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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 Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Anne Bluntzer, owner of Bluntzer Travel in San Antonio, Texas, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Brownell Academy in Chicago about why she joined host agency Brownell Travel, and what programs it has to help her sell more luxury travel. For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com or www.bluntzertravel.com.
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Patrick Katzenberg, general manager of The Londoner, a Preferred Hotel on London's Leicester Square, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what makes the property the world’s first “super boutique hotel.” Katzenberg shares how the hotel’s central location, 350 rooms and suites, and eight stories above and below ground create a unique urban resort experience. For more information, visit www.thelondoner.com.
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Lauren Jones, owner of Solas Travels in Long Beach, Calif., a top Brownell-affiliated travel advisor, tells James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report why she joined the host agency, what Brownell programs she uses, and how she’s found sales success. For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com.
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Matthew Dixon, managing partner of Archer Hotel Management, owner of The Palace Hotel Madrid, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the luxury hotel has been completely renovated, including all rooms, public spaces and restaurants. With an enviable location in the heart of the city, The Palace Hotel, part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, is close to major art museums, gardens and other attractions. For more information, visit www.thepalacehotelmadrid.com.
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Cathryn Norton, director of partner relationships at Brownell Travel, and Austin Leatherberry, director of partner opportunities at Brownell Travel, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how their luxury host agency selects its preferred partners and how it helps its member travel advisors sell more of their travel products. For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com.
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Iñigo Valenzuela, founder and CEO of Smartvel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about its mission to deliver high quality travel content leveraging artificial and human intelligence to deliver the right content at the right time when each of your customers need it. Smartvel offers b-to-b comprehensive solutions across all channels, sectors and content types. For more information, visit www.smartvel.com.
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Margaret Haas, director of advisor development at Brownell Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her decision to get into travel with her father, Troy Haas’ host agency—and why she thinks travel and being a travel advisor is such a great opportunity. She also discusses her role at Brownell as director of advisor development. For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com.
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Gwen Kozlowski, president of Exeter International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her company, which began as an Eastern Europe and Russia specialist, now delivers very different kind of luxury experience in many other European countries. For more information, visit www.exeterinternational.com.
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Gwen Kozlowski, president of Exeter International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her company, which began as an Eastern Europe and Russia specialist, now delivers very different kind of luxury experience in many other European countries. For more information, visit www.exeterinternational.com.
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Kerry Dyer, chief development officer for Brownell Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Brownell Academy in Chicago about how her Virtuoso-affiliated host agency develops its member advisors and turns them into some of the highest producers with the highest incomes in the business. Brownell is the oldest travel agency in America—and one of the most successful. For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com.
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
David Harris, president of Brownell Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Brownell Academy in Chicago about how America’s oldest travel agency has updated its operations and continues to help its affiliated travel advisors achieve some of the highest incomes in the business. Harris, who came from outside the industry a little more than two years, also tells us why travel is such a great business. For more information, visit www.brownelltavel.com.
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Nicola Butler, managing director and owner of NoteWorthy, talks with James Shillinglaw about how her boutique luxury travel company delivers unique and exquisite experiences in Britain that really can’t be duplicated. Butler is famed for creating trips that allow clients to see a very different kind of London and the rest of the country. For more information, visit www.noteworthy.co.uk.
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Troy Haas, CEO of Brownell Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Brownell Academy in Chicago about his truly historic and innovative host agency, which dates from 1887. A founding member of Virtuoso, Brownell has remained a leader in an evolving travel industry—and its affiliated travel advisors continue to have some of the highest incomes in the business. For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com.
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Mark Kansley, senior vice president of hotel operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard the new Norwegian Aqua about the ship’s expanded pool deck, enhanced atrium, upgraded cabins, multigenerational amenities, and entertainment, including “Revolution," a Prince tribute stage show. Kansley also discusses culinary additions including a Thai venue and plant-based outlet, and shares how Aqua was purpose-built for warm-weather cruising in the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.ncl.com or www.norwegiancentral.com.
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Gail Walter, cruise director on Avalon's Artistry II, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the tours and activities guests can experience on Avalon’s new Bordeaux River cruise. Walter details the sites, the sounds and, yes, the wine that guests can sample during visits to top Bordeaux vineyards. For more information, visit www.avalonwaterways.com and www.traveladvisorportal.com.
