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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
Monday Mar 28, 2022
Monday Mar 28, 2022
Zsuzsa Szégner, director of international relations for Visit Hungary, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest about her country’s many attractions, themes for its tourism marketing campaign, how the war in Ukraine has affected the region and much more, including Hungary’s support for ASTA’s event. For more information, visit www.visithungary.com.
Friday Mar 25, 2022
Friday Mar 25, 2022
Bill Fletcher, senior director of consumer programs for Holland America Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why Holland America has an edge in Alaska, starting with its partnerships with the BBC, Food & Wine Magazine, and its 75 years of experience, dating back to before Alaska was a state. This longevity allows Holland America to get preferential treatment when it comes to giving its guests access to Denali Park and Glacier Bay. For more information, visit www.goHAL.com.
Friday Mar 25, 2022
Friday Mar 25, 2022
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report in Budapest about ASTA’s first Global River Cruise Expo, a highly successful event that the group just held on the Danube. The expo featured seven river cruise vessels that travel advisors could inspect; a major trade show with even more river cruise brands, destinations and tour operators; a general session and educational seminars. Best of all, it’s all going to be repeated next March 2 in Budapest in 2023. For more information, visit www.asta.org.
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Mark Tamis, senior vice president of hotel operations for Royal Caribbean International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Wonder of the Seas’ many dining options, some of the best entertainment at sea, accommodations, including a new Suite neighborhood, and much more. For more information, visit www.cruisingpoweror www.royalcaribbean.com.
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Anne Harpold and Sharon Grant, top sellers of Holland America cruises and owners of Getaway Vaca of Grand Rapids, Mich., a Dream Vacation franchise, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how they decided to enter the travel business after they both completed careers as school principals, how they paid off their franchise fees on their first booking, and then added 11 independent contractors. For more information, visit Getaway Vaca on Facebook.
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Matt Slippoy, general manager of the Thompson Central Park in New York, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his newly renovated upscale hotel, with more than 500 rooms, new (and existing) dining concepts, innovative accommodations and local experiences. This property was formerly the Parker Meridien. For more information, visit www.thompsoncentralpark.com.
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer at Royal Caribbean Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest ship, Wonder of the Seas, and all the innovations and design improvements that have been made in the fifth Oasis class vessel, which can carry more than 6,900 guests. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Fernando Delgado, Silversea's vice president-Ecuador, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about exactly how Silver Origin, the cruise line's newest ship in the Galapagos, is able to offer a luxury expedition cruise that includes snorkeling, kayaking and hiking excursions and beginners classes. Delgado outlines the educational aspects of Silversea's voyages, especially how Sliversea invests in the people of the Galapagos. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Ruben Rodriguez, president-MSC Cruises U.S.A., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the planned introduction of MSC Meriviglia in April 23 in New York City. The ship will offer year-round cruises from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, sailing six- or 11-night itineraries to Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island. Rodriguez talks about this as well as MSC’s emergence from COVID and what lies ahead in terms of new ships and new routes. For more information, visit www.mscruisesusa.com.
Monday Mar 21, 2022
Monday Mar 21, 2022
Frank Marini, president and CEO of Railbookers Group (formerly Yankee Leisure Group), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why his company was just renamed to truly reflect the rail travel products it mostly sells. Marini also talks about the rise of rail travel and how Yankee evolved to focus on the rail tour category. For more information, visit www.railbookersgroup.com.
Friday Mar 18, 2022
Friday Mar 18, 2022
Jean-Luc Naret, executive director of The Set Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how his group of locally-inspired luxury hotels has grown from four to eight in just the first quarter of this year. The group now has three hotels in Europe, one in Israel, and four in China. The collection also is poised to expand even more under the direction of this veteran hotelier and former Michelin Guide executive. For more information, visit www.thesetcollection.com.
