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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
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Nikolina Brnjac, Croatia’s minister of tourism, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her country is faring this summer, just a year after Croatia became literally the first European country to open its borders to U.S. travelers. Brnjac details the newest tourism campaigns being launched by Croatia and highlights the destinations that every traveler should experience for themselves. For more information, visit www.croatia.hr.
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Alex Jackson, director of programming at M Social in Times Square, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the innovative programs he has created at this lifestyle boutique hotel on the north end of the square, just a short walk to all the major attractions in midtown Manhattan. For example, for national "sexual wellness" month and through September, the hotel teamed with female-run Dame products to offer guests a healthy adult play kit as an in-room amenity. For more information, click on M Social Times Square.
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Monday Jun 27, 2022
How are destinations approaching the luxury market? And how are they working with travel advisors to help them plan and book their clients’ luxury vacations. In this panel from our Virtual Roadshow series, you’ll hear from four global destinations that are focused on the luxury market, including Fort Lauderdale, Israel, Thailand and Rwanda. Panelists include Caitlan Etchevers, senior business development manager for Visit Lauderdale; Yael Golan, consul and director, southern region USA for the Israel Ministry of Tourism; Pintida Harnpanpongse, public relations manager, New York office for the Tourism Authority of Thailand; and Mandi Stefanak, director North America for Visit Rwanda.
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, takes Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report on a tour of Star Pride, the sixth and final Windstar ship to resume sailing and the third to be completely renovated. Having been stretched an additional 80 feet as part of a $250 million dollar Star class upgrade, Star Pride has 50 new cabins, a new pool deck, two new restaurants, and a larger spa and fitness area, as well as newly renovated crew areas. For more information, visit AdvisorHub.WinstarCruises.com or www.windstarcruises.com.
Friday Jun 24, 2022
Friday Jun 24, 2022
Lindsey Epperly, founder and CEO of Jetset World Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her new “teams” concept has helped train and mentor her independent contractors, and grown her Virtuoso-affiliated agency’s business. Epperly has written for Insider before and we have also posted her training videos, so this Is the first of a series of interviews with her on how you can improve your agency’s business practices and become more profitable. For more information on Epperly’s agency, visit www.jetsetworldtravel.com.
Friday Jun 24, 2022
Friday Jun 24, 2022
There are now more luxury cruise options for your clients than ever before. In this panel from our Virtual Roadshow series, you’ll find out what top luxury cruise lines have planned now and in the future as well as how they view the luxury travel market. Panelists include Steve Smotrys, vice president, sales and trade relations for Seabourn; Eric Schmit, director of business development for Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Jennifer Suarez, associate vice president national accounts for Celebrity; Kathy Lu, business relationship leader southeast for Explora Journeys; Tricia Wolf, vice president sales for Oceania Cruises; and Marcus Kenny, director, business development and agency sales, the Americas for Silversea.
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Airline expert Bill McGee, now with the American Economic Liberties Project, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the recent spate of airline flight cancellations and delays and why they are happening so frequently now. The bad news is this situation is not going to be solved anytime soon and you guessed it, the airlines themselves are largely to blame. For more information on McGee's consumer advocacy group, visit www.economicliberties.us.
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
Thursday Jun 23, 2022
There is a whole lot more luxury travel to be sold in such categories as expedition cruising, packaged vacations and even airlines. In this panel from our Virtual Roadshow series, you’ll hear from two new luxury expedition cruise lines, a luxury focused wholesaler and tour operator, and one of the highest rated airlines in the world. Panelists include Paul Girouard, director of leisure sales for Atlas Ocean Voyages; Alex Pinelo, senior vice president of sales for AmaWaterways; Lori Sheller, vice president of sales and marketing North America for Swan Hellenic; Amy Comparato, senior brand director for Journese; and Catherine Meenan, regional manager North America for Qatar Airways.
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about ASTA’s plans for Legislative Day (June 22) when travel advisors head to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to promote legislation that will help their businesses. Kerby also details some encouraging results from ASTA’s most recent surveys about the market for travel today and talks about the recent challenges faced by airlines. For more information, visit www.asta.org.
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Travel Leaders Network conference in Aurora, Colo., about the prospects for recovery in all segments of the travel business. Lovell’s encouraging message is that pent-up demand after the pandemic will encourage travelers to book cruises, hotels, resorts, tours and more in top destinations despite rising inflation and fears of recession. For more information, visit www.travelleaders.com.
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
There are literally thousands of hotels and resorts that cater to the luxury market around the world. But how can you select the right property for your luxury client. In this panel from our Virtual Roadshow series, you’ll hear how Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Atlantis Paradise Island and Elite Island Resorts deliver luxury experiences to their guests. Panelists include Francisco Rello, director of retail sales for Karisma Hotels & Resorts; Megan Prieto, director of leisure sales for Atlantis Paradise Island; and Jessica Berman, director oftravel agent sales for Elite Island Resorts.
