, 2025
6 min
Katie Thompson, senior vice president of marketing at Abercrombie & Kent, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about the rebranding of Abercrombie & Kent, whose holding company A&K Group now includes Sanctuary Retreats and Crystal Cruises, in addition to a full range of tours, trips and experiences around the globe. Thompson explains why new logo and imagery reflects that combination. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.

Jan 20, 2025
Jan 20, 2025
9 min
Lauren Alba, vice president-global marketing & communications for The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about what properties the group is adding to its collection. Alba also details all the new programs LHW has developed to support its luxury hotel partners and the travel advisors who sell them. For more information, visit www.lhw.com.

Jan 19, 2025
Jan 19, 2025
5 min
Lindsey Ueberroth, chief executive officer for Preferred Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. Ueberroth details the growth of her Preferred Hotels & Resorts hotel collection, including the newest luxury hotels added to the group. She also describes new sustainable programs and much more. For more information, visit www.preferredhotels.com.

Jan 16, 2025
Jan 16, 2025
13 min
Misty Belles, senior vice president of communications for Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about Virtuoso’s latest surveys of the luxury market. Where are luxury travelers going, what kind of experience are they looking for, and how travel advisors are selling are all covered in this comprehensive view of the luxury market. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

Jan 15, 2025
Jan 15, 2025
9 min
J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. O’Hara, whose group includes Global Travel Collection and Travel Leaders Network, tells us why Internova made such a big splash at ILTM, including a large sign on the front of the Palais in Cannes, and a large group of advisors attending the event. He also details the latest survey of the luxury travel market. For more information, visit www.internova.com.

Jan 14, 2025
Jan 14, 2025
8 min
Richard Valtr, founder of Mews, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his cloud-based property management system, designed to automate and streamline operations for hospitality brands. Valtr explains how Mews enables a seamless, guest-centric experience, shifting the focus from the room to the guest. For more information, visit www.mews.com.

Jan 14, 2025
Jan 14, 2025
9 min
Simon Drake, general manager of The Store, Oxford, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. Drake describes his new property, which is located in a former department store in Oxford, England, and what it offers guests. For more information, visit www.thestoreoxford.com.

Jan 13, 2025
Jan 13, 2025
11 min
Insider ILTM Video: Marion Walsh-Hédouin, global head of marketing and communications for Minor Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about Minor’s growth in luxury hotels. Minor has even launched itself as its own brand, overseeing such expanding luxury chains as Anantara, Tivoli, NH Collection and more, to become one of the fastest growing luxury hotel companies in the world. For more information, visit www.minorhotels.com.

Jan 13, 2025
Jan 13, 2025
10 min
Seth Borko, head of research at Skift, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Skift's megatrends report for 2025. Borko highlights a few big trends, including a slow and steady growth in travel demand, the rise of event-based tourism, and how consumer preferences are shifting toward authenticity and cooler climates. Borko also discusses emerging trends such as pet travel, the role of artificial intelligence in the industry and cultural shifts in destinations. For more information, visit www.skift.com.

Jan 12, 2025
Jan 12, 2025
20 min
Steve Perillo, president and CEO of Perillo Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the history and legacy of his famed family-owned company, which now specializes in much more than tours to Italy. Perillo now offers Italy, Hawaii, Greece, Spain and Portugal, plus group tours and customized travel. For more information, visit www.perillotours.com.

Jan 12, 2025
Jan 12, 2025
11 min
Barbara Muckermann, CEO of Kempinski Hotels, and Anna Nash, president-global for Explora Journeys, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about how they each just made the switch from luxury cruises to luxury hotels—and vice versa. Muckermann, a longtime luxury cruise executive with Silversea, is taking on a new challenge heading up Kempinski, while Nash, who had been with Aman for over 10 years, has now moved to head up Explora Journeys. For more information, visit www.kempinski.com or www.explorajourneys.com.

Jan 9, 2025
Jan 9, 2025
13 min
Mario Del Duca, managing director of NUBA in the U.S., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his Spain- and Mexico-based luxury travel agency and DMC is working to grow in the United States to target the Spanish-speaking market. NUBA, a member of Virtuoso, just opened an office in Miami is seeking to add travel advisors and sell its travel products here too. For more information, visit www.NUBA.com.

Jan 9, 2025
Jan 9, 2025
6 min
Frank Marrenbach, CEO and managing partner of Althoff Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show. Marrenbach unveils Althoff’s two newest properties in Cologne and Frankfurt as the latest hotels in this growing collection. For more information, visit www.althoffhotels.com.

