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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 Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Fiona Ashton, event manager of the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report in Cannes, France, about how the show is shaping the future of global golf tourism. Ashton highlights emerging trends such as sustainability, inclusivity and experiential itineraries, and explains how IGTM connects destinations, resorts and tour operators while helping travel advisors tap into the growing golf travel market. For more information, visit www.igtmarket.com.
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what the sale of the famed luxury vacation wholesaler to TBO, a travel technology and distribution company based in India, means for travel advisors and their clients. Krueger says even more innovative technology, more hotels and resorts, more destinations and more opportunities to sell high-end travel are just the beginning. For more information, visit www.classicvacations.com.
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Antonio Bauza, head of brand communications for Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw about how Iberostar is changing in the market, focusing heavily on all-inclusive resorts, family ownership and sustainability. It’s all part of an evolution of Iberostar as a global power in resorts. For more information, visit www.iberostar.com.
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Frank Rodgers, director of global sales for Peregrine Hospitality, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his hotel management and services newest hotel, the Tess, in Atlanta, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Rodgers tells about the rooms and suites, the food, the overall décor and theme, the location and the target guests. For more information, visit www.marriott.com and www.peregrinehg.com.
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Chinazam Ikechi, marketing representative for Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, Nigeria, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about West African tourism opportunities for African American travelers. Ikechi highlights popular destinations including Badagry, where visitors can see the first building constructed in Nigeria, and multi-country tours through Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Ghana. For more information, visit https://akwaabatravelmarket.com.
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report talks with Kimberly Wilson Wetty, former co-owner and co-president of Valerie Wilson Travel and head of brand culture at Chase Travel Group, about her new consulting firm, Keep Wondering Why, which will advise travel companies and firms outside the industry about gender issues, family leadership transitions and much more based on her years of business and personal experiences. For more information, visit www.kwwinc.com.
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Josh Hepp, vice president of national accounts at TTC Tour Brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about a new advisor support structure that delivers personalized guidance at every stage, deeper sales engagement through segmentation and continued investment in tools and training to help advisors grow their business. For more information visit agents.ttc.com.
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Jason Shames, vice president-product development for Fora Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his host agencies newest technology, Bookable Quotes, which allows clients of Fora advisors to book hotels directly and the advisors get the commission. The tool is now available for preferred hotels and soon with cruises and other travel suppliers. For more information, visit www.foratravel.com.
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Adam Scott, CEO and founder of BermudAir, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his rapidly expanding niche airline as it opens more gateways from North America to Bermuda—and soon some Caribbean islands. BermudAir is adding aircraft and routes and even more service for customers—and it works with travel advisors. For more information, visit www.BermudAir.com.
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Jake Peters, founder and chief technology and product officer for Fora Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury host agency is experiencing exponential growth using innovative technology and marketing. Peters spoke with us just after Fora held its conference for member advisors in Brooklyn and introduced a revolutionary new booking system. For more information, visit www.foratravel.com.
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Andrew Kitema, managing co-owner of African Adventure Specialists, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the growth of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo and trends in East African safari tourism. Kitema notes that North American travelers are booking longer trips of two to three weeks across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda, and the company differentiates itself through conservation-based tourism that supports community projects. For more information, visit www.africanadventure.co.ke.
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Rose Kiseli, general manager-commercial for Kenya Airways, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about the airline's nonstop service between New York JFK and Nairobi and its extensive network connecting travelers throughout East Africa, West Africa and southern Africa. Kiseli highlights the 14-hour direct flight on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner that reduces jetlag and provides seamless connections to destinations including Masai Mara, Serengeti, Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Accra and Lagos through partnerships with Delta, JetBlue and Safari Link. For more information, visit www.kenya-airways.com.
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Global Travel Collection (GTC) advisors Michael and Steven Lieberman who are going toe to toe with GTC advisor Tom Ho in a bid to be the agency to book a special luxury trip to Scotland for a celebrity couple on NBC’s Extra Mile Club, a program being broadcast this December. Find out how these advisors organized their trips and how they are promoting the value of using a travel advisor. For more information, visit www.globaltravelcollection.com.