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Roger Block, president of Travel Leaders Network (TLN), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s TLN Edge conference in Aurora, Colo., about what his giant travel agency group is up to today as we emerge from the pandemic, including new training programs, augmented marketing delivering leads and a proposed new dedicated res system for all TLN agencies and advisors. For more information, visit www.travelleaders.com.
Monday Jun 20, 2022
Monday Jun 20, 2022
The Caribbean, Bermuda and Latin America offer many options for your luxury travel clients. But how to do specific destinations in the region cater to luxury travelers and how do they work with travel advisors. In this panel from our Virtual Roadshow series, hear from Peru, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Dominica about how they approach the luxury market. Panelists include Cynthia Herrera, market specialist from PromPeru; Earlston Dill, manager travel industry sales for the Bermuda Tourism Authority; Daniel Taugher, national sales manager for the Cayman Islands Tourism Authority; and Jerry Grymek, team representative for Discover Dominica.
Friday Jun 17, 2022
Friday Jun 17, 2022
John Giovanni Cacciutti, designer and owner of Private Paradise Villa, talks with Darley Newman, reporting for Insider Travel Report, about his seven-, eight-, nine- and 10-bedroom properties that multi-generational families and a groups can rent on Cozumel. They come complete with chefs, entertainment and more, at a cost per bedroom comparable to a hotel stay, but offering a completely private experience. For more information, visit www.privateparadisevilla.com.
Thursday Jun 16, 2022
Thursday Jun 16, 2022
Markus Laahanen, the new general manager at NIZUC Resort & Spa in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, talks with Darley Newman, reporting for Insider Travel Report, about his luxury resort with 274 rooms, suites and villas, 86 of which have their own pools. The property has five restaurants, a Kosher kitchen and is close to the Cancun airport, but not any other Cancun hotels. For more information, visit www.nizuc.com.
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
Ben Evers-Swindell, general manager-Americas for Air New Zealand, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Air Zealand is emerging from the pandemic to serve the newly reopened country with new routes, including a brand new New York JFK-Auckland non-stop service. Evers-Swindell also details his airline’s product improvements across the fleet. For more information, visit www.airnewzealand.com.
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Sarah Handley, Tourism New Zealand’s general manager, Americas and Europe, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the protocols U.S. visitors must follow to enter the newly reopened country, as well as new tourism strategies and marketing campaigns. Handley also details how travel advisors can get back to selling New Zealand’s popular attractions. For more information, visit www.newzealand.com or www.tourismnewzealand.com.
Monday Jun 13, 2022
Monday Jun 13, 2022
Steve Cohen, known as the millionaires’ magician for his boutique performances in luxury hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Inside Travel Report, about his long-running “Chamber Magic” show at the Lotte New York Palace in New York City. Cohen details how he got to be a magician and what his show includes—and he may even have a trick or two to whet your appetite for some very real magic. For more information, show schedules and tickets, visit www.chambermagic.com.
Friday Jun 10, 2022
Friday Jun 10, 2022
Chef Glynn Purnell, owner of his Michelin-starred restaurant Purnell’s in Birmingham, England, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his city is becoming a culinary capital, led by his own restaurant, a new wave of truly British cuisine that uses locally sourced ingredients. Indeed, food is yet another reason to visit Birmingham today. For more information, visit www.purnellsrestaurant.com.
Thursday Jun 09, 2022
Thursday Jun 09, 2022
Becky Frall, head of tourism for the West Midlands Growth Company, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the many attractions of her region in England, which includes the famed former industrial city of Birmingham with its canals, surrounding gardens and castles, cuisine and fine arts. For more information, visit www.wmgrowth.com or www.visitbirmingham.com.
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Anton Moore, general manager of the Gansevoort Hotel in New York City, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the renovation of his luxury property, long considered to be the heart of Manhattan’s fashionable Meatpacking District. The hotel still has its famed rooftop bar and pool, but now has completely revamped rooms, public spaces and more. For more information, visit www.gansevoorthotelgroup.com.
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
Themba Khumalo, CEO of South African Tourism, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about the metrics by which to judge whether Africa's Travel Indaba was a success. According to Khumalo, more than 22,000 meetings were scheduled and kept, and 120 new small businesses came to the conference for the first time. For more information, visit www.southafrica.net.
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Jerry Mpufane, president of South African Tourism for North America, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about how proud his country was to host Africa's Travel Indaba conference after having been delayed for three years, as well as the importance of tourism to his country that also welcomes inclusion and diversity. For more information, visit www.southafrica.net.
Friday Jun 03, 2022
Friday Jun 03, 2022
Javier Moreno, senior vice president for sales, services and events for Disney Destinations, talks with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about why now is the best time for families to book a Walt Disney World vacation, as well as how travel advisors can learn about new incentives, programs, products and more. For more information, visit www.DisneyTravelAgents.com or www.disneyworld.com.