Jan 9, 2025
Jan 9, 2025
12 min
Jennifer Tombaugh, CEO of Tauck, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the company’s upcoming 100th anniversary, why it matters to travel advisors and their clients, and all the new tour and cruise products Tauck has in store for the coming year. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.

Jan 8, 2025
Jan 8, 2025
11 min
Brad Yared, manager of youth activities aboard Disney Treasure, talks with Sherman DeJohn of Insider Travel Report about the ship's offerings for children and families. He describes the Disney Oceaneers Club for ages 3 to 10, featuring interactive activities like designing roller coasters, themed storytelling, and character visits, as well as a secure check-in system. He also highlights spaces for younger and older age groups, such as the It’s a Small World Nursery, Edge for tweens and Vibe for teens, along with family-friendly events across the ship. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com and www.disneytravelagents.com.

Jan 8, 2025
Jan 8, 2025
8 min
Matt Cammaert, senior vice president of marketing and outside sales at Kensington, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his newly restricted luxury operator. Kensington now offers a slew of tour, cruise, yacht and villa products to suit every luxury traveler. For more information, visit www.kensingtontours.com.

Jan 7, 2025
Jan 7, 2025
8 min
Gonçalo Mexia Alves, head of sales for Octant Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his group of luxury properties located in key cities and towns throughout Portugal, which has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Alves details his grown collection of hotels and what they can offer to your clients. For more information, visit www.octanthotels.com.

Jan 7, 2025
Jan 7, 2025
14 min
Jenny Winebloom, vice president of Disney Live Entertainment, talks with Sherman DeJohn of Insider Travel Report about the entertainment aboard the Disney Treasure. She highlights Broadway-style shows like The Tale of Moana, deck shows, interactive activities and themed dining experiences, all tailored to the ship’s adventure theme. Entertainment spans from high-energy events to culturally rooted performances, offering a variety of experiences for all ages. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com and www.disneytravelagents.com.

Jan 6, 2025
Jan 6, 2025
9 min
Marina Efraimoglou, owner Euphoria Retreat, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show. Efraimoglou tells her inspiration story about how she founded her unique wellbeing resort in Mystras, Sparta in Greece. The property has become a widely recognized retreat for its setting and its many wellness programs. For more information, visit www.euphoriaretreat.com.

Jan 6, 2025
Jan 6, 2025
13 min
Daniel Cowan, senior manager-dining services for Disney Cruise Line, talks with Sherman Dejon of Insider Travel Report about the food and beverage options aboard the Disney Treasure. Cowan highlights rotational dining with themed venues like Plaza de Coco and World of Marvel, fine dining restaurants, casual options and unique spaces like Hook’s Barbary. He also emphasizes the role of the crew in creating seamless dining experiences. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com or www.disneytravelagents.com.

Jan 5, 2025
Jan 5, 2025
8 min
Nicholas Streff, vice president-strategy and communications for Belmond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show. Streff details the newest trains, barges and hotels in Belmond’s growing portfolio. For more information, visit www.belmond.com.

Jan 5, 2025
Jan 5, 2025
10 min
Jodi Bainter, vice president of domestic leisure sales at The Walt Disney Company, talks with Sherman DeJohn of Insider Travel Report about Disney's newest ship, Disney Treasure. Painter highlights the ship’s unique features, including its focus on adventure, immersive Disney-themed spaces like the Haunted Mansion Parlor and the innovative Plaza de Coco dining experience. She also details the ship's itineraries, stateroom options, entertainment, and amenities designed for families and adults. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com or www.disneytravelagents.com.

Jan 2, 2025
Jan 2, 2025
6 min
Bob van den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. Van Den Oord details the newest luxury hotels in the Langham group and where the company is planning to expand in the future. For more information, visit www.langhamhotels.com.

Jan 2, 2025
Jan 2, 2025
13 min
Dana Santucci, chairman of the United States Tour Operations Association (USTOA) talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report just after last month’s USTOA Marketplace & Conference in Marco Island, Florida, Santucci, who is also executive vice president of EF Education First, details what USTOA has accomplished during her second term as chairman and what she hopes to do for the remainder of term, including increase the economic impact of the group, develop new consumer campaigns and tackle tour operator sustainability. For more information, visit www.ustoa.com.
