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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
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Jason Van Esso, founder of Crewfare, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his relatively new travel agency that provides a white level travel service for major entertainment events. Van Esso had previously developed STFU & Party, a travel agency specializing in student travel, but now he’s working to corner the market on travel for concerts and major events with Crewfare. For more information, visit www.crewfare.com.
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Marketa Bdinkova, general manager of Hotel Passage in Brno, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her property in the heart of Brno in the Czech Republic, which was initially built in 1928 as a designer hotel, but has not been completely refurbished. It features more 100 designer rooms, a top restaurant and an amazing great hall for major events. For more information, visit www.hotelpassage.eu.
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Adam Vodicka, founder of the Hotel Anybody, gives James Shillinglaw a tour of his mini-boutique hotel in Brno, Czech Republic. What’s so different about the Anyone? It’s designed to let couples rediscover romance in one of its themed rooms, from a James Bond-themed suite to a La Dolce Vita room to a Barbarella suite (think space helmets on a round bed). For more information on this quirky, fun and yes, romantic property, visit www.anybody.cz.
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Jason Van Esso, founder of Crewfare, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his relatively new travel agency that provides a white level travel service for major entertainment events. Van Esso had previously developed STFU & Party, a travel agency specializing in student travel, but now he’s working to corner the market on travel for concerts and major events with Crewfare. For more information, visit www.crewfare.com.
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Cara Wallace, chief marketing officer of Royal Caribbean International, talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report about Icon of the Seas, which is 80 percent complete at the shipyard in in Turku, Finland. Wallace details the ship’s target market, expansive size, pricing, new inclusions on board, and how travel advisors can best promote it to their clients. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com/icon-of-the-seas.
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Jana Krausova, a licensed guide in Olomouc, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a tour of this historic town whose massive walls contain Hapsburg palaces, scenic squares and a very different kind of town clock. It’s also a university town with lots of cool bars and restaurants. To contact Krausnova email jana.krausova@vilaprimavesi.cz. For more information on travel in Czechia, visit www.visitczechia.com.
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Roberto Moscara, general manager of the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his hotel, which is well-located next to the Convention Center and an entertainment complex. With a great selection o restaurants, a casino, a popl and a spa, the refurbished property, which earlier this month hosted the ASTA Global Conference, is the perfect place to combine a business and leisure trip. It’s close to Old San Jan but also right across the street from the convention center. For more information, click on Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort.
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Adolf Perez, Carnival Cruise Line’s senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Carnival’s new program and contest to help travel advisors develop better business plans. In multiple events around the country, Carnival will feature experts in small business planning so advisors can create their own business plans, which in turn will be judged by a panel from Carnival, ASTA and CLIA, with a top prize of $5,000. To register, travel advisors should visit www.GoCCL.com.
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Angela Hughes, owner of Trips & Ships Travel in Winter Garden, Fla., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about where her luxury travel business is today now that we’ve fully emerged from the COVID era. Hughes, who is one of the top advisors in the Travel Leaders Network, details what’s selling well, her top destinations and how she’s grown her luxury travel program for other advisors. For more information, visit www.tripsandships.com or www.travelleaders.com.
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Jana Markova, a licensed guide furnished by Czech Tourism, gives James Shillinglaw a quick tour of Prague, including the famed Prague Castle, cathedral, Lesser Town, Charles Bridge, Jewish quarter and much more. Rediscover Prague as it is today, a vibrant city of history, culture, dining and much more. For more information, visit www.visitczechia.com or www.absolutelyprague.com.
Monday May 29, 2023
Monday May 29, 2023
David Crooks, senior vice president of product and operations for World Travel Holdings, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the recent EDGE conference about why his cruise-selling powerhouse was selected as Travel Leaders Network's Affiliate of the Year. Crooks details how World Travel Holdings, parent of such agencies as Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, as well as many other travel brands, are growing their business (owned by Brad and Jeff Tolkin) to new heights after the pandemic. For more information, visit www.worldtravelholdings.com or www.travelleadersnetwork.com.
