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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 May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Andrea Grisdale, founder and CEO of IC Bellagio, the high-end Italy specialist, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why she’s partnering with the World Travel & Tourism Council on a new consumer campaign promoting the benefits of sustainable tourism. Grisdale, who has played an active role in WTTC in recent years, wants travelers to truly understand the benefits that travel and tourism brings to communities around the world. For more information, visit www.wttc.com or www.icbellagio.com.
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Eva Mount, general manager of The BoTree, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her brand new luxury hotel located just a block off Oxford Street in London. The newbuild property features a variety of modern accommodations, a classic bar and a new Lavo Italian restaurant. It’s the perfect property to book for those clients interested in high-end shopping and classic London sightseeing. For more information, visit www.thebotree.com.
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Jamie Paiko, vice president-sales, North America for Cunard, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the fourth Queen in the fleet, which offers a mix of classic Cunard luxury with a modern twist. With sumptuous suites, dining in the classic grills and specialty restaurants, West End theatrical shows and nightly entertainment, Queen Anne offers a Cunard experience for a new age. For more information, visit www.cunard.com.
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
Tristan Armstrong, newly named CEO of Rocky Mountaineer, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his famed luxury rail company offering rail tours in Canada and the U.S. Armstrong isn’t new to the brand: He’s the son of Rocky Mountaineer founder Peter Armstrong and grew up living and breathing his family’s trains—the ultimate model railroad. For more information, visit www.rockymountaineer.com.
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
Matt Gleaves, vice president-commercial for Cunard, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury cruise line’s new Queen Anne, the fourth Queen in Cunard’s fleet. Gleaves talks with Shillinglaw a day after both disembarked on a one-night preview in Southampton of the ship, which marries Cunard tradition with a thoroughly modern style and includes brand new dining venues, West End and Broadway caliber entertainment, magnificent suites and much more. For more information, visit www.cunard.com.
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Renata Bacal, entertainment and engagement manager on Star Pride, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about all the performances, games, speakers, parties and other attractions offered on her Windstar Cruises ship, which can carry up 312 guests. Bacal details all the things guests can do onboard this small ship, in this case as it cruises the Canary Islands and Madeira. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why she named the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners in Australia as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit, the line’s newest purpose-built expedition ship, which has been sailing since late last year. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s June 22-July 2, 2024 voyage in the Kimberley region of Australia. The Wunambal Gaambera people are the Traditional Owners of a region in the Kimberley. Leahy also talks about how her twin luxury expedition ships—Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit have been received by the market. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
Andreas Pitsch, veteran hotel general manager on Star Pride, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what guests experience onboard the Windstar Cruises ship, which was stretched to two years ago accommodate more passengers, a bigger spa, revamped suites and two new restaurants. Pitsch details the accommodations, the dining and the service onboard. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
Belinda Hindmarsh, deputy CEO-global business for Ponant, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what’s to come for her French-owned luxury expedition cruise line. Hindmarsh describes Ponant’s growing fleet of sustainable ships, including the flagship Le Commandant Charcot, as well as plans for the “greenest” cruise ship ever, set to debut as early 2030. She also details some of the most innovative itineraries to off-the-beaten-path destinations in the cruise business. For more information, visit https://us.ponant.com.
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing, talks with Lark Gould of Insider Travel Report about Carnival Cruise Line's latest ship, Carnival Firenze, as it sets off on its inaugural voyage through the Mexican Riviera from Long Beach, Ca. Perez discusses what separates Firenze's "Fun, Italian Style" from sister ships and what's new for the popular cruise brand. For more information, visit www.goccl.com or www.carnival.com.
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report talks with tourists, shopkeepers, new citizens, hotel managers, students and the manager of Tel Aviv's LGBTQ Center to find out what they think about the prospects for the return of tourism. From Tel Aviv to Haifa to Jerusalem, Lutz discusses safety during the war, diversity throughout the country, and how Israel is moving forward. Highlights include how different cultures and religions live side by side, Israel's gay community and hospitality in times of struggle. For more information on Israel tourism, visit www.israel.travel.
