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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
Jul 27, 2023
Jul 27, 2023
17 min
Kelly Kimple, CEO of Adventures in Good Company (AGC), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how she creates experiences of a lifetime for women seeking new adventures. AGC’s small group getaways encourage women of all ages and life stages to connect and re-connect with their adventurous selves, other women and cultures, and the natural world. For more information, visit www.adventuresingoodcompany.com.
Jul 26, 2023
Jul 26, 2023
15 min
Rosana Morillo, Secretary of State for Tourism for Spain, sat down with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report when she was in New York earlier this month to participate in a UN conference on sustainable tourism. Morillo describes how Spain is working to make tourism more sustainable, as well as how the country measures that sustainability. She also reveals the latest numbers of visitors to Spain, noting strong growth from the U.S. market. For more information, visit www.spain.info.
Jul 25, 2023
Jul 25, 2023
13 min
Michael Lim, acting director-U.S. for Hong Kong Tourism Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what's new in Hong Kong, which is now completely open for travel after three years where it was virtually closed due to the pandemic. Lim describes Hong Kong's new arrival and departure experience at the airport, new hotels, new dining options, museums, festivals and much more. For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.
Jul 24, 2023
Jul 24, 2023
6 min
Jacqueline Barney, senior vice president-global marketing for Crystal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at a lunch at Nobu Downtown in New York City to celebrate the renewed partnership between Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Crystal, which will once again feature his restaurants aboard its two renovated ships. For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com.
Jul 21, 2023
Jul 21, 2023
23 min
Jeff Adam. director of sales for Down Under Answers, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about a fam trip to New Zealand we took with 10 travel advisors that offered a great overview of this fabulous destination. From Māori culture to Ruby in Auckland to lots of wind in Hawkes Bay to adventure activities in Queenstown, this trip had it all. Adam reviews what we did and how we did it. This is the final video of a series we’ve been posting on this trip. For more information, visit www.duatravel.com.
Jul 20, 2023
Jul 20, 2023
9 min
Jason Burgess, lead guide for Bush & Beach Tours in Auckland, New Zealand, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of the parks, beaches and suburbs just outside the city to discover the country’s nature preserves, history and a whole lot more. This video is from a fam trip organized by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit https://bushandbeach.co.nz or visit www.duatravel.com.
Jul 19, 2023
Jul 19, 2023
6 min
Lee Saunders, owner and lead guide for Alpine Luxury Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his local tour operation in Queenstown. Saunders details how Alpine Luxury can deliver almost any experience, from hiking to jetboating to culinary and wine experiences and more, when your clients visit this most scenic area of New Zealand. This video is from a fam trip created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.alpineluxurytours.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 18, 2023
Jul 18, 2023
6 min
Tegan Worthington, sales and marketing manager for Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, talks with James Shillinglaw about her company’s flightseeing tours to explore the mountains, glaciers and lakes around Queenstown, New Zealand. With the latest helicopters and great pilots Glacier South Lakes Helicopters is the operator many turn to for both transportation and tours of the area. This video was produced during a fam trip created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.glaciersouthernlakes.co.nz and www.duatravel.com.