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Nils Lindstad of Four Seasons Yachts gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report an update on the status of the eagerly anticipated Four Seasons I, which is now on track to launch on revenue voyages in January 2026. Lindstad, who is vice president-business development and sales excellence for Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd,, owner and joint operator of Four Seasons Yachts, says despite some management changes last year, Four Season I will launch on schedule and with all the innovations guests expect from a revolutionary ship. For more information, visit www.fourseasonyachts.com.
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Nick Coward, cruise director on Tauck Savor, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Tauck stages its Danube River experience in Austria, Slovakia and Germany. Coward reviews the ports, the tours and the experiences Tauck delivers on a modified upper Danube sailing. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Céline Bossanne, co-founder of Huttopia, and Amelia Brouhard, North American chief sales & marketing officer, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their unique company, which offers upscale (and commissionable) camping in tents and cabins across the great mountains and parks of the U.S., Canada and Europe. For more information, visit www.huttopia.com.
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Capt. Dan Blanchard talks with James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, about how he formed UnCruise Adventures, a U.S. flagged adventure cruise company that offers sailings in Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. Blanchard tells us how he built up UnCruise, how it as expanded into new regions, and what the experience is onboard his ships. He also gives us his take on how adventure travel has changed since he started in the business. For more information, visit www.uncruise.com.
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Top destination executives tell you about the adventure travel opportunities they have that travel advisors can sell. They detail the places, the kinds of adventure travel experiences and how advisors can better understand what they have to offer. Alan Fine moderates the following panel:
Johanna Gonzalez, leisure sales manager, Discover Puerto Rico, www.discoverpuertorico.com
Gregg Truman, head of North America, Saudi Tourism Authority, https://www.visitsaudi.com.
Melanie Schenkel, Aussie specialist program manager, Tourism Australia, www.australia.com
Anna Cecilia Santos, head of marketing and trade relations, Mato Grosso du Sol and Iguassu, Brazil, anna.cecilia@globalvisionaccess.com
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
There’s a new kind of cruise emerging known as the Exploration cruise, where guests visit remote islands, out of the way countries, off-the-beaten path destinations. This panel examines all the non-polar cruises available in the market today and how to sell them. James Shillinglaw moderates the following panel:
Nazli Del Mar Rodriguez, Marketing and Sales Manager, Australis, www.australis.com
Linn Wilson, Regional Sales Manager, North America East, Hurtigruten, www.hurtigruten.com
Kelly Predmesky, Director of National Accounts, Swan Hellenic, www.swanhellenic.com
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Camille Olivere, chief sales officer for Globus family of brands, which includes Avalon Waterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard the Avalon Artistry II about Avalon’s new Bordeaux river cruise. Olivere tells you how to sell this new itinerary, which includes magnificent city of Bordeaux itself and the famous vineyards of the region, where your clients can go biking, hiking, tasting exploring and more. For more information, visit www.avalonwaterways.com.
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on Avalon Artistry II, the rivership that Avalon uses for its brand new Bordeaux sailing. Hoffee details the ship andand the tours on this wonderful cruise that explores one of the great wine destinations in the world. For more information, visit www.avalonwaterways.com.
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Shauna Reilly, director of sales and trade marketing for Tauck, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report onboard Tauck Savor on a Danube River cruise. Reilly suggests new ways you can better sell a Tauck river cruise, from the accommodations, the dining and (of course) the tours. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Lee Haskell, chief commercial officer for Celestyal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s recently completed season cruising the Gulf of Arabia. He also previews the season where Celestyal will sail two ships in the Aegean and Adriatic. For more Information, visit www.celestyal.com.
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Arjun Sinsinwar, chief inspiration officer for Antara Boutique River Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna about what his company offers on the Ganges and other waterways of India. For more information, visit www.antaracruises.com.
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the company continues to build on its five decades-long legacy, where the old and new playbooks coexist and flourish, how it’s rethinking travel advisor engagement, bridging the talent gap, and future-proofing product. Visit www.classicvacations.com for details and where registered advisors can also log in to book or register to get started.
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Marcus Leskover, executive vice president of Amadeus River Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA River Cruise Expo, where his new Amadeus Nova proved to be a hit among travel advisors attending the show. Vienna-based Amadeus is one of the oldest river cruise companies in the world, but it has some of the newest ships, including the new Nova and upcoming Amadeus Aurea. For more information, visit www.amadeus-rivercruises.com.
