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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 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.
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Sean Winton, president of Golf Inspired, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about the growth of the golf market and the role Golf Inspired has in providing resources and tools for travel advisors. Winton highlights the potential for advisors to tap into the profitable golf segment and offers insights into planning golf holidays, including the option to include a golf pro in the program. For more information, visit www.GolfInspired.com.
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Ted Adderley, vice president of sales for Atlantis Paradise Island, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report during the 25th anniversary celebration of the opening of the Royal Towers at Atlantis, the iconic hotel that has become one of the symbols of the Bahamas. Adderley, who began working for Atlantis more than 25 years ago, relates the history and development states of the massive resort, which was conceived and built by the legendary Sol Kerzner. For more information, visit www.atlantisbahamas.com.
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Peter Manice, co-founder and executive vice president of Tailwind Air, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his small airilne's history, its routes in the Northeast, including New York to Boston, and the advantages of flying by seaplane. With Tailwind, your clients can avoid airports and at 10,000 feet they have continuous internet and cell phone service throughout the flight. Manis also covers travel advisor commissions and the availability of fares ranging from $395 to $895 one way in the GDS. For more information, email VIP@FlyTailwind.com or visit www.FlyTailwind.com.
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
David Griffiths, event manager for the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about golfing's growth and highlights efforts to break stereotypes about golf being male-dominated. It now appeals to a broader audience, including women and younger players. Griffith also touches on the potential for combination golf and cruise trips and encourages businesses to explore golf-related opportunities for additional revenue. For more information, visit www.igtmarket.com.
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Oasis Travel Network CEO Lee Smolinski and Jill LaBarre, senior vice president of sales and industry engagement, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Signature Travel Network conference in Las Vegas about what’s new at OTN, one of the largest and fastest growing host agencies. OTN now has a brand new compensation program that provides top producing advisors with 100 percent commission. For more information, visit www.oasistravelnetwork.com.
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Karl Langdon, general manager of Ulusaba Game Reserve, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa. Comprised of Safari Lodge, Rock Lodge and Cliff Lodge, Ulusaba offers a family-friendly environment, surprise elements and immersive experiences. For more information, www.virginlimitededition.com/en/ulusaba.
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Karen Yeates, executive vice president-information technologies at Signature Travel Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the great new technology products the agency cooperative has introduced over the past year, as well as all the new tech to come. And yes, Yeates does address the elephant in the room—artificial intelligence (AI). For more information, visit www.signaturetravelnetwork.com.
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Alphonso Martinez, general manager of NIZUC Resort & Spa, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his unique, 10-year-old property, which remains one of the most modern and stylish resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. NIZUC recently hosted Embark immersion, the innovative conference held by Embark Beyond. For more information, visit www.nizuc.com.
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Federico Echaiz, area manager-Mexico for Belmond and general manager of the Belmond Maroma Belmond Resort, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury property, one of the first on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Echaiz describes the resort as it is today and how it will dramatically expand, almost doubling in size, by the end of this year. For more information, visit www.belmond.com.
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Kerry Dyer, Brownell Travel’s chief development officer, talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report during the 18th annual Brownell Academy in New Orleans about the agency’s record breaking revenues this year, the hosting and mentoring programs helping to ignite those sales figures, and why the agency isn’t concerned about the advent of artificial intelligence. For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com.
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Troy Haas, Brownell Travel’s president and CEO, talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report at this Birmingham, Ala.-based host agency’s annual conference, held earlier this month in New Orleans. Haas details the history of his luxury agency, which many regard as one of the first travel agencies in the U.S., as well as the new programs and services it offers to its independent advisors today. For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com.
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Alex Sharpe, president and CEO of Signature Travel Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Signature Conference held in Las Vegas earlier this month. Sharpe details how this record-setting event reflects how the agency cooperative is operating on all cylinders during a boom time for travel and is developing new technology, marketing and training for its agency members. For more information, visit www.signaturetravelnetwork.com.