Thursday Jun 02, 2022
Thursday Jun 02, 2022
Edson, sous chef at Walt Disney World, talks with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about the creative food being served during Disney's 50th anniversary celebration, including colorful 50th anniversary churros, the Hall of Presidents' "I Cannot Tell a Lie" shake, the Haunted Mansion's chilling chamber pops, and Fantasyland's "When Will My Life Begin" pasta, which resembles Rapunzel's long hair. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com.
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Steve Spiegel, story editor executive at EPCOT, talks with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind thrill ride in the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion. As a writer, Spiegel helped develop the first storytelling rollercoaster, just the way Disney does it. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/epcot.
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Zach, lead imagineer for Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, talks with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the first high-tech roller coaster at EPCOT. Zach also reveals details of EPCOT's new World Celebration area, which is broken into neighborhoods, including World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/epcot.
Monday May 30, 2022
Monday May 30, 2022
Regina Charboneau, restaurateur and culinary educator, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her return to American Queen Voyages (AQV) as culinary ambassador initially focused on Southern cuisine. Born and raised in Natchez, Miss., Charboneau's first cooking jobs were actually in Alaska before she studied in Paris, so it is no stretch for her to create dishes like Alaskan King Crab chowder for Ocean Victory, AQV's new expedition ship in Alaska. For more information, visit www.AmericanQueenVoyages.com.
Friday May 27, 2022
Friday May 27, 2022
Bud Lehnhausen, expedition leader onboard Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Resolution, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about the importance of being an expedition leader, second only to the captain of the vessel. Lehnhausen talks about the number of firsts achieved on this journey, including walking on fast ice early in the season and sailing through "sea smoke," the fog that emanates from the surface of the warmer water meeting the colder winter air, illuminated by the sun from a low angle. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Thursday May 26, 2022
Thursday May 26, 2022
Joe Jiffo, vice president of sales for American Queen Voyages (AQV), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how to travel advisors can sell AQV's Alaska expeditions on the new Ocean Victory. Jiffo points out that guests will be able to participate with scientists' open research for California Polytechnic State University, as well as enjoy food overseen by AQV's culinary ambassador Regina Charboneau. For more information, email Joe.Jiffo@AQVoyages.com or visit www.AQVoyages.com.
Wednesday May 25, 2022
Wednesday May 25, 2022
David Harris, president and CEO of Ensemble Travel Group (soon to be chairman), and Michael Johnson of Navigatr (soon to be president of Ensemble) talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how this major travel agency group deal transpired and what their plans are for the future. Ensemble agency members voted 83 percent in favor of the acquisition and now the task is to relaunch the group with new technology provided by Navigatr and new strategies to create a great alternative for travel agencies around North America who want another option. For more information, visit ensembletravel.com or www.navigatr.com.
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Heidi Norling, captain of the National Geographic Resolution, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about how Resolution was purpose-built for expeditions. She is a Polar Class Five ship, with azipod propulsion, easy Zodiac deployment and a large high-tech bridge, always open to guests. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Monday May 23, 2022
Monday May 23, 2022
John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Voyages (AQV), gives Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report a tour of Ocean Victory, AQV's new expedition ship, which just sailed its maiden voyage to Alaska. Waggoner highlights the mud room, Zodiacs, kayaks, two Jacuzzis, infinity pool, spa, gym and more. For more information, visit www.AmericanQueenVoyages.com.
Friday May 20, 2022
Friday May 20, 2022
Sven Lindblad, chairman of Lindblad Expeditions, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about Lindblad's 10th and newest ship, National Geographic Resolution.Along with identical sister ship Endurance, Resolution was purpose-built for expedition cruises and reflects all that had been learned from decades of prior salings. Sven Lindblad also discusses the hiring of a new CEO, which has allowed him to deal less with the day-to-day running of his company and focus on new destinations and itineraries. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Thursday May 19, 2022
Thursday May 19, 2022
Duncan Palmer, managing director of The Beaumont in London, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury hotel was revamped and renovated during the pandemic while adhering to its art deco style. Now featuring a main restaurant with new decor, a tea room and a brand new bar, The Beaumont also is planning to add even more rooms and suites in an entirely new wing. For more information, visit www.thebeaumont.com.
Wednesday May 18, 2022
Wednesday May 18, 2022
Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report onboard the newly refurbished and rechristened Azamara Onward, the destination immersions fourth sister vessel. Cabezas details how the ship has been updated with all-new soft goods, redecorated suites, and even a brand new Atlas Bar, among other features. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Dondra Ritzenthaler, senior vice president of sales at Celebrity Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how to sell the brand new Celebrity Beyond, the third and largest ship in the Edge class. Ritzenthaler details the "new luxury" features of the ship, including accommodations, unique public spaces, exquisite dining options and original entertainment. For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com.