Friday Mar 18, 2022
Friday Mar 18, 2022
Alex Parakovnic, executive chef onboard the Scenic Eclipse, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the incredible culinary choices his team provides to guests sailing on the luxury discovery yacht, even on a long Antarctica cruise. Scenic Eclipse features up to 10 restaurants serving a variety of cuisine, multiple bars and curated tasting menus. And it’s all overseen by Chef Alex. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Sarah Bomber, cruise director, and Beth Wilson Knight, assistant cruise director on Scenic Eclipse, the luxury discovery yacht that just completed its Antarctica season. On a small vessel geared to expedition cruises, it’s surprising to find a cruise team that delivers not just a full program of activities but also quality nightly entertainment—and it’s all part of the complete Scenic luxury experience. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
Rosanne Zusman, chief commercial officer for CIE Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the history of the Ireland-focused operator; how it’s survived through recessions, revolutions, wars and pandemics for the past 90 years; how the company has evolved to meet the demands of today’s global travelers; and how CIE works to help travel advisors better sell its vacation products. It’s all Ireland on this St. Patrick’s Day special interview. For more information, visit www.CIETours.com.
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Miguel Sanz, director general of the Tourist Office of Spain (Turespana), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Spain is emerging from the pandemic with a new tourism strategy aimed at attracting even more visitors from the U.S. Sanz details the latest entry requirements for the country, how Spain’s tourism has recovered so far, new air connectivity with the U.S., how much easier it is to get around the country using high-speed rail, and new luxury hotels popping up in Madrid and around the country. For more information, visit www.spain.info.
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America LInes, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what sets his company apart, including new itineraries that allow U.S. guests to visit global destinations without ever taking an international flight. Antorcha also discusses Russia and the Ukraine and how Holland American is assisting its crew members in both locations. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Tony Lumpkin, chief helicopter pilot, and Brandan Morris, chief submarine pilot, on Scenic Eclipse talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the unique experiences they deliver to guests on an Antarctica cruise. No other expedition ship in Antarctica offers both helicopter flights and submarine adventures to the White Continent. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Jason Flesher, expedition operations director for Scenic, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Scenic Eclipse discovery yacht cruise in Antarctica, how Scenic operates its expedition sailings, and what's to come for Scenic as it adds a second discovery yacht. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales, trade support and service for Royal Caribbean International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how to sell the new biggest ship in the world, which now includes a new suite neighborhood, a new southern cuisine restaurant and brand new entertainment. For information, visit www.cruisingpower.com or www.royalcaribbean.com.
Monday Mar 14, 2022
Monday Mar 14, 2022
Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the recovery of cruising, the resumption of Carnival brands and their future, the evolving COVID protocols, and the support of crew members in both the Ukraine and Russia. For more information, visit www.carnivalcorp.com.
Friday Mar 11, 2022
Friday Mar 11, 2022
Fernando Delgado, Silversea's vice president-Ecuador, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the cruise line's newest ship in the Galapagos, what differentiates it from others, and his favorite spots on Silver Origin. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Thursday Mar 10, 2022
Thursday Mar 10, 2022
Daniel Wedel, hotel director for Scenic Eclipse, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the range of elegant rooms and suites, multiple gourmet dining options, upgraded entertainment and lavish public areas in this luxury expedition yacht, which Scenic calls the first discovery yacht. These features make Antarctica cruises an extremely comfortable experience for guests seeking a combination of luxury and adventure. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Jason Liberty, the new president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what it was like for him to preside over his first naming ceremony with his new title, what is so special about the new Silver Origin, why Royal Caribbean Group purchased Silversea, and the big picture for his cruise company. For more information, visit www.silversea.com or www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
Danny Johnston, the experienced expedition leader onboard Scenic Eclipse, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how his team puts together incredible experiences on an Antarctica sailing, including interactions with myriad species of penguins, seals and whales, as well as the incredible scenery that the White Continent has to offer with alp-like mountains and glaciers at every turn. Look for a few friends behind them during the interview. For more information on Scenic’s Antarctica journeys next season, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Monday Mar 07, 2022
Monday Mar 07, 2022
Roberto Martinoli, Silversea's president and CEO, and Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the naming of their latest ship, Silver Origin, done "Zodiac Chic," meaning in true expedition style. Guests left the ship to participate in the ceremony with glasses of champagne while at sea. They also highlight the many luxury features of Silver Origin that make her very different from any other ship sailing the Galapagos. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Friday Mar 04, 2022
Friday Mar 04, 2022
Thursday Mar 03, 2022
Thursday Mar 03, 2022
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Tuesday Mar 01, 2022
Tuesday Mar 01, 2022
Patrick Fisher, vice president and managing director of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what the famed beachside property offers today, with new dining options, renovated rooms, a revamp of the famed pool, and new programming at this classic resort frequented by the stars. For more information, visit www.fontainbleau.com.
