The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Jeff Anderson, co-CEO of Avoya Network, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the gro wth in Avoya's independent affiliates due to its proprietary technology as well as its training programs. Anderson says new members tend to be new-to-travel and either older and looking for a second career or young and looking to start a lifelong career. He also discusses Avoya's new take on fees and commissions and more. For more information, visit www.AvoyaNetwork.com or www.AvoyaTravel.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Magdalena Ciocea, travel trade manager for Up at the O2, and Aleš Kosejk, head of business development for Visit Greenwich, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the many things to do in Greenwich, a 600-year-old world heritage site, 15 minutes southeast of central London on the river Thames. Greenwich is the home of the Royal Observatory, responsible for keeping track of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and Up at the O2, a 90-minute walk up a slow incline until guests are at the top of the outdoor platform with a spectacular view of London. For more information, email magdalena.ciocea@upattheo2.co.uk or visit www.UpatTheO2.co.uk and www.visitgreenwich.org.uk.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Katie Johnson, vice president & global brand leader for the Independent Collections & Residences of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM North America in the Bahamas about the growth of Hyatt’s group of independent lifestyle and boutique hotels, including properties in The Unbound Collection, Destination by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt. For more information, visit www.hyatt.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Graeme Bowie, head of sales and commercial for Rabbie's, a small group tour company based in Edinburgh, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the company’s 30-year history and what makes Rabbie's different: Rabbie's owns all its vehicles, all the driver guides are trained to the same high standard and all are full time employees. This gives Rabbie's complete control over its products in Scotland, England, Ireland and other countries in Europe.  For more information, visit www.rabbies.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Donald Adam, chief commercial officer of the Goldywnn, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his boutique Bahamas resort located just down the beach from Baha Mar on Nassau. With innovative dining concepts, designer rooms and a dedicated art collection, this brand new beachfront property offers the perfect escape for your clients. For more information, visit www.goldwynnresorts.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Ewan Frost-Pennington, who inherited the responsibility of running Muncaster Castle, which has been owned by his family since 1208, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how he is transitioning the castle from being a day trip for visitors to an international destination. Located just two hours from Manchester, this “proper castle” has 147 rooms, 77 acres of gardens and 30 birds of prey. The special dinners with his family in the main hall are catered for groups using a “formality index,” so guests know whether to wear sneakers or evening attire. For more information, visit www.muncaster.co.uk. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar in the Bahamas, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his property got to host the ILTM North America luxury travel show last month, something it will continue to do for the next few years. Davis also describes how his massive three hotel resort—which includes a Grand Hyatt, an SLS, a Rosewood and a major conference facility—has evolved since it opened in 2015 to include a water park, new dining outlets and even an arts program. For more information, visit www.bahamar.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

 

Emma Gordon, senior marketing manager for Manchester, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the explosion of accommodations and entertainment venues in her city in the north of England. From 2022 to 2024, more than 4,000 new rooms will have been added to the city’s inventory, 400 of which will be new rooms in the hotel being built as part of Etihad Stadium, home of the English Premier League football champions Manchester City. Gordon also details other new arenas, food halls, museums and festivals, as well as the new commissionable Manchester City Pass. For more information, visit www.VisitManchester.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Emile Langenhoven, general manager of the Lanzerac Hotel & Spa, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about his South African farm, which was founded in 1692 and slowly became focused on wine. Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, this property became a 53-room luxury boutique hotel in 1959 and known to European travelers. But Americans are just finding out about it. For more information, visit www.lanzerac.co.za. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Stephen Nase, director of marketing for North America for Visit Wales, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the unprecedented amount of films produced in Wales, including Harry Potter, James Bond, Doctor Who, Sex Education, Game of Thrones: House of Dragons and Welcome to Wrexham. Nase breaks his country into four regions and goes over new distilleries, what’s happening at the National Botanic Garden, the Museum of Speed, the Royal Mint and more. With 870 miles of coastlines and many areas declared certified dark skies, Wales is able to showcase wildlife and the cosmos. For more information, visit . www.VisitWales.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Susana Ramíerz Horta, vice president of sales and marketing for Tafer Hotels & Resorts, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her Mexican company with properties in the beach destinations of Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. Horta describes each property, the activities, dining, wellness and amenities offered, and whether they are designed for families or adults only. She also offers a unique selling point where  guests can choose either an all-inclusive plan or a European plan for just the room with no extras, or mix the two plans strategically. For more information, email Susana.Ramirez@TaferResorts.com or visit www.TaferResorts.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