Monday May 29, 2023
Monday May 29, 2023
Petr Vanicek, sales executive-luxury leisure for the Andaz Prague, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a tour of this modern yet historic hotel, located in the city's old sugar palace. Opened in 2022, the property features spacious suites and rooms, a fantastic restaurant, and unique art elements throughout the public areas. Andaz Prague, has just the right location and ambiance to deliver a luxurious but comfortable stay for your clients in this captivating city. For more information, visit www.andazprague.com.
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
Jan Korta, director of sales and marketing for the Aria Hotel in Prague’s Lesser Town, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his unique boutique property located just below Prague Castle and steps from the famed Charles Bridge. Korta details how each suite in the hotel has a musical theme ranging from classical to jazz and beyond. He also showcases the hotel’s great restaurant and its rooftop. For more information, visit www.ariahotel.net.
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
Neelie Kruse, CTC, owner of Cary Travel Express in Cary, Ill., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how she has stuck with MAST Travel Network to help build her business. Kruse, one of MAST’s top advisors, explains how the agency cooperative delivers the services, support and networking she needs to keep her brick-and-mortar agency on top in sales for the network. For more information, visit www.carytravelexpress.com or www.mvptravel.com.
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
Dave Hershberger, owner of Prestige Travel in Cincinnati, last month won Travel Leaders Network 2023 Golden Legacy associate award, which recognizes outstanding professionalism and commitment both to the network and to the travel industry. In this interview, Hershberger talks about how his agency has grown over the years and how he got so involved with ASTA, for which he served as chairman, and with Travel Leaders itself. For more information, visit www.prestige-travel.com or www.travelleadersnetwork.com.
Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
Jenny Cagle, owner of Elm Grove Travel in Elm Grove, Wis., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the recent MAST Travel Network conference in Las Vegas about how she has used support and programs from MAST to grow her agency's business to become one of the top sellers in the network. For more information, visit www.mvptravel.com or www.elkgrovetravel.com.
Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales at Allianz Partners USA, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the recent American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Global Travel Convention in San Juan about the newest technology being introduced by the giant travel insurance firm—a digital brochure portal for insurance programs. Aquino also talks about the latest trends, including a survey in travel to Europe and much more. For more information, visit www.allianztravelinsurance.com
Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
Adnan-Daniel Al Dabbas, hotel manager at the Mozart Prague, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his historic hotel located next to the Vltava River with views of the famed Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Al Dabbas describes the many categories of rooms this former palace, including some opulent suites (one named after Mozart). He also details food and beverage options and other amenities. For more information, visit www.themozart.com.
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Jan Herget, CEO of Czech Tourism, now newly renamed Visit Czechia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the annual trade event for Czech tour operators and suppliers in Brno last month. Herget details why the Czech Republic changed its name for tourism marketing, how the country’s tourism infrastructure is improving, and why visitors should now venture far beyond Prague to such places as Brno and Moravia to explore Czechia’s tourism riches. For more information, visit www.visitczechia.com.
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Diane Petrus, president of The Travel Institute, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the organization is going to celebrate its upcoming 60th anniversary with even more programs, training and resources for travel advisors and other travel professionals. For more information, email petras@thetravelinstitute.com or visit www.thetravelintitute.org.
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
John Werner, CTC, president and chief operating officer of MAST Travel Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at MAST’s recent conference in Las Vegas about how his boutique travel agency cooperative keeps its membership base and provides essential services and products for advisors while competing against much larger groups. Werner details how MAST has grown beyond its Midwestern roots and what the secrets are to its success. For more information, visit www.mvptravel.com.
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Chef Sinisa Jevrosimov of Zori Timeless Hotel talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the gourmet food he cooks up at this boutique hotel, which began as a famed restaurant before recently adding four luxury villas. Chef Jevrosimov reveals his culinary influences and how he delivers Michelin-star quality food (he doesn’t have the Michelin star quite yet) on a beautiful island property located just off the island of Hvar in Croatia. It’s a destination restaurant in a spectacular destination. For more information, visit www.zori.hr.