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Joe Chantry, vice president of entertainment for Holland America Line, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about an original new show the premium cruise line has produced, “Fosse and Verdon, The Duet That Changed Broadway,” which is being staged on Koningsdam. Supported by families of the famed choreographer Bob Fosse and famed dancer Gwen Verdon, the show traces their history as Broadway icons. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Bridgette Murugi, founder of Echopath Adventures, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about slow travel in Kenya that focuses cultural immersion and sustainable tourism over rushed safari itineraries. Murugi recommends spending a minimum of three nights at each destination to allow time for village visits, nature walks, cooking traditional meals and engaging with local communities rather than moving quickly between locations. For more information, visit www.ecopathadventures.com.
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Allan Njoroge, acting CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report at the Magical Kenya Tourism Expo in Nairobi about the record growth of the show and the country’s tourism industry. Njoroge highlights the event’s international participation, Kenya’s leadership in conservation and authentic safaris, direct air access from the U.S., and why American travelers are increasingly choosing Kenya for both adventure and cultural experiences. For more information, visit www.magicalkenya.com.
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Six Travel Leaders travel advisors talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report during the International Luxury Forum in Opatija, Croatia about their Luxury Leaders Alliance and what it means to them, as well as what they experienced in Croatia. They describe how the program connects top luxury advisors with elite peers and preferred partners, providing destination education, exclusive access, networking, and business growth support through Travel Leaders Network. Hear from Ashley Gallo, Gallo Luxe Travel; Debbie Sebastian, Thomas Travel; Jennifer Roy, Roy Travel Co; Latrise Hunter, LH Fun Travel; Russ Vara, Maestro Travel and Wendy Hershey, 101 Vacations. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Eva D’Amato, senior director of luxury lifestyle marketing for Travel Leaders Network, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report in Opatija, Croatia, during the International Luxury Forum about the network’s Luxury Leaders Alliance and its growing community of top-producing advisors. D’Amato explains how Travel Leaders connects luxury advisors with select suppliers through high-touch events, exclusive education and collaboration, while emphasizing authentic travel, partnership and personal connection over checklist tourism. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Marc Murphy, senior business development manager for Marival Resorts, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the his company’s three all-inclusive properties along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta coast. Murphy explains how each resort—Marival Emotions, Marival Distinct and Marival Armony—caters to different travelers, from active families to multi-generational groups and wellness-focused guests. He also highlights the region’s strong airlift, swimmable beaches and authentic Mexican hospitality. For more information, visit www.marivalresorts.com.
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Brian Hegarty, vice president of marketing for Travel Leaders Network, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report during the International Luxury Forum in Croatia about the evolution of the network’s Luxury Leaders Alliance and its record growth. Hegarty explains how the program connects top luxury travel advisors with key partners through exclusive events and peer communities, outlines current luxury travel trends, and shares why demand for high-touch, personalized experiences continues to surge worldwide. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Shana Whyte, director of sales for the U.S. Virgin Islands, talks with Amanda Carlow of Insider Travel Report during ALGV's Ascend 2025 conference in Cancun about new airlift, hotel developments and travel advisor resources. Whyte highlights additional flights from major U.S. cities, the new Hampton by Hilton in St. Thomas, island renovations and the ongoing webinar series designed to help travel advisors sell the destination. For more information, visit www.visitusvi.com.
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Naif Awlia, tourism & engagement director for Diriyah Company, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this massive city within a city development within Riyadh which is adding new hotels, residences, shopping outlets and more in a global heritage site. For more information, visit www.dgda.gov.sa/en.
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Jim Tedesco, vice president of sales for Apple Leisure Group Vacations (ALGV, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report during the Ascend 2025 conference in Cancun last month about new programs and incentives designed to help travel advisors grow their business. Tedesco highlights the relaunch of Blue Sky Tours, the expanded Lux portfolio with concierge support, group automation tools, and advisor rewards programs like Get Paid to Upgrade, Set Your Own Commission, and Waves points. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Jenn Lee, president and chief marketing officer for Travel Planners International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the host agencies newest programs for its travel advisors, including Luxe House, a new division focused on selling luxury travel, as well as where the Vacation Planners unit fits in the mix. For more information, visit www.travelplannersinternational.com.
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Ray Snisky, group president of Apple Leisure Group Vacations, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report during Ascend 2025 in Cancun about the company’s continued investment in travel advisors through its three core pillars—product, progress and partnership. Snisky highlights the global expansion of the all-inclusive model, new brand alliances with Bahia Principe and Playa Hotels & Resorts, technology upgrades, and his ongoing commitment to protect advisor commissions. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Erica Totora, director of marketing for JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this relatively new luxury hotel located in downtown Tampa. The property comes complete with large rooms and suites, new restaurants and a rooftop bar, all within easy access to the city’s key attractions and entertaining neighborhoods. For more information, visit https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tpajd-jw-marriott-tampa-water-street/overview.