Jul 17, 2023
Jul 17, 2023
12 min
Geraldine McMillan, sales manager for RealNZ, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the adventures her company can provide to your clients, from an excursion to Milford Sound for a cruise past the waterfalls to a dinner experience at Colonel’s Homestead restaurant on Wakatipu in Queenstown, plus much more. This interview was completed during a fam trip created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.realnz.com or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 14, 2023
Jul 14, 2023
23 min
Dr. Merel Dalebout, a submersible pilot and naturalist, and Seb Coulthard, a submersible pilot and historian, talk with James Shillinglaw about Seabourn Venture’s two U-Boat submersibles (submarines), which offer guests an adventure in this case in the depths of the cold blue waters of Greenland. Dalebout and Coulthard talk about how they learned how to pilot the submersibles, what they like about the subs, and what else they do as part of the expedition team aboard the ship. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Jul 14, 2023
Jul 14, 2023
7 min
Katherine Cahill, sales and events manager for Headwaters Eco-Lodge at Glenorchy, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this completely sustainable hotel near Queenstown, New Zealand. With a unique restaurant focusing on local products, comfortable public lounges and bars, and some very special rooms and cabins, Headwaters is positioned as the perfect place to enjoy the region’s natural and adventure attractions. We visited this lodge as part of a fam trip offered by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.theheadwaters.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 13, 2023
Jul 13, 2023
17 min
Gerald Mosslinger, senior vice president-hotel operations for Seabourn, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Seabourn Venture, the line’s first luxury expedition ship. Mosslinger details the range of accommodations, including spectacular suite, as well the dining onboard at the Colonnade and The Restaurant, plus a brand new room service program. Most of all, he talks about how Seabourn delivers its personal brand of service on a true expedition ship. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Jul 13, 2023
Jul 13, 2023
8 min
Mark Rose, chief executive of the Rees Hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his sumptuous accommodations overlooking Lake Wakatipu. With a wide range of rooms, suites and even apartments, the Rees, named after Queenstown’s first European settler, features a top-notch restaurant, spa and other comforts for those needing a base to explore the region. Travel advisors and Insider stayed at the Rees as part of a fam trip developed by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.therees.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 12, 2023
Jul 12, 2023
8 min
Matt Woods, CEO of Destination Queenstown in New Zealand, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the incredibly varied attractions of his popular city and region, including wineries, fine cuisine, ski resorts, jetboating, spectacular mountains, and much more. This video is from a recent fam trip organized by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.queenstownnz.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 12, 2023
Jul 12, 2023
21 min
Brandon Payne and Robert Egelstaff, lead kayak guides on Seabourn Venture, talk to James Shillinglaw about the experience they deliver to guests, including a paddle through stunning fjords past massive mountains and glaciers, thousands of bird species, seals and more. They also regale us with some surprising stories about the joys of kayaking. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Jul 11, 2023
Jul 11, 2023
23 min
Robin West, vice president-expedition operations and planning for Seabourn, talks with James Shillinglaw about how the luxury cruise line develops its expeditions and forms its teams. On an Arctic cruise of Greenland and Iceland, West describes what guests will see and do in these remote destinations, including kayaking, Zodiac rides through fjords and past glaciers, wildlife viewing of birds, seals and whales, and much more. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Jul 11, 2023
Jul 11, 2023
7 min
Alia McWhirter and Kim Botherway of Altitude Tours in Queenstown talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the range of services their small group operator provides to deliver wine tasting experiences, jetboat rides, helicopter rides, transfers and a whole lot more. This tour was booked as part of a fam trip created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.altitudetours.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 10, 2023
Jul 10, 2023
15 min
Comedian Jay Leno, former host of NBC’s Tonight Show, spoke with the press last month just before he served as godfather to rechristen Carnival Venezia as the part of the “Fun Italian-Style” Carnival fleet. What we found out: Leno has never cruised before, he likes the fact that his Italian heritage fits in with the Carnival Venezia’s theme, and he thinks his immigrant grandfather would have been amazed that he was christening a cruise ship. For more information, visit www.goccl.com or www.carnival.com.