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Janet Bava, chief commercial officer for Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the President’s Cruise on Star Pride about what the future holds for the small ship cruise line. Bava highlights the Windstar’s growth plans, with two new small ships joining the fleet in 2025 and 2026, as well as how the line has completely renovated its existing fleet of sailing and motorized yachts. She also details how Windstar is offering new itineraries, with two ships now sailing in Tahiti, a new Canary Islands cruise, and much more. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Bennet Caplan, owner of Thinkers Distillery in Jerusalem, speaks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about gin, vodka, cocktails and how better chemistry makes better drinks. Caplan discusses the various tours and tastings offered at Thinkers Distillery, including what visitors can expect to learn, drink and eat (with a longer tour). HE also shares how Thinkers supplied energy snacks to Israeli troops and worked as a community to support other Israelis during the war. Originally from New York, Caplan is a rabbi with various secondary degrees who loves to share knowledge and stories over the best drink you'll ever have. For more information, visit https://thinkersdistillery.com/en/ or www.israel.travel.
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Wolfgang Gartner, head of international marketing for Saxony Tourism in Germany, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about Saxony's tourism sector, highlighting its cultural richness, compact geography and unique attractions like Dresden and Görlitz. Gartner reviews recent initiatives, the integration of history into tourism, as well as Saxony's diverse landscapes, culinary offerings and future sustainability trends. For more information, visit www.visitsaxony.com.
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on board his President’s Cruise on Star Pride about Windstar’s new Canary Islands itinerary, two ships deployed in Tahiti, the line’s acquisition of two new vessels and much more. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Friday May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
Andrea Pier, commercial director of Chemnitz, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about the German city's cultural initiatives and attractions, including museums, nature activities, and its strategic location near major cities like Berlin and Dresden. With Chemnitz designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2025, Pier emphasizes the community's strength and ongoing projects for future tourism. For more information, visit www.chemnitz.travel.
Friday May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
Ellen Shapiro, director of public relations for North America for the Israel Ministry of Tourism, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about visiting Israel today and in the future. Shapiro discusses the people and groups coming to Israel now, and how the travel industry has survived during the war, including its role in housing evacuees after Oct. 7. She also talks about the near-term future of tourism in Israel, the ongoing interest in Israel as a destination, and the support and dedication people are showing for the country and its tourism industry, as well as what's most special about Israel for her. For more information, visit www.israel.travel.
Friday May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
Kathy Mehring and Heather Hendrix, regional sales directors at ALG Vacations®, talk with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about how ALGV is celebrating Travel Advisor Appreciation Month. Showing its gratitude towards advisors, ALG Vacations is celebrating ALGVPros with vacation giveaways, promotions, incentives, surprises and much more all month long! For more information, visit www.algvacations.com/TAAM.
Thursday May 02, 2024
Thursday May 02, 2024
Thursday May 02, 2024
Thursday May 02, 2024
Michal Shiloah Galnoor, managing director at Western Galilee Now, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about off-the-beaten-path tourism in Israel, working with small businesses and promoting sustainable tourism. Galnoor details how you can travel around Israel safely now and work with Western Galilee to plan trips that focus on traditional family shops, artistic studios and culinary experiences. She also highlights the diversity of Israel and the many different cultural groups in the country. Finally, Galnoor discusses how the many different cultural and religious groups continue living together peacefully and what this taught her about her country. For more information, visit www.westgalil.org.il/en or www.israel.travel.
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Laura McCorry, head of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the historic significance of her castle and its role in pivotal events, such as the Good Friday Agreement, a landmark peace accord ending the decades-long conflict known as "The Troubles," which had plagued Northern Ireland since the late 1960s. McCorry highlights the launch of a new U.S. shared history tour, inviting visitors to experience the castle's political and cultural heritage, along with other attractions in Northern Ireland. For more information, visit www.Ireland.com and www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle.
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Elad Rapoport, general manager of the Herbert Samuel Milos Dead Sea Hotel, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about his property in Israel's Dead Sea region. Rapoport describes the private pools in many of the rooms, the stunning lobby, and how guests can choose to stay at the hotel or come for a day to use facilities and float in the Dead Sea. He also talks about what hospitality means to him and how hosting evacuees from Oct. 7 attacks deepened his understanding of how to welcome people in all moments of their lives. For more information, visit https://herbertsamuel.com/en/milos-dead-sea-hotel or www.israel.travel.
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Guy Young, chief engagement officer for TTC Tour Brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about tour trends in the market, new tools and programs for travel advisors, sustainable touring, and how TTC Tour Brands offers a tour product for every client since it encompasses Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Contiki, Costsaver, Luxury Gold and more. For more information, visit https://agents.ttc.com.
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of HX, the expedition cruise product from Hurtigruten, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about ESG (environmental, social and governance) ratings as a way to quantify HX's long-standing commitment to sustainability. This includes use of shore power, community support and onboard scientific research, all while achieving upscale experiential luxury. Skjeldam also encourages travel advisors to promote expedition cruising through HX's training programs. For more information, visit www.TravelHX.com.