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her cruise line’s plans introduce Destination Immersion cruising to Alaska on Azamara Pursuit next summer. Ritzenthaler also reveals how she is working to add more AzaMazing evenings, overnights, longer stays in port to all cruises on Azamara’s four-ship fleet. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Hazel McGuire, chief marketing officer for Intrepid Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about a new product line from her adventure travel operator. Short Breaks are four- to six-day adventures for time-pressed travelers seeking immersive travel experiences. The range includes 10 new itineraries across Latin America and Europe and 45 refreshed trips worldwide, curated to fit a condensed timeframe. For more information, visit www.intrepidtravel.com/short-breaks.
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Gerald Glennon, general manager of Espacio, Jewel of Waikiki, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM North America in the Bahamas about his uber luxury boutique property in Oahu. With just nine full floor suites, Espacio delivers the essence of luxury and high-end cuisine with a dedicated staff catering to guests’ every need. For more information about this very special resort, visit www.espaciowaikiki.com.
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
David Hu, president of Pleasant Holidays, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the company is changing its brand structure to better serve travel advisors. A | T Holdings is the new holding company that will feature four brands: Pleasant Holidays for all travel advisors, Members First for AAA advisors (AAA owns Pleasant), Evoke | Inspire for luxury advisors, replacing luxury travel brand Journese, and Pleasant Activities. Hu explains how this new structure will make it easier for advisors to sell more travel. The company is developing new websites for all its brands but for now advisors can continue to use www.pleasantagent.com and www.journese.com.
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Michael Tibetts, founder and CEO of Salterra in Turks & Caicos, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand new resort on South Caicos offering great beaches, sumptuous accommodations, and gourmet dining, For more information, visit www.salterra.com.
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Sarah Sundstedt, chief marketing officer for Eterniti Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America about her company’s collection of luxury and commissionable villa rentals at sun and snow resorts around France and beyond. For more information, visit www.eterniti.com
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Gisele Abrahao, CEO of Global Vision Access, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Brasil DNA, a multi-media tourism campaign, including a Virtual Roadshow, Nov. 4-6, produced by Insider Travel Report and TAConnect. Brasil DNA connects North American travel professionals with the authenticity, culture and natural beauty that make Brazil an unforgettable destination. In partnership with Embratur (Visit Brasil) and leading destinations and travel partners, this campaign invites travel professionals to go beyond brochures and immerse themselves in what truly defines this extraordinary country. Learn more about Discover Brasil DNA and register at https://bureaumundo.com/brasil-dna. To register and attend the Virtual Roadshow for free, visit www.taconnect.travel/2025agentregbrasildna-vrs.
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Liz Fettes, chief commercial officer for Cunard, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Queen Elizabeth’s Caribbean season and where the ship will be for the rest of the year. Queen Elizabeth just starting to homeport in Miami offering a series of sailings to a diverse group of Caribbean islands. Then next year she will be doing a series of cruises to Alaska. For more information, visit www.cunard.com or www.onesourcecruises.com.
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Jason Stafford, managing director of Manoir Hovey in Quebec, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America, held earlier this month, about his iconic lakeside luxury retreat just over the New York State border. With individually designed accommodations, gourmet restaurants and a large spa, this property is the perfect getaway for couples. For more information, visit www.manoirhovey.com.
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Piangduan Kloyarun, vice president-sales & marketing for Lebua Bangkok, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America earlier this month about this extraordinary urban resort depicted in movies like “The Hangover Part 2.” Lebua Bangkok features sumptuous accommodations, multiple restaurants, shopping and more in the heart of Thailand capital city. For more information, visit www.lebua.com.
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Joy Jibrilu, CEO of Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America, held earlier this month at Baha Mar in Nassau, the Bahamas. Jibrilu tells us how the destination continues to grow with new resort sand new resort features, anchored by the two mega-resorts in the region, Baha Mar and Atlantis Bahamas. For more information, visit www.nassauparadiseisland.com.
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Feisal Jaffer, global head of LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Brooke Thomas, brand leader of Curio Collection by Hilton, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America, held at Baha Mar in the Bahamas. Jaffer details the latest developments in LXR’s luxury resort brand, while Thoms reveals new members of the Curio Collection. For more information, visit www.hilton.com.