The fact that expedition cruising has grown enormously over just the last five years, should come as no surprise. Even during the pandemic, cruise lines were launching new expedition vessels that sailed to ever more remote destinations—and we’re not just talking about Antarctica and the Arctic. There are expedition cruises to remote islands, fantastic new places and even familiar ports that deserve a new take. But how can you figure out which expedition your clients should go on. This panel of expedition experts tells you how. Panelists include Chris Hanna, Quark Expeditions  national accounts and business development manager for North America; Kelly Predmesky, director key accounts East for Swan Hellenic; and Franklin Braeckman, Antarctic program manager for Oceanwide Expeditions. For more information, visit www.quarkexpeditions.com, www.swanhellenic.com and www.oceanwide-expeditions.com 

Keith Campbell, Visit Scotland's market development manager for North America, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the latest offerings in Scotland, including new agritourism farm tours,  e-bike tours, walking tours, group museum tours in Glasgow, film tourism, new distilleries and two new Virgin hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow. For more information, visit www.VisitScotland.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Rafat Ali, founder and CEO of Skift and Skift Global Forum, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at New York’s Jacob Javits Center last week about his annual conference focused on travel technology and travel marketing, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Ali’s annual event attracts many of the travel world’s top executives in hotels, online travel, tours, cruises, transportation, travel marketing and more, making it essential for those who want to be up to date and in the know about the latest thinking and trends. For more information, visit www.skift.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

 

Sheelagh Wylie, chief marketing officer for the Americas for VisitBritain, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about a test marketing campaign used to promote Britain to “experience seekers.” Mini-campaigns with travel partners re-targeted that messaging in smaller affordable co-op campaigns, which helped convince travelers to book with travel advisors. Co-op partners include Hilton Hotels, West Midlands Growth Company, Visit Wales, Visit Brighton and Visit Kent, among others. Wylie also highlights what's new and noteworthy this year in Britain, with an emphasis on film tourism and air lift. For more information, visit www.VisitBritain.com or www.VisitBritain.org.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Simon Mayle, event director for the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) North America talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the trade show, which brought together nearly 1,000 luxury suppliers and buyers (travel advisors) at Baha Mar in the Bahamas for the first time. ILTM North America had been held in Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya since it began in 2012. The consensus among attendees was that this was the best show yet, with more meetings, more interaction and a much easier facility to get around. For more information, visit www.itlm.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Laurence Cotton, riverlorian (river historian) on American Empress, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the program of talks, guided river tours and special experiences he delivers onboard this classic paddle wheeler sailing the Columbia and Snake rivers. One tip: Read up on the Lewis and Clark’s epic trip in the early 1800s. For more information on American Queen Voyages, visit www.AQVoyages.com

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on 

Paul Gauger, VisitBritain's new executive vice president-Americas, Australia & New Zealand, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his country’s plans to grow the number of visitors from the regions he oversees and make Britain a welcoming place for all. For more information, visit www.VisitBritain.com or www.VisitBritain.org. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on 