Monday Feb 28, 2022
Monday Feb 28, 2022
Anthony Rico, general manager the Beach Club at The Boca Raton, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how the property he oversees has been renovated with new rooms, suites and dining options, all while preserving that “beach” vibe that makes it different from the other hotels at The Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.thebocaraton.com.
Friday Feb 25, 2022
Friday Feb 25, 2022
Brice Kemper, general manager of Tower at The Boca Raton, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his property, the tallest building in Boca Raton, is being renovated as part of the overall $200 million renovation of the five-hotel resort. Set to debut in May, Tower will feature all new rooms and suites, a new top floor concept and more as it fits in with the overall resort concept. For more information, visit www.thebocaraton.com.
Thursday Feb 24, 2022
Thursday Feb 24, 2022
Corinne Heil, general manager the Yacht Club at The Boca Raton, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how this boutique property, one of five at The Boca Raton, has completely revamped its suites, developed a new top floor dining concept, and offers butler service as part of the overall renovation of this classic South Florida Resort. For more information, visit www.thebocaraton.com.
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Daniel Hostettler, president and CEO of The Boca Raton, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his $200 million phase one renovation of this South Florida classic, which features five different hotels within the resort, which caters to club members and guests alike, as he seeks to return the property to a new Golden Era. For more information, visit www.thebocaraton.com.
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the outlook for river cruising in Europe for 2022 and beyond; what’s going on with river cruising in other parts of the world, like Egypt, Africa and Southeast Asia; and new programs being developed right now to help travel advisors sell even more Amawaterways’ cruises. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Monday Feb 21, 2022
Monday Feb 21, 2022
Alberto Aliberti, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what his luxe-adventure line has accomplished in its first few months in business, including a revision of its inclusive policies on air and shore excursions and the hiring of new marketing, guest operations and sales executives. Aliberti also talks about World Navigator’s first season in Antarctica. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.com.
Friday Feb 18, 2022
Friday Feb 18, 2022
Shaylyn Potter and Kayvon Malek, underseas specialists (divers) onboard Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Resolution, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about what they do onboard, including explore the colorful undersea world of Antarctica, take photos of the marine creatures below, and engage in scientific research to fulfill Lindblad’s mission to combine exploration and science with expedition cruising. No, you can’t dive in Antarctica with them, but you can dive in other parts of the world with Lindblad. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Thursday Feb 17, 2022
Thursday Feb 17, 2022
Gina Gabbard, chief sales officer of Lindblad Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how you can better sell Lindblad’s two new ships, National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance, which offer cruises to the Antarctic, the Arctic regions and more. Resolution and Endurance are Lindblad’s bid to target the luxury market for its expedition programs, which are widely considered some of the best in the business. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Wednesday Feb 16, 2022
Wednesday Feb 16, 2022
Laura Fuentes, hotel director for National Geographic Resolution, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report during an Antarctica cruise earlier this month about the opulent cabins and suites, fine dining and other luxurious amenities. There are even two glass-paneled igloos on the top deck where guests can stay overnight and a tasting menu in the ship’s alternative restaurant. It all represents a raising of the bar for Lindblad Expeditions, which now definitely fits in the luxury expedition cruise category. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Capt. Martin Graser, master of Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Resolution, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the amazing capabilities of his new ship, which can go deeper and faster into Antarctica than most other vessels. With its new X-Bow pushing through the ice and the waves, National Geographic Resolution offers guests more stability and gets them to places in the White Continent that few have visited. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Monday Feb 14, 2022
Monday Feb 14, 2022
Shaun Powell, expedition leader for Lindblad Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on Devil Island in Antarctica. Powell details the landings and activities on a cruise on the new National Geographic Resolution, during which guests can see and learn about penguins, seals, whales, icebergs, mountains and the Great White continent. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Friday Feb 11, 2022
Friday Feb 11, 2022
Chris Allison, acting general manager and regional director-North America for Tourism Australia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Australia’s reopening to vaccinated visitors effective Feb. 21. Allison details the COVID protocols required as of that date and how Tourism Australia is ramping up marketing campaigns after an active period of promotion even during the pandemic. For more information, visit www.australia.com, www.tourismaustralia.com or www.australia.com/en-us/travel-inspiration.html.