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Carlos Salomon, general manager for NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, talks with James Shillinglaw about this surprisingly luxurious hotel that is the first U.S. location for NH Hotels, which itself is owned by Minor Hotels Group. NH Collection New York, a higher end brand extension of NH Hotels, has been completely renovated with redesigned large rooms and suites, a new bar and lounge, with food from Italian restaurant Serafina. For more information, visit www.nh-collection.com.
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Beth Butzlaff, senior vice president of global partner relations at Ensemble, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why she decided to join this travel agency consortium, which was acquired less than three years ago by Navigatr and is being completely revamped with new technology, new marketing, new training and more. Butzlaff says she was intrigued by the prospect of rebuilding a preferred partner program with cruise lines, hotels and resorts, tour operators, destination management companies and more so that Ensemble agencies can grow their travel sales and have more travel options for their clients. For more information, visit http://ensembletravel.com.
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Tillmann Blaschke, CEO of the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the history of Meissen, focusing on 313 years of porcelain manufacturing, including details about raw materials, craftsmanship and the intricate production process. Only 33 miles from Dresden, Meissen is a charming part of Saxony that you can get to by car or a quick train ride. For more information, visit www.VisitSaxony.com and www.Meissen.com.
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Eyal Carlin, tourism commissioner-North America for the Israel Ministry of Tourism, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about just what he and his team are doing in the wake of the tragic attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7, and the subsequent war between Israel and Hamas. What does a country do without tourism and how can Israel promote a country at war? Carlin details how he sees tourism to Israel emerging after the conflict and what the future hopefully holds for Israel. For more information, visit www.israel.travel.
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Nadiya Makarenko, senior vice president of Travel Edge Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Ensemble Horizons conference in Las Vegas earlier this month about how her luxury agency, one of the largest in Ensemble has grown over the past year and what the future holds. Like Ensemble, Travel Edge is also owned by Navigatr and it has helped spur technology innovation through the Ensemble network. For more information, visit www.traveledgenetwork.com or http://ensembletravel.com.
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Anja Bauermeister, head of tourism information, and Birgit Wöste, head of the culture and tourism department for Torgau in Germany, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about town’s religious and historical significance, from Martin Luther to the meeting of U.S. and Soviet armies at the end of World War II. For more information, visit www.VisitSaxony.com and www.TIC-Torgau.de.
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Dana Marschner, international PR and sales manager for the Leipzig Tourism and Marketing Company, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Leipzig's status as an underrated city in Germany. Visitors can follow a music trail connecting places frequented by Bach and Mendelssohn, or see where more than 70,000 citizens gathered on Oct. 9, 1989 for a peaceful demonstration that contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the eventual reunification of Germany. For more information, visit www.VisitSaxony.com and www.Leipzig.Travel.
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Anne Scully, partner of travel advisor development at Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Embark Immersion conference at the NIZUC Resort and Spa in Cancun. Scully, a veteran luxury travel advisor, tells us again why she joined Embark and why she believes it continues to be one of the most innovative hosts in the industry. For more information, visit www.embarkbeyond.com.
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Julie Danziger, co-founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Embark Immersion conference at the NIZUC Resort and Spa in Cancun about how her host agency has grown in just four years. She also details how the second Immersion event differs from other host agency conferences. Embark represents a new wave of luxury host agencies making a major impact on the market. For more information, visit www.embarkbeyond.com.
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Seema Prakash, tour guide and founder of Seema Dresden, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Dresden's accessibility by plane, train and automobile and its scenic, historic and cultural attractions, and why it’s an essential city to visit in Germany. For more information, visit www.VisitSaxony.com and www.Dresden.de/en.
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Embark Immersion, his host agency’s second annual conference held earlier this month at NIZUC Resort & Spa in Cancun. Ezon details how his innovative and out-of-box host agency has grown over the past year, how its Immersion event is breaking the mold of traditional host agency conferences, and how luxury travel itself is evolving, requiring luxury advisors to change as well. For more information, visit www.embarkbeyond.com.