Monday May 16, 2022
Monday May 16, 2022
Brian Abel, senior vice president of hotel operations for Celebrity Cruises, tours the new Celebrity Beyond with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, showcasing the enticing new public spaces on this "new luxury" ship, the myriad dining options (including a Daniel Boulud restaurant, the unique entertainment and the sumptuous accommodations available onboard. For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com.
Friday May 13, 2022
Friday May 13, 2022
Matthew Shollar, co-founder of Transcend Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his brand new European river cruise charter company focused on groups with its first radically designed ships coming out in 2024. Shollar says he's ready to work with travel advisors to identify the group and charters hidden within their existing client base. For more information, visit www.Transcend.Cruises.
Thursday May 12, 2022
Thursday May 12, 2022
Clark Reber, director of sales and partner relations for the new Margaritaville at Sea, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how this newly rebranded cruise line will deliver a true Margaritaville experience on two-, four- and six-night sailings from Palm Beach to Grand Bahama. Reber also describes how Margaritaville will work with travel advisors by paying 15 percent commission and no NCFs. For more information, visit www.MargaritavilleAtSea.com or www.BookParadise.com.
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Janet Bava, chief marketing officer for AmaWaterways, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the river cruise line's new itineraries in Egypt, Portugal, the Seven-River Journey, five-night capitals of the Danube and classical music tours. Bava also talks about AmaWaterways' travel advisor support, with programs like "More to Love," including air, land and cruise for one commissionable price. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Matthew Gleaves, vice president,-commercial for North America and Australasia at Cunard, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Queen Anne, fourth ship that will join the Cunard fleet in 2024. Carrying 3,000 guests, she will represent a 40 percent increase in the line's capacity, with more space, more restaurants, but the same suite classes as the line's other ships. Gleaves also discusses Cunard's new itineraries and world voyages. For more information, visit www.cunard.com.
Monday May 09, 2022
Monday May 09, 2022
Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Seabourn Venture and Pursuit, the line's new twin ultra-luxury purpose-built PC6 Polar Class expedition ships, each with two submarines, 24 Zodiacs and 26 expedition team members aboard. He compares the value proposition to staying at a luxury hotel, which costs the same or more per day. Leibowitz, whose family came from the Ukraine, also explains how Seabourn is supporting its team members affected by the war. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com or the travel advisor portal at www.goseabourn.com.
Friday May 06, 2022
Friday May 06, 2022
Chris Austin, chief sales officer for Explora Journeys, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Expora's "By Appointment" program, where hold times are a thing of the past when travel advisors can make phone appointments either for themselves, or "By Appointment Plus," where travel advisors can have their clients join them on the calls. Austin says the program was designed for travel advisors who have never sold cruises before. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com/traveladvisors.
Thursday May 05, 2022
Thursday May 05, 2022
Charles B. Robinson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his company's growth from 15 ships currently in 34 states to include two more modern riverboats to be delivered this year. He also details the first two of a dozen catamaran-style coastal cruisers to be delivered next year, each able to host 109 guests in 56 staterooms. For more information, visit www.americancruiselines.com.
Wednesday May 04, 2022
Wednesday May 04, 2022
Herve Gastinel, the new CEO of Ponant, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the new ships that have been delivered during the pandemic, what post-pandemic sailing will be like, his company's commitment to sustainability, and his new vision for Ponant dubbed "Explore to Inspire." Gastinel also outlines how Ponant will enrich its Paul Gauguin Cruises unit in French Polynesia. For more information, visit www.ponant.com or www.pgcruises.com.
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Monday May 02, 2022
Monday May 02, 2022
Ciara Sugrue, head of festivals for Fáilte Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Global Irish Festival Series set to take place on the Wild Atlantic Way in Kerry, Mayo, Donegal & Limerick, from May to the end of October 2022. The goal of the festivals is to re-energize the Irish Diaspora, to create meaningful events and programs that can reconnect them worldwide, and to drive tourism to specific locations, including non-hotspots, in the off/shoulder seasons. For more information, visit www.visitireland.com and www.trade.Ireland.com.
Friday Apr 29, 2022
Friday Apr 29, 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 the country’s return to an in-person U.S. sales mission with on the road sessions with 15 companies from Ireland visiting Boston, New York, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Metcalfe also details the four Global Irish Festivals as part of a series to bring the diaspora back home to Ireland. For more information, email USTrade@TourismIreland.com or visit www.trade.Ireland.com.
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
Jaser Wolthuis, hotel general manager of the new Discovery Princess, on its maiden voyage from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about what makes this Royal Class vessel different from its predecessors, as well as three pieces of advice for travel advisors looking to book the ship for their clients. For more information, visit www.princess.com.