Jul 10, 2023
Jul 10, 2023
6 min
Thomas Moschetta, general manager of wine at Kinross, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his unique winery just outside Queenstown, New Zealand. With accommodations, a restaurant and a new wine tasting facility, this is one of the most advanced wineries in the country. This winery visit is part of a recent fam trip to New Zealand created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit https://kinross.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 10, 2023
Jul 10, 2023
12 min
Natalya Leahy, the new president of Seabourn, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on her President’s Cruise aboard Seabourn Venture, the luxury line’s new expedition vessel, on an Arctic cruise to Greenland and Iceland. Leahy tells us her goals for Seabourn, what Seabourn Venture offers in terms of expeditions and service, and how she’s looking forward to Seabourn Pride, the line’s second expedition ship, due out in October. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Jul 7, 2023
Jul 7, 2023
12 min
Louise Frend, managing director of Unique Stays & Experiences, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Mangapapa Hotel, located in Havelock North near Napier in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay region. Frend describes the historic luxury boutique country estate, which has just 12 rooms, a restaurant, day spa and a pool. Frend, a travel and tourism expert, owns a company that specializes cost-effective, personalized marketing solutions showcasing New Zealand tourism products. This video is from a fam trip offered by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit https://mangapapa.co.nz, https://uniquestays.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 6, 2023
Jul 6, 2023
7 min
Michael Banks, customer experience manager at Craggy Range Winer, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the wine, the restaurant and the accommodations at this family owned winery. Banks manages the winery’s Cellar Door and visitor hosting program at this winery located in the shadow of Te Mata Peak in the premium wine growing area of Hawke’s Bay New Zealand. This video is from a fam trip organized by Down Under Answers. For more information, https://craggyrange.com or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 5, 2023
Jul 5, 2023
4 min
Hamish Prins, owner and director of Prinsy's Tours, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of many of the wineries in Hawke’s Bay and a whole lot more in the region around Napier. This video is from a fam trip organized by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.prinsystours.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 5, 2023
Jul 5, 2023
25 min
Jason Picard, president and CEO of Bastion Industries, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Canada’s Wendat nation; the luxury hotel Premieres Nations and Museum in Wendake; the hotel's food program and Michelin chef; Onhwa' Lumina, a spectacular light show in the woods; and Picard's own moccasin factory, which enables him to give back to his people and community. For more information, visit www.TourismeWendake.ca, www.HotelPremieresNations.ca, www.OnhwaLumina.com and www.BastienIndustries.ca.
Jul 4, 2023
Jul 4, 2023
14 min
Chuck Conine, owner of Travel with Charley, a top-producing independent affiliate with Avoya Travel, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his life in hospitality, the history of his agency, what Avoya does for him and his agency, and what it means to win Avoya’s Flowerfly Award. Conine also discusses Avoya's "Leave it to the Experts" marketing campaign and why it is the perfect message to send to travelers at this time. For more information, visit www.AvoyaNetwork.com.
Jul 4, 2023
Jul 4, 2023
6 min
Chelsea Ambrahoff of Church Road Winery in Napier, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her winery, which offers tastings and light bites, and a great introduction to this famed Hawke’s Bay wine region in New Zealand. This video is part of a fam trip organized by Down Under Answers For more information, visit www.churchroad.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jul 3, 2023
Jul 3, 2023
9 min
Caroline Sheedy, tourism and experience manager at J.J. Corry, talks with Benjamin Bass of Insider Travel Report about her whisky farm that took its inspiration from J. J. Corry, a local bonder and blender from the late 1800s in the county of Clare in Ireland. Sheedy details the process of whisky bonding, the flavoring of whisky aged in bourbon, sherry, tequila and even maple syrup casks to name a few varieties. For more information, visit www.JJCorry.com.
Jun 30, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
5 min
Elle Armon-Jones, owner of Big Foody Food Tours, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a culinary tour of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Her walking tours are designed to showcase a destination through the eyes of a local and enjoy local cuisine and specialty foods. This is the fourth in a series of videos produced during a recent fam trip offered by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.thebigfoody.com or www.duatravel.com.
Jun 30, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
14 min
Ashley Hunter, senior vice president of partnerships for Avoya Travel, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how partnerships with Certares (a major investor in the company), Travel Leaders Network, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) help Avoya to secure new products, programs and professional development in support of its independent affiliates. Hunter also discusses Avoya's newest programs, including Avoya Flight and Avoya Hotels. For more information, visit www.AvoyaNetwork.com.
Jun 29, 2023
Jun 29, 2023
12 min
Sam McCully, senior vice president of marketing for Avoya Travel, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how Avoya is supporting travel advisors with its “Leave it to the Experts” campaign, which comically depicts what can go wrong without a travel advisor's assistance. McCully also explains how Avoya-affiliated travel advisors can use the tools in Avoya's marketing resource center as well as what sets Avoya apart from other host agencies. For more information, visit www.AvoyaNetwork.com.