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Chris Austin, president-North America for Explora Journeys, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why this new luxury lifestyle brand is the ultimate hotel at sea as guests discover their Ocean State of Mind. For more information, visit explorajourneys.com/traveladvisors.
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Marilyn Conroy, senior vice president-business development for Riviera Travel, formerly known in the U.S. as Riviera River Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna. Conroy talks about Riviera’s rebranding and what the reaction has been from the trade. She also explains Riviera’s group and solo travel promotions as the company appeals to major segments of the market. For more information, visit www.rivierarivercruises.com or www.rivieratravel.com.
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna about her luxury river cruise brand’s progress as it grows on the rivers of Europe. With three ships now, including the famed Riverside Mozart, Riverside is working to deliver the best luxury experience on the river. Halboth details the ships, the itineraries and what’s new for 2025 and beyond. For more information, visit www.riverside-cruises.com.
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Top polar expedition cruise executives tell you what differentiates their cruise products and how to sell them to your clients. They detail the polar products, the target clients, and the trends in adventure and expedition travel. James Shillinglaw moderates the panel, which includes Kris Enderson, head of sales-North America, Aurora Expeditions; Carla Brake, senior director of sales, HX; and Toto Vermue, sales account manager, Oceanwide Expeditions.
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA River Cruise Expo, held in Vienna earlier this month. Milan tells us how the newly rebranded Riviera Travel (formerly Riviera River Cruises) will now sell European river cruises, tours, hotels, transfers and much more through travel advisors in the U.S. and Canada, much as its British-based parent does in the U.K. For more information, visit www.rivierarivercruises.com and www.rivieratravel.com.
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Top destination executives tell you about the adventure travel opportunities they have that travel advisors can sell. They detail the places, the kinds of adventure travel experiences and how advisors can better understand what they have to offer. Alan Fine moderates the panel, which includes Ernst Flach, representative for MMGY Global (Visit Rwanda & Costa Rica Tourism Board); Stu Lukes, West Coast sales representative, Antipodal; Ana Kammerer, sales and marketing manager, Emerging Destinations; Nicole Graham, market development manager, Visit Scotland; and Milijana Boryojevic, director, Korcula Tourist Board.
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Steve Spivak, vice president of sales and reservations for Tauck, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA River Cruise Expo about his company’s growing roster of river cruise experiences. Spivak showcases new itineraries, new ships and more coming online as he reveals the “Tauck” difference on the rivers of Europe and beyond. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
The adventure tour business is booming and top operators keep coming up with new ways to explore exotic destinations. This panel examines the products in the market today and how you can sell them to an increasingly diverse customer base. Alan Fine moderates the following panel: Kiran Nambiar, senior vice president-sales, ANZCRO; Danielle Martins, sales support manager, Collette; Wendy Mills, business development manager-Eastern Canada/USA, Exodus Adventure Travels; Kazundra Brown, senior key partnerships manager, Intrepid Travel; and Simon Jones, business development director for Africa, Ultimate Jet Vacations.
Saturday Mar 22, 2025
Saturday Mar 22, 2025
Ken Muscat, president of Scenic Group U.S.A & Latin America) talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about where his two river cruise brands, Scenic and Emerald, will sail in 2025 and beyond. Muscat reviews the new ships and itineraries on the horizon. He also updates us on his luxury yacht products for both Scenic and Emerald. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com and www.emeraldcruises.com.
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Kristen Karst, co-founder, co-owner and chief brand ambassador for AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury river cruise line’s plans for new ships, new itineraries and a whole new river. Karst details plans for a second AmaMagna class ship, named AmaRudi after her co-founder and husband, Rudi Schreiner, and provides an update on plans to start river cruising on the Magdalena River in Colombia later this spring. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Phil Hullah, CEO of U.K.-based Riviera Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s expansion into the U.S. market. Beginning with Riviera River Cruises six years ago as Riviera River Cruises, Riviera Travel has rebranded and named a president-North America as it seeks to sell more than just river cruises in the North American market. Hullah explains Riviera’s strategy and why he believes his company offers value travel products for travelers in the U.S. and Canada that travel advisors can sell. For more information, visit www.rivierarivercruises or www.rivieratravel.com.
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Zane Kerby, ASTA’s president and CEO, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about last week’s ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna. The event attracted roughly 1,300 ASTA member travel advisors and 300 river cruise suppliers, destinations and media. It also showcased more than 16 river ships and gave advisors a chance to compare the many products on the rivers of Europe. For more information, visit www.astarivercruiseexpo.com or www.asta.org.