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Fotoulla Damaskos, executive vice president-brand strategy and innovation at National Research Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about a new NRG Survey on artificial intelligence (AI) and what impact it will have on the travel industry. AI has main a major topic at almost every travel agency conference in the last few months, so we ask Damaskos just how it will affect travel advisors and their operations. For the complete survey, click on NRG AI Travel Survey.
Monday May 22, 2023
Monday May 22, 2023
Iva Tomlinovic, owner of Zori Timeless Hotel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her newly refurbished hotel in Palmižana on the island of Sveti Klement, just off the coast of the island of Hvar in Croatia. The property began as a well-known and awarded restaurant, frequented by the yachting crowd, but it has now added four luxury villas that feature pools, exquisite decor and highly comfortable accommodations. For more information, visit www.zori.hr.
Monday May 22, 2023
Monday May 22, 2023
Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of luxury travel network Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week's Virtuoso Symposium in Montreal about how his organization has changed during the pandemic to meet the evolving needs of its travel advisors, preferred suppliers and luxury travel customers. Upchurch describes the strategies his group has followed and how it's recreating itself to reflect the new luxury market. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Friday May 19, 2023
Friday May 19, 2023
Katie Williams, chief operating officer and co-founder of Tern, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her new company is working to build back office operating system for travel agencies. Williams says Tern looked at the technology in the travel ecosystem and found it to be fragmented and disparate. The company’s response was to begin building system that combines trip planning, CRM, task management, messaging, commission management and more for any size agency. For more information, visit www.tern.travel.
Friday May 19, 2023
Friday May 19, 2023
Ricarda Lindner, regional manage- the Americas and director of the foreign representatives office USA for Germany, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how travel to Germany has grown since the pandemic, as well as the many reasons why the country keeps being ranked first in the Nation Brands Index. For more information, visit www.germany.travel.
Thursday May 18, 2023
Thursday May 18, 2023
John Dennis, vice president of sales and marketing for Viva Cruises in North America, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what makes his upscale all-inclusive European river ships different and how travel advisors can expect to get commissions starting at 15 percent and with no NCFs when they sell Viva. For more information, call 833-937-8482, email sales@US.Viva-Cruises.com or visit www.Viva-Cruises.com.
Thursday May 18, 2023
Thursday May 18, 2023
Edouard Jean, owner of Massive Travels in New York City, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan about why he started his travel agency and how he became so involved in the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). This year helped his New York City ASTA chapter win ASTA Chapter of the Year -Small Business Excellence honors as well as the ASTA President’s Travel Advisor Leadership Award. For more information, visit www.massivetravels.com or www.asta.org.
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Andrea Kruse, chief operating officer for Viva Cruises and parent company Scylla Group, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her all-inclusive river cruise company's newest ship Viva Two, with its unusual bar placement, midway between Deck 2 and 3. Kruse gives her insight on the ship’s revolutionary design and how Viva wants to approach the U.S. market. For more information, visit www.viva-cruises.com.
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Wednesday May 17, 2023
Terika L. Haynes, owner of Dynamite Travel in Melbourne, Fla., talks to James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan about why the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) named her this year's ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year. Haynes, who is the first black woman to win the award, is a luxury travel advisor who has grown her business dramatically by appealing to a diverse group of clients. She's also become a major force in ASTA and serves as a role model for travel advisors everywhere. For more information, visit www.asta.org or www.sodynamite.com.
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about a new partnership between Virginia Tourism, United Airlines and Saks Fifth Avenue. For two weeks, the store’s windows at the corner of 50th Street and Fifth Ave. were decorated to raise awareness of Virginia’s 15 exclusive Luxury Resort Collection properties. McClenny also discusses the state’s latest travel trends, hotels, attractions and more. For more information, visit www.Virginia.org/United and www.Virginia.org.