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Jason Gardener, incoming tourism manager of Isrotel Hotel Group, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the culture and values that define his hotels located throughout Israel. Speaking in one of Isrotel’s Design properties, the Alberto Hotel in Tel Aviv, Gardener discusses the hospitality that defines both his company and the Israeli people. He highlights ihow Isrotel properties hosted evacuees after Oct. 7 attack, describes different hotel categories and shares a few of his favorite Isrotel properties. For more information, visit www.Isrotel.com.
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Shaun Benesch, chief financial officer of the Flockhill Lodge in New Zealand, talks with Lark Gould of Insider Travel Report about the history and transformation of a former sheep station into a luxury lodge accessible by car, train or helicopter. Venishek discusses how the lodge caters to high-end guests, offering a range of wilderness and wellness activities on a vast property, with new villas coming in December. For more information, visit www.flockhillnz.com.
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Mika Rabinovich, a certified Israeli tourism guide, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the key places visited during a week of traveling around Israel on a trip sponsored by Israel Ministry of Tourism. Highlights include where to go during this critical time in Israel and how to experience lesser-known areas of the country. Speaking at the Alberto Hotel in Tel Aviv, Rabinovich highlights the major attractions, such as the Old City in Jerusalem and the Dead Sea region, and talks with Lutz about how it feels traveling around Israel during the war. For more information, contact Mika Rabinovich directly at 011-972 54-541-1434 or visit www.israel.travel.
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism & Marketing, Inc., and Ian Gooding-Edghill, minister of tourism and international transport for Barbados, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Seatrade Global in Miami about the growth of the island's cruise industry, highlighting increased passenger numbers and calls, and plans to become a southern Caribbean hub. They also discuss efforts to boost airlift from the U.S. and U.K., new hotels and attractions, and programs like Elite Travel Training and fam trips to support travel advisors. A travel advisor portal will be available soon. For more information, visit www.visitbarbados.org.
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Alecia Maurer, owner of Archer Travel Group in Cherokee, Iowa, and Joyce Nelson, owner of Honeybee Travel in Virginia Beach, Va., talk with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report at the recent ALG Vacations “Pros on the Go” event at Breathless Resort Riviera Cancun. Mauer specializes in all-inclusive vacations while Nelson focuses on adults-only properties, and both express gratitude for their association with ALGV and discuss site inspections, classes and excursions. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com or www.vaxvacationaccess.com.
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Karina Ansos, managing director of Hotel Adlon Kempinski, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her iconic hotel, which has a long history and reputation as the place to stay in the Berlin. Ansos details the history of her hotel, its unique rooms and suites, dining options, spa and its magnificent location overlooking the Brandenburg Gate. For more information, visit www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-adlon.
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Liam Dunch, product manager-Europe for Abercrombie & Kent, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the A&K 100 Club held earlier this month in Chicago about how his luxury tour operator delivers incredible travel experiences in almost every part of Europe, using its network of dedicated DMCs. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Rachael Palumbo, vice president of global brand marketing for Nobu Hospitality, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the growth of the Nobu brand, including the announcement of its 40th hotel in Vietnam and expansion plans globally. Palumbo also highlights the unique features of a Nobu hotels, including its approach to location selection based on restaurant success, room types and amenities, and how travel advisors can book Nobu properties. For more information, visit www.NobuHotels.com.
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Stefanie Schmudde, senior vice president-global product strategy for Abercrombie & Kent, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the new tours, cruises, river cruises, private jet journeys and other experiences that A&K is developing with its dedicated DMCs. Schmudde previews all the destinations her luxury operator has on tap for this year and beyond. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Marett Taylor, chief sales officer for A&K Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the different types of luxury products you can sell from Abercrombie & Kent’s vast lineup of tours, cruises and private jet journeys. Taylor also details the synergies A&K has with sister cruise line Crystal, as well as the benefits of having DMCs in nearly every corner of the world. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Melissa Ow, chief executive for Singapore Tourism Board, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Singapore's tourism recovery, noting that two million cruise passengers visited in 2023, with the U.S. being the fourth-largest source market. Ow highlights efforts to attract cruise lines, promote destinations, and address concerns like shore power and overtourism. For more information, visit www.stb.gov.sg.