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Teresa, our cruise director on Celestyal Journey earlier this month, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the wide array of entertainment available on the ship during a new cruise of the Gulf of Arabia. With nightly production shows staring an all-Cuban cast and lots of music and even magic in lounges throughout the ship, entertainment is a surprising highlight on Celestyal Journey. For more information, visit www.celestyal.com.
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Felix Schlokat, general manager of the Hilton Cancun, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the resort’s modern design, offering 715 rooms and suites, oceanfront views, and a compact layout ideal for families, couples and social groups. Schlokat highlights the resort’s diverse dining options, including themed restaurants, surprise fitness activations like silent DJ spin classes and sea aerobics, a robust entertainment program, and the convenience of the all-inclusive model designed for guests to relax without ever needing their wallet. For more information, visit www.hilton.com.
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Anna Gregori, vice president-brand, marketing and customer experience for Celestyal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the ports and destinations visited by Celestyal Journey during its new Gulf of Arabia cruise. The ship departs Doha, Qatar and visits Bahrain, Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi with special experiences delivered in every port, including visits to mosques, souks, a dune drive, a dune dinner, a trip to the tallest building in the world, a dhow sailing and more. For more information, visit www.celestyal.com.
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Nicole Tilzer, vice president of all-inclusive resort strategy for Hilton, and Alejandro Larrondo, general manager of Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe, speak with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the brand’s distinct and passionate approach to all-inclusive hospitality. Larrondo describes the unique offerings at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe, its elevated Enclave rooms, curated dining experiences and vibrant entertainment. Tilzer also shares updates on Hilton’s growing all-inclusive portfolio, including properties in the Dominican Republic, Cancun, Greece and Turkey. For more information, visit www.hilton.com.
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Stephan Interthal, general manager of Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what’s new at his property located in the heart of the city. With recently renovated rooms, two great restaurants, including a Nobu, and a trendy bar, the Kempinski continues to raise the bar for luxury hotels in the Hungarian capital. For more information, visit www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-corvinus-budapest.
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Dina Nunes of Café Nunes, a family-run coffee shop and farm in São Jorge, Azores, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the island’s unique coffee-growing process. Nunes explains how São Jorge’s microclimate supports coffee cultivation at low altitudes, the farm’s sustainable, chemical-free methods, and its artisanal approach to harvesting and processing beans. She also highlights coffee tours, handmade textile orders, and adventure activities available through her tourism company, Discover Experience. For more information, visit https://byacores.com/en/cafe-nunes.
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Caroline Sicard, artistic director for Cirque du Soleil at Vidanta World Riviera Maya in Mexico, speaks with Sherman Dejon of Insider Travel Report about JOYÀ, the resort's immersive residency show. Sicard shares insights on the production’s evolving storyline, Mexican cultural influences, live music, intricate costumes and the purpose-built theater. She also highlights the VIP experience, pre-show dinner, and why JOYÀ is an unforgettable experience for all ages. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/joya.
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Pedro Fernande, of Magnolia Hotel in São Jorge, Azores, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the hotel's personalized hospitality, local culinary offerings, and commitment to sustainability. Fernandez highlights the property's tranquil setting, farm-to-table breakfasts, and immersive guest experiences, such as foraging for cocktail ingredients. For more details, visit www.magnoliahotel.com.
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Alejandro Fuentes, operations manager for the Jungle Aqua Experience at Vidanta World Riviera Maya, talks with Sherman DeJon of Insider Travel Report about the luxury water park’s attractions for all ages. Fuentes highlights the park’s thrill slides, family-friendly raft rides, and interactive kids’ zones, including the Rain Fortress. He also discusses the park’s safety measures, cabana rentals, VIP services, spa amenities, dining options, and unique features like the longest lazy river in Latin America. For more details, visit www.vidanta.com.
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Franco Pedone, cluster general manager at VidantaWorld Riviera Maya, talks with Sherman DeJon of Insider Travel Report about the 1,000-acre property’s diverse accommodations, including the new 52-suite Jungle Park Hotel, more than 40 dining options, multiple pools, an exclusive Cirque du Soleil theater and the Jungle Aqua Experience water park. Pedone also discusses the resort’s jungle setting, sustainability efforts, and the immersive guest experiences available. For more information, visit vidanta.com.