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Roger Block, president of Travel Leaders Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his agency members are doing so far in 2023 and how membership is growing. Block also details the latest new programs begun by Travel Leaders, including a new cruise booking system, an upgraded Intranet, a upcoming overall booking system and improvements to Travel Leaders’ Agent Profiler. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork or www.travelleaders.com.
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
Derrick Steinour, director of sales and marketing for the Hilton West Palm Beach, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his resort attached to the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Steinour describes how business and multi-gen travelers can stay for the great weather, the beach and the resort’s robust facilities, including spacious suites, pool, fitness center and great culinary experiences. He also talks about the enhancements planned for public areas, standard suites, pool and food outlets to happen between June and October. For more information, visit www.HiltonWestPalmBeach.com.
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Travel Leaders Network EDGE conference in Nashville about where the network stands today and how its members have recovered from the pandemic period. Lovell details how Travel Leaders is leveraging the power of its parent Internova Travel Group, what sales look like for 2023 and into 2024, and why he believes now is the absolute “best time” to be a travel advisor. For more information, visit www.traveleadersnetwork.com.
Friday May 12, 2023
Friday May 12, 2023
Jennifer Hiblum, general manager of the Arlo Wynwood in Miami, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her hotel, which is similar to the three Arlos in Manhattan and one soon in Chicago. Arlo attracts young tech-savvy guests who spend little time in their small but comfortable rooms in favor of spending more time in robust public spaces. At Arlo Wynwood, this includes an almost Olympic-sized rooftop pool and bar, fine dining in Chef Brad Kilgore's Marygold, and a full-sized gym with a yoga balcony and classes. For more information, email Jhiblum@ArloHotels.com or visit www.Arlohotels.com/Wynwood.
Friday May 12, 2023
Friday May 12, 2023
Anita Pagliasso, president of the Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her growing group of host agencies and suppliers, which just completed its annual meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Pagliasso, who is also vice president of industry relations for SHM Travel Group (and a columnist for Insider Travel Report), updates us on PATH, talks about what happened at the highly interactive meeting that engaged both host agency owners and top suppliers, and what the future holds for PATH. For more information, visit www.path4hosts.com.
Thursday May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
Cynthia Zammit Maempel, a licensed guide furnished by Visit Malta, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a three-day tour of fabulous Malta. In part three of this three-part series, Maempel takes us to the Ta’ Betta Wine Estates to taste some great local wine. We revisit Mdina, former capital of Malta, to see the old town up close and discover more places to dine and stay. We see Malta’s rugged coastline with one of the sandy beaches available to visitors and see the medieval watch towers that line the coast. We visit Anchor Bay, known as the film location for the movie “Popeye” with Robin Williams (and the Popeye village is still there). Mampel shows us all that and a lot more on our last day touring the island. To reach Maempel, email cynthiazmaempel@hotmail.com, send a What’s App text to 00356-9947-8338 or contact her on LinkedIn. For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.
Thursday May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
Milton Segarra, chief marketing officer for Discover The Palm Beaches, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what makes his destination so different from the other Florida coastal towns surrounding it. The Palm Beaches are poised for an influx of visitors as the new Brightline trains extend service from Miami, past the Palm Beaches, and all the way to Orlando. For more information, visit www.ThePalmBeaches.com.
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Cynthia Zammit Maempel, a licensed guide furnished by Visit Malta, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a three-day tour of fabulous Malta. In part two of this three-part series, Maempel takes us to Gozo, the quieter more laid-back island where the Maltese themselves like to go on vacation. We take a ferry to the island to discover the pre-historic Ġgantija Temples, built before the famous standing stones at Stonehenge, and a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site. We visit the Qbajjar Salt Pans on the north coast of Gozo, where 350-year-old salt pans still produce salt for the local population. We visit the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, site of a religious miracle, have lunch at Neolitik Kitchen & Lounge and explore Rabat (Victoria) and its famous Citadel, part of the ancient fortified city at the center of the island. To reach Maempel, email cynthiazmaempel@hotmail.com, send a What’s App text to 00356-9947-8338 or contact her on LinkedIn. . For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Jackie Friedman, the new chair of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week's ASTA Global Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, about her long and active support of ASTA and what she hopes to accomplish during her two-year term. Friedman, who is president of host agency Nexion Travel Group and is the first host agency leader to be elected chair of ASTA, says among other things she will focus on growing ASTA membership and promoting the value of travel advisors. For more information, visit www.asta.org.