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Geoffrey Kent, chairman emeritus for Abercrombie & Kent, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at A&K’s 100 Club event for top travel advisors in Chicago about his travel projects today, including a series of Inspiring Expeditions and Private Jet trips that he will host himself. Most of all, Kent shows how he’s still enthusiastic about travel today and enthusiastic about new destinations around the world. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Koreen McNutt, senior vice president and commercial sales officer for MSC Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the upcoming launch of MSC World America in Miami in 2025. McNutt details how the ship’s seven districts will give the large ship the flow of a mid-sized ship, as well as the ability to cater to various guest demographics, including families. McNutt also covers new itineraries, an open future booking program that protects the original travel advisor, and the construction of MSC's new terminal in Port Miami. For more information, visit www.MSCBook.com or www.MSCCruisesUSA.com.
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Chris Austin, chief sales officer of Explorer Journeys, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how his nine-month-old brand feels like a legacy cruise line that has been around for a lot longer. Austin attributes this success to hard work, a vision from the owners, the Aponte family, and listening to guest feedback to continuously improve. For more information and a booking suite for travel advisors, visit www.ExploraJourneys.com.
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Isabelle Von Berg, general manager of Lausanne Palace, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her classic luxury hotel in Lausanne, Switzerland, overlooking Lac Leman (Lake Geneva). With exquisite accommodations, great dining options, a large spa and even its own vineyard, Lausanne Palace continues to shine. Plus Von Berg is a native of Lausanne and went to school at the famed EHL (Ecole Hoteliers Lausanne) in the city, so after a long hospitality career she has come home. For more information, visit www.lausanne-palace.ch.
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Peter Priestly, food & beverage director onboard the new Sun Princess details the myriad dining options available on the ship,, including some new concepts to go along with Princess favorites. Priestly also details the many bar and lounge options, each with its own specially created cocktail. For more information, visit www.princess.com.
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Joerg Stricker, general manager of Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury hotel located just outside Cologne. The property has all the elegant trappings of a baroque castle, but also a posh dining experience at Vendome. For more information, visit www.althoffcollection.com.
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Chris Theophilides, president of Celestyal Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami about his Greece and Eastern Mediterranean specialist cruise line’s complete transformation. Celestyal now has two newly revamped ships, new itineraries and a strategy to offer cruises all year long, including sailings in the Arabian Gulf. For more information, visit www.celestyal.com.
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Razvan Kefer, general manager of Ameron Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa, part of the Althoff Hotel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why his hotel is simply the best for those wanting to see King Ludwig’s famous castles, including the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein. The lakeside property, which is spread across five buildings, has comfortable accommodations, a full spa and great dining options. For more information, visit www.ameroncollection.com.
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Corinne Steel, cruise director for Sun Princess, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the entertainment and activities guests can find onboard the newest ship in the Princess fleet. From an acrobatic circus-like show in the signature Dome to full production shows in the Princess Arena, there’s something for everyone on Sun Princess, plus tons of activities and games to experience. For more information, visit www.princess.com.
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Craig Street, captain of Sun Princess, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand new “Love Boat,” currently sailing in the Mediterranean. Capt. Street focuses on the ship’s sustainability as the first Princess ship to run on liquefied national gas (LNG). He also reveals his favorite dining venues and other highlights that make this ship the biggest and best yet in the Princess fleet. For more information, visit www.princess.com.
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Vincent Ludwig, general manager of Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury resort in Bavaria, located on the Lake Tegernsee just an hour from Munich. Ludwig details the sumptuous accommodations, large spa, exquisite dining options and top service that his property delivers to guests. For more information, visit www.althoffcollection.com.
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Seatrade Cruise Global, detailing the premium line's consumer-led approach to longer voyages and onboard experiences, including entertainment and food tailored to the regions visited. Antorcha explains how the fresh fish served is delivered from ocean to table in less than 48 hours, and is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Seatrade Cruise Global about why NCLH just contracted for eight new ships across its three brands—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas. Sommer provides an update on where his company is today as the cruise industry continues its resurgence. For more information, visit www.nclhltd.com.
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Frank Marrenbach, CEO of Althoff Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his group of luxury hotels located mostly in Germany, but with outposts in London and St. Tropez. These high-end properties feature excellent cuisine, relaxing spas, wonderful service and great locations, making them great options for your luxury clients. For more information, visit www.althoffhotels.com.
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Carmen Roig, vice president of sales for Princess Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about her premium cruise line’s newest and largest ship. From its revolutionary Sphere-design midships to its Dome amphitheater on the top deck near the bow, Sun Princess delivers a very different kind of Princess experience to guests, including great dining options and even a magic show, Spellbound by Magic Castle. For more information, visit www.princesscruises.com.