Thursday Feb 10, 2022
Thursday Feb 10, 2022
Quentin Desurmont, president of the Serandipians, formerly Traveller Made, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his community of global luxury travel designers located across Europe, Russia, India, China and the U.S. Serandipians create journeys based on emotion and desirability, patterned after lessons learned from the fashion industry. Desurmont talks about the group's upcoming conference, its new corporate social responsibility division called "Pristine Mood," and the group's study of the metaverse as a possible tool for selling more travel. For more information, visit www.serandipians.com.
Thursday Feb 10, 2022
Thursday Feb 10, 2022
Alison Metcalfe, executive vice president for North America, Australia and New Zealand at Tourism Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why travelers can visit Ireland with confidence, especially with the return of trans-Atlantic airline routes, the adherence by Irish businesses to mandated health protocols, and the fact that Ireland's population has one of the highest vaccination rates at 93 percent. Metcalfe also talks about upcoming special events and marketing programs, including "Moment's Strategy" and the "Green Button" campaign, as well as new travel advisor tools. For more information, email USTrade@TourismIreland.com or visit trade.Ireland.com.
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
Beatriz Lopez, senior account executive for leisure travel at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her 650-room resort with six restaurants, a full service spa and a quarter mile private beach, offering jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, as well as dinner service. Centrally located, the resort is five minutes from Port Everglades, close to three major malls and within walking distance from Las Olas Boulevard for shopping. For more information, visit www.marriott.com or www.travelagents.marriott.com.
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Michael Medeiros, general manager of the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his hotel, surrounded by two state parks and the beach, making it centrally located and yet quiet. Newly renovated in 2019, every one of the 240 guest rooms, 20 junior suites and two master suites face the ocean with floor to ceiling windows, and the restaurant, Steelpan, features entertainment and serves both the pool and walk--in trade with a patio adjoining the sidewalk. For more information, visit www.sonesta.com/us/florida/fort-lauderdale/sonesta-fort-lauderdale-beach.
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Adam Thomas, destination marketing organization director of Experience Florida Sports Coast, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Florida's "adventure county," an outdoor recreational leisure travel destination that caters to families wanting to create mulit-generational experiences. Thomas describes the many massive sports complexes serving amateur athletes of all ages, hoping to grow their sport skills, as well as where to stay and eat in the area when attending upcoming events. For more information, visit www.flsportscoast.com.
Friday Feb 04, 2022
Friday Feb 04, 2022
Tom Bartosek, travel trade industry coordinator for Florida's Space Coast, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how the Space Coast is true to its name, featuring 72 miles of beaches and access to outer space. It is also a foodie destination, with a port that hosts five cruise lines, attractions like the new Wizard of Oz museum and a Brightline train stop proposed for 2026. For more information, visit www.visitspeacecoast.com.
Thursday Feb 03, 2022
Thursday Feb 03, 2022
Markham McGill, director of sales for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, which oversees the Florida Keys, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the warmest place in the U.S. during the winter, warmer than even Miami. He also focuses on Key West, the southernmost point of the U.S. and the Caribbean you can drive to. McGill highlights attractions, tours, new properties and property renovations, air lift, a new $100 million dollar renovation of Key West's airport, plus special events like the 200th anniversary of Key West, the Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest, and the Key Lime Academy for travel advisors. For more information, email markham@fla-keys.com or visit www.Fla-Keys.com.
Wednesday Feb 02, 2022
Wednesday Feb 02, 2022
Santiago Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Florida Huddle 2020 about how much Tampa has changed since it last hosted the Huddle in 2016. Setting visitor records every year since 2013, the city is back in stride. Corrada outlines the meteoric tourism climb, which includes hotel growth, increased lift, the creation of a river walk, new attention from the Michelin Guide, and hosting a Superbowl. For more information, visit www.RiverWalkPass.com and www.VisitTampaBay.com.
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Susanne Höller, head of destination marketing for Graz Tourism, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the many attractions of her historical city, the second largest in Austria, but one often overshadowed by Vienna and other towns. Graz has the biggest medieval armory in Europe, many charming and historic churches, and a castle hill that has served as a focal point for many European conflicts. It also has great restaurants, shops, and some surprising newer attractions, including the longest indoor slide in Europe. For more information, visit www.graztourismus.at.