Greg Pendzick, cruise director on American Queen Voyages’ American Empress, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the wide variety of entertainment onboard his river cruise ship sailing the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Penzick doubles as the chief entertainer, singing in different styles, including Broadway and beyond, accompanied by a great band every night. But Pendzick also develops great programming for guests every day, from trivia games to bingo and more. For more information, visit www.AQVoyages.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Gavin Landry, international director of VisitBritain, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Destination Britain in San Francisco about his recent promotion overseeing Britain's markets around the world. Landry's goal is to create one global team that follows a single strategy uniting Britain's partners in media, trade, commerce and diplomacy to promote the destination. He also provides Britain's current visitor numbers and details its efforts to get more film tourism. For more information, visit www.VisitBritain.org or www.VisitBritain.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Nick de Bois, chairman of VisitBritain, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his three-pronged approach to increasing the number of U.S. visitors to Britain even more by focusing on inclusivity, sustainability and accessibility. For more information, visit www.visitbritain.org or www.visitbritain.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Terry Lunder, veteran hotel director on American Empress talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his paddle wheel river cruise vessel provides great accommodations, locally influenced dining and popular entertainment while sailing the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest. For more information on American Queen Voyages, visit www.AQVoyages.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Captain Corey Mussey talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his American Empress, the paddle wheel vessel owned by American Queen Voyages that’s sailing on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Capt. Mussey describes the ship and its features, the challenges of navigating the Colombia River, and why he thinks the river is one of the most beautiful in the world to sail. For more information, visit www.aqvoyages.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Kevin Clark, general manager of Sandals Royal Curacao, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his year-old luxury all-inclusive resort set on a magnificent beachfront on the island of Curacao. Clark, a veteran Sandals team member, describes the accommodations, dining and activities for guests, as well as why his Sandals, the first in the Dutch Caribbean, is one of the chain’s state-of-the-art properties. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Tanya Nicole Swann, resort sales manager for Beaches Turks & Caicos, talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report about her family resort complex, site of this year’s ASTA Caribbean Showcase. Swann details all the wonderful facilities, playgrounds, pools, special activities and accommodations for families and multi-generational groups, along with a special program devoted specifically to kids with autism. For more information, visit www.beaches.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Kevin Clark, general manager of Sandals Royal Curacao, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his year-old luxury all-inclusive resort set on a magnificent beachfront on the island of Curacao. Clark, a veteran Sandals team member, describes the accommodations, dining and activities for guests, as well as why his Sandals, the first in the Dutch Caribbean, is one of the chain’s state-of-the-art properties. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Frits van der Werff, the new senior vice president-guest experiences for American Queen Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what his company in terms of experiences aboard the American Empress, including locally influenced cuisine, very comfortable accommodations, entertainment and more. American Empress cruises the Colombia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest, a very different but equally engaging river cruise offering great scenery, important U.S. history and great dining. For more information, visit www.aqvoyages.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Ruisandro Cjintje, minister of economics and tourism for Curacao, talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report at ASTA's second annual Caribbean Showcase about how the island is experiencing a boom in tourism by refocusing its marketing on the North American market. Cjintje also describes how Curacao is growing reef back, increasing airlift, and new and soon-to-open resorts. For more information, visit www.curacao.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Josephine Connolly, minister of tourism, environment, heritage and culture for Turks & Caicos Islands, talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report at ASTA's second annual Caribbean Showcase about her island's tourism, including post-COVID growth and the transformation of the tourism office into a destination management organization. For more information, visit www.visittci.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Jeff and Cindy Coggin, owners of Coggin Travels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how they built their Nexion-affiliated agency into a specialist in wine travel groups, often on European river cruises. Jeff, a former car rental executive, joined Cindy’s agency and proceeded to get a Level 2 Award in Wine designation. Now they focus on putting together wine travel groups that they lead themselves. For more information, visit www.coggintravels.com or www.nexion.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Christie Bartlett, owner of DayDream Cruise & Travel in Round Rock, Texas, a member of Nexion Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how she was named a Nexion Ambassador at the CoNexion conference last month. Bartlett was selected by Nexion members and staff nominations for the way she embraces Nexion’s programs and tools, is a top seller of travel, consistently books and supports Nexion’s preferred partners, regularly attends Nexion events, and is an active advocate for travel and travel advisors. For more information, visit www.nexion.com or www.daydreamcruise.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Ian Gooding-Edghill, minister of tourism and transportation for Barbados, talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report at ASTA's second annual Caribbean Showcase, about all that's new and different for his island's tourism, including post-COVID growth, increasing airlift, and new and soon-to-be-opening accommodations. For more information, visit www.visitbarbados.org.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Henry Charles Fernandez, minister of tourism and foreign affairs for Antigua & Barbuda, talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report at last month's ASTA Caribbean Showcase about his island's tourism, including post-COVID growth, increasing airlift, and new and soon-to-be-opening accommodations. For more information, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Heather Kindred, vice president-business development and education for Nexion Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Nexion trains and educates newbie travel advisors and more experienced advisors. For newbies, Kindred uses Travel Leaders of Tomorrow, a program that introduces the travel advisor profession, and one that is available to all potential advisors. For more information, visit www.nexion.com or www.travelleadersoftomorrow.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why his expedition cruise line is changing its name from Hurtigruten Expeditions to just HX. At the same time Hurtigruten Norway, the line’s Norwegian coastal voyages unit, will become just Hurtigruten, the name its long been known as in Europe (see related story in this issue of Insider Travel Report). For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

 

Frank A. Del Rio, who was named president of Oceania Cruises last December, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Vista, the line's first new ship in 12 years, future ships and existing ship upgrades. He also details Oceania's place in the industry and how it offers understated elegance in the upper premium category. Del Rio also discusses Oceania's Simply More all-inclusive packages, which include free Wi-Fi on two devices per guest starting in October, as well as the future of Vista, which will feature a world cruise in 2026. For more information, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Dr. Ernest Hillaire, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investment, culture, creative industry and information for St. Lucia talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report at ASTA's second annual Caribbean Showcase about tourism on his island, including post-COVID visitor growth, increasing airlift, and new and soon-to-open accommodations. For more information, visit www.stlucia.org.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Amor Vidal-Morrell, reservations and specialty sales manager for Air Tahiti Nui, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the 25 year history of her airline, its new fleet, including new types of aircraft and seat classes. Vidal-Morrell also describes the airline's partnerships with the Tahitian Tourist Board and Paul Gauguin Cruises. For more information, visit www.AirTahitiNui.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Claire Maguire of Cruise Planners, Martha Rhodes of Brownell and Ron Dawick of Sea Courses talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what they will tell their clients about the cruising in Tahiti on M/S Paul Gauguin on its 25th anniversary, including her food, features, amenities and activities. All three advisors do agree on one thing: This a cruise for people who never thought they would cruise. For more information, visit www.PGCruises.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Zane Kerby, president and CEO for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report about ASTA Caribbean Showcase, held late last month at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Kerby details the range of speakers, including seven Caribbean tourism ministers, special education sessions and more that have quickly made this ASTA Showcase an essential event for those travel advisors selling the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.asta.org.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Gaelle Pichon, cruise director for Paul Gauguin Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how she enriches the voyages for her guests with the help of her seven Tahitian performers/ambassadors, a troupe called Le Gauguin and La Gauguin. Together, they bring the culture and traditions of the islands organically onto the ship. Pichon also details Gauguin’s guest speaker program, which included on this cruise a lecture by actor Bruce McGill, whose more than 60-year career has included “Animal House” and Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln.” For more information, visit www.PGCruises.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Kurt Macher, general manager of the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard in London, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Virtuoso Travel Week about his quickly famed property located high above the city. With luxurious rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar in the sky, and even a spa, the Shangri-La offers a spectacular place to stay with magnificent views and wonderful service. For more information, www.shangri-la.com/en/london/shangrila.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