Jun 29, 2023
Jun 29, 2023
9 min
Cecil Portato, sales manager for All Blacks Experience in Auckland, gives James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report a tour of this unique attraction, which teaches you about New Zealand’s national rugby team, why it’s been so successful and even how to use the fundamentals of team building yourself. This is the third in a series of videos from a fam trip organized by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.experienceallblacks.com or www.duatravel.com.
Jun 28, 2023
Jun 28, 2023
6 min
Dane Tumahi, a descendant of Māori chiefs, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a fascinating guided tour of Maungawhau (Mount Eden), a mountain that formerly was a Māori settlement and sacred site high above Auckland. Tumahi details the history, customs and traditions of the Māori people, which is so crucial to truly understanding New Zealand. This video is from the second day of a fam trip to New Zealand created by Down Under Answers. For more information, click on https://staynative.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jun 27, 2023
Jun 27, 2023
5 min
Gabriel Young, owner of Terra & Tide in Waiheke Island, New Zealand, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her day-tour operator’s guided walks, zip-lines excursions, wine tours and much more. It’s the perfect escape for your clients looking for a quick island getaway after a long flight to Auckland. This is the first of a series of videos from a New Zealand fam trip created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit https://terraandtide.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Jun 27, 2023
Jun 27, 2023
17 min
Steve Hirshan, senior vice president of sales for Avoya Travel, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Avoya's Land Forum, including who attended, what new technology and partnerships were revealed, and how land sales have been explosive since 2019. Hirshan also details what makes Avoya different, specifically all the ways advisors get leads, including live leads, smart leads, leads from partner Travel Leaders Network's Agent Profiler and, of course, support for the advisors' own leads. For more information, visit www.AvoyaNetwork.com.
Jun 26, 2023
Jun 26, 2023
25 min
Mark Nolan, general manager of Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland, talks with Benjamin Bass of Insider Travel Report about the history of his famed luxury castle hotel, as well as the accommodations, dining options and upcoming renovations, especially to the spa. For more information, visit www.dromoland.ie.
Jun 23, 2023
Jun 23, 2023
4 min
Lisa Kaplan, leader of sales and education for Little Canada, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her commissionable attraction in Toronto where guests can see Canada in miniature and watch over the next five years as artists add more Canadian destinations. Kaplan shows how guests can even receive a replica of themselves in miniature. For more information, visit www.Little-Canada.ca.
Jun 22, 2023
Jun 22, 2023
18 min
Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury wholesaler’s new Beyond by Classic booking platform for travel advisors, as well as what destinations Classic serves, new hotels in its inventory, what’s selling well this year and who owns Classic now. For more information, visit www.classicvacations.com.
Jun 22, 2023
Jun 22, 2023
9 min
Luz María Zepeda Esquerra, director of the Tourism Board of La Paz Baha California Sur, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her hidden gem on the Sea of Cortez, a two-hour drive from Los Cabos, where guests can swim with sea lions, watch for grey whales, visit beaches and deserts, and stargaze. Zepeda Esquerra also covers new hotels and how safe the area is for families, honeymooners, solo and adventure travelers. For more information, visit www.GoLaPaz.com.
Jun 21, 2023
Jun 21, 2023
22 min
Mikko Turtiainen, director of sales-the Americas for Condor Airlines, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the history of the German airline, where it’s positioning itself for the American market, where it flies and what the inflight experience is all about, including classes of service, seating configuration, food and more. For more information, visit www.condor.com.
Jun 21, 2023
Jun 21, 2023
16 min
Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO of American Queen Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her company's decision to refocus on river cruises for the 2024-25 season on the Mississippi, Upper Mississippi, Snake and Columbia rivers with three ships—American Queen, American Countess and American Empress (with American Duchess in reserve for charters). AQV will sell its two lake cruise vessels, Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator. AQV will continue to sell Alaska expedition cruises no Ocean Victory. For more information, visit www.aqvoyages.com.