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Cynthia Zammit Maempel, a licensed guide furnished by Visit Malta, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a three-day tour of fabulous Malta. In part one of this three-part series, Maempel takes us on a journey to explore the pre-historic temples of Hagar Qim, dating back to 3200 B.C.; the beautiful Blue Grotto on Malta’s coast, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk; magnificent UNESCO heritage city of Valletta and St. John’s Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece; and Upper Barrakka Gardens, with incredible views across the Grand Harbor. To reach Maempel, email cynthiazmaempel@hotmail.com, send a What’s App text to 00356-9947-8338 or contact her on LinkedIn. For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Global Convention last week in San Juan about ASTA’s growing membership, new programs to promote the value of travel advisors and help train new travel advisor professionals, how ASTA is lobbying Congress and the administration in support of top advisor issues, and a lot more. For more information, visit www.asta.org.
Monday May 08, 2023
Monday May 08, 2023
Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the major changes for his Greece and Eastern Mediterranean cruise line, including a $21 million refurbishment of a new flagship, Celestyal Journey, formerly Holland America’s Ryndam, which will enter the fleet in September 2023. For more information, visit www.Celestyal.com.
Monday May 08, 2023
Monday May 08, 2023
Liam Gauci, the dynamic director and curator of the Malta Maritime Museum, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the great maritime history of Malta, a strategic island group in the middle of the Mediterranean. Gauci, who is still working to complete his museum's collection in Valletta, also offers great insight into the history and importance of Malta through the centuries. For more information, visit https://heritagemalta.mt or www.visitmalta.com.
Friday May 05, 2023
Friday May 05, 2023
Adrian Tonna, chief commercial officer for Xara Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his marvelous boutique hotel, the Xara Palace, located in a medieval palace in Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta. Tonna describes his Relais & Chateaux property's exquisitely decorated rooms and suites with great views, as well as a restaurant that delivers an amazing culinary experience. For more information, visit https://xaracollection.com.
Friday May 05, 2023
Friday May 05, 2023
Heidi Nanigian, owner of Heidi's Holidays, an independent contractor with Travel Concepts of Orange County, Calif., talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how she became a top producer for Pleasant Holidays. Nanigian says she works with Pleasant because of its great team of experienced destination specialists who respond quickly and offer 24-hour support. She also discusses Pleasant's contracted airfares, which enable her to offer clients a lower price, lower deposit and more flexible cancellation policies. For more information, visit www.pleasantagent.com.
Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
Christina Hawkins, a certified travel associate at AAA in South Carolina and a top producer for Pleasant Holidays, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how she helps her clients with AAA discounts on travel and more. Hawkins reveals the trending destinations and vacations for her business and how Pleasant Holidays helps grow her sales. For more information, visit www.pleasantagent.com.
Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
Robyn Pratt, general manager of the Phoenicia Malta, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury hotel located literally against the historic city walls of Valetta. The veteran general manager talks about her hotel’s wide range of accommodations, top dining options, a magnificent garden and an infinity pool with great views of Valetta and beyond. For more information, visit www.phoeniciamalta.com.
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Alexandra Pisani, general manager of the Corinthia Palace in Malta, talks with James Shillinglaw about her luxury hotel, the first in the famed chain, located in a quiet suburb of Valetta. Pisani describes the rooms and suites, the dining, the pools and spa, plus what it’s like to manage her family’s original hotel. For more information, visit www.corinthia.com.