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Jacqueline Leibl-Cote, president and CEO of Collette, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her family-owned tour company has introduced a new tagline, a new video and even a new song—along with a whole new slate of tours for 2026. Leible-Cote tells us how Collette is making big changes to its branding and product mix. For more information, visit www.gocollette.com.
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Richard Fain, chairman and former CEO for Royal Caribbean Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Fain’s new book “Delivering the WOW.” The book delivers both a running account of Fain’s time at Royal Caribbean and the lessons he and his team learned in how to develop innovative, even revolutionary cruise ships and products that “wow” guests. To buy the book, click on Amazon “Delivering the WOW.”
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
John McEnroe, a legend in tennis and in broadcasting tennis, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the John MacEnroe Tennis Center at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, the Bahamas. McEnroe tells us about his youth tennis centers in New York and the Bahamas and what he hopes to accomplish. For more information, visit www.bahamar.com. To set up a group at the tennis center, email Derron Donaldson, director of racquets at derron.donaldson@bahamar.com.
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Tawnee Sons and Julie Irovando, top-producing travel advisors with Cruise Planners, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Wonder of the Seas during Cruise Planners’ annual conference about how they built a thriving family business around group travel. The two share how Cruise Planners’ technology, training and supportive community have helped them grow from selling small escorted church trips to handling groups of up to 600 guests. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Adam Martindale, a Cruise Planners travel advisor, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Wonder of the Seas during Cruise Planners’ annual conference about how he turned decades in food and beverage management into a thriving travel business specializing in luxury, food and wine cruises. With Cruise Planners’ support and technology, Martindale was able to find his niche, build strong supplier relationships and embrace innovation to triple his business since 2019. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar Resort, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report during ILTM North America, held earlier this month, about what’s new and what’s planned at his signature property in Nassau, the Bahamas. The Jazz Club at Baha Mar is now featuring a full schedule of performances and Leola, Celebrity Chef Scott Connant’s new Italian restaurant, is in previews getting ready to open later this fall. There’s also a new Podcast studio opening at Baha Mar and a fourth hotel—being added to the Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood in the complex—is under construction just down the beach. For more information, visit www.bahamar.com.
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Simon Mayle, event director for ILTM North America and PROUD Gathering, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about last week’s luxury travel event at the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, the Bahamas. This 13th annual event, co-located with the PROUD LGBTQ+ conference, attracted well over 1,000 luxury travel advisors and luxury vendors. For more information, visit www.iltm.com/northamerica.
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Brian Shultz, chief information officer of Cruise Planners, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Wonder of the Seas during the company’s annual conference about the newest technology innovations transforming how travel advisors work. Shultz explains how Cruise Planners’ AI confirmation import tool, Trip Summary 3.0, Flight Checker and Max Media streamline marketing, reduce errors and save advisors valuable time. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Captain Sverre Andreas Rod, master of HX Expeditions’ MS Spitsbergen, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report in East Greenland about navigating some of the world’s most remote waters and what sets HX apart after more than 130 years of polar exploration. Angela also interviews expedition guides Lois Fleming and Rubio Carmona (pictured above) about wildlife encounters, the contrasts between East and West Greenland, and the variety of activities available for travelers of all ages. For more information, visit www.travelhx.com.
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Scott Koepf, chief strategy officer for Cruise Planners, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Wonder of the Seas during the company’s annual convention about the franchise’s education and training philosophy. Koepf explains how Cruise Planners integrates online learning with in-person programs like Star University, Boot Camp and Tech Days to help advisors master marketing, sales and technology while building their businesses. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Theresa Salzitti, chief operations officer for Cruise Planners, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Wonder of the Seas during the company’s annual conference about new marketing tools for travel advisors. Salzitti explains how Cruise Planners’ “full surround sound” strategy—combining direct mail, digital campaigns, social media automation and AI-driven insights—helps member travel advisors reach the right clients more efficiently and grow their business. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with his tour guide Tom from Lip Smacking Foodie Tours about one of the company’s patented food tours in Las Vegas, this one featuring three restaurants—Sushi Samba, Sugarcane and Milos—in the Venetian and Palazzo resorts. As Tom explains, that’s only one of Lip Smacking’s food tours of Vegas. For more information, visit www.lipsmackingfoodietours.com.