While cruise ships visit many ports of call, there are some that clearly are cruise hubs, where many ships visit. Melanie Schinkel, Aussie specialist program team leader for Tourism Australia, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about  what there is to see and do at her port, where to dine, where to tour and how to set up special shore excursions so your clients may explore the the surrounding region. For more information, visit tourism.australia.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

 

With the original ship used in the television show "The Love Boat," Princess Cruises has reinvented itself since COVID, embracing its legacy and forged ahead with new ships, Itineraries, products, services, activities, destinations and travel advisor support. Learn what you need to know about Princess in order to sell it well. Carmen Roig , vice president sales for Princess Cruises talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report. For more information, visit www.OneSourceCruises.com, www.PrincessPartners.com and  www.Princess.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Liz Coleman, vice president of sales for Paul Gauguin Cruises in the U.S., talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the 25th anniversary of the Paul Gauguin, her upgrades, as well as how to sell the ship and to what type of guest. Coleman goes over promotions for guests and for travel advisors, including special training programs. She also reveals plans for three new longer voyages of 14-, 16-, and 20-nights that will delve into Oceania, Indonesia and Melanesia as the ship moves to dry-dock for maintenance and still more upgrades in 2025. For more information, visit www.PGCruises.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Don Cortusi, founder of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw about his latest food tours in Las Vegas, expanding beyond downtown Vegas to the Strip and beyond. Cortusi is cutting deals with more top restaurants, some that aren’t easy to access, to give his guests the opportunity to taste some of the best food in town. For more information, visit www.lipsmackingfoodietours.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Captain Michel Quioc, skipper of the M/S Paul Gauguin, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his start as a lowly ship’s mate 20 years ago, the 25th anniversary of has well-known ship, how the vessel has been upgraded, and how she is benefiting by being a part of Ponant’s luxury fleet since 2019. Quioc also reveals how the Gauguin offers her medical team and facilities to the people of Tahiti, especially the remote islands, and how the people of Tahiti miss the ship every two years when she is in dry-dock. For more information, visit www.PGCruises.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Paul Barry, CEO of Avanti Destinations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his FIT operator’s new South Pacific programs, specifically to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Barry explains why Avanti is expanding beyond Europe, South America, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa  to offer tailor-made products in the South Pacific, including suggested itineraries—and Avanti only works thought travel advisors. For more information, as well as how to access special webinars on the new South Pacific program, visit book.AvantiDestinations.com and www.avantidestinations.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Ships are getting larger and more intricate, with even more stateroom categories, dining options, activities, new technology and even dedicated island or beach destinations that guests can visit. This panel of major cruise line executives takes a look at the new products, services, activities and destinations that make for modern cruising today. If you can think it, they are offering it on these grand palaces at sea, whether it’s on a mega-ship or a medium-sized vessel. This panel of cruise experts tells you what’s new on modern larger or medium-size cruise ships and how to sell it. Panelists are John Diorio, vice president-North America sales, Virgin Voyages and Anthony Meloro, director, business development support trade & host travel partner relations for Royal Caribbean. For more information, visit www.VirginVoyages.com and www.RCCL.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

 

The fact that expedition cruising has grown enormously over just the last five years, should come as no surprise. Even during the pandemic, cruise lines were launching new expedition vessels that sailed to ever more remote destinations—and we’re not just talking about Antarctica and the Arctic. There are expedition cruises to remote islands, fantastic new places and even familiar ports that deserve a new take. But how can you figure out which expedition your clients should go on? This panel of expedition experts tells you how. Panelists include Tim Burch, Central Regional sales director, Atlas Ocean Voyages; Tim Amm, expedition director, Silversea; and Ellen McIlvaine, vice president of sales for Ponant. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.com, www.silversea.com, and www.ponant.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.