Jun 20, 2023
Jun 20, 2023
8 min
Philipp Reutener, hotel director for SH Diana, talks with Pam Apple of Insider Travel Report about the differences between the ship and other Swan Hellenic expedition vessels. He details the accommodations, dining options, public areas, spa, gym, basecamp, library and laboratory. Reutener also confirms that the Polar Class PC6 ship will be getting the same popular fireplaces already on SH Vega and SH Minerva. For more information, visit www.swanhellenic.com.
Jun 20, 2023
Jun 20, 2023
19 min
Elizabeth Crabill, CEO of CIE Tours and newly appointed chair of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her new position and how she wants to help all tour operators through advocacy. Crabill also reports that CIE’s sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels and talks about the company’s newest tours and products. For more information, visit www.cietours.com or www.ustoa.com.
Jun 19, 2023
Jun 19, 2023
16 min
Scott Andrews, general manager of Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, Ireland, talks with Benjamin Bass of Insider Travel Report about his luxury country club in County Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way. The property offers guests access to Killarney National Park, the Ring of Beara, the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Kerry Golf Club. Andrews describes the lodge’s rooms, two restaurants, art collection and activities, including fishing, horseback riding, hiking, falconry, archery, wine and whiskey tasting and much more. For more information, visit www.sheenfallslodge.ie.
Jun 19, 2023
Jun 19, 2023
10 min
Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales and trade marking for Carnival Cruise Line, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard the newly renamed Carnival Venezia about how to you can sell Carnival Fund Italian Style. The newest addition to the Carnival combines Italian food, décor and ambiance with more typical Carnival “fun” bars, restaurants and entertainment for a whole new concept in cruising. For more information, visit www.goccl.com or www.carnival.com.
Jun 16, 2023
Jun 16, 2023
16 min
Mike Hoover, general manager of the Moxy Williamsburg, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brilliant hotel in stylish Williamsburg, Brooklyn. With efficient boutique accommodations, a great rooftop bar, a cool lobby bar, a nightclub and an already popular Mesiba restaurant, the hotel is a great jumping off point to explore Williamsburg. For more information, visit www.moxywilliamsburg.com.
Jun 16, 2023
Jun 16, 2023
7 min
Todd Elliott, president of Cruise Vacation Outlet in Orlando, and a member of MSC Cruises’ travel advisory board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why he sells so many MSC Cruises’ sailings and how he hopes to sell the line’s newest and most sustainable ship—MSC Euribia. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or www.cruisevacationoutlet.com.
Jun 15, 2023
Jun 15, 2023
14 min
Valerie Wilson, chairman of Valerie Wilson Travel and godmother of SH Diana, and Joe Maloney, Swan Hellenic’s new vice president of sales for North America, talk with Pam Apple of Insider Travel Report about Swan Hellenic’s newest entry in luxury expedition cruising, Wilson tells us what she likes about the ship, which she christened last month, and Maloney tells you how to sell it. For more information, visit www.swanhellenic.com.
Jun 15, 2023
Jun 15, 2023
9 min
Linden Coppell, vice president of sustainability and ESG for MSC Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why MSC Euribia is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly cruise ships at sea. MSC has even focused much of its advertising message on the ship’s “green” features, including the fact that it just completed the first zero emissions sailing to illustrate how this can be done for cruises now and in the future. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.
Jun 15, 2023
Jun 15, 2023
8 min
Kevin Kelly, CEO of Travel Nunavut, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how easy it is to get to his Arctic territory in northern Canada. With an abundance of waterfalls, polar bears and narwhals, expedition cruise lines are also sailing here, including Hapag-Lloyd, Hurtigruten, Ponant, Silversea. Lindblad and Adventure Canada. Kelly details the best times to visit, the new Wi-Fi and cell phone connectivity and much more. For more information, visit www.TravelNunavut.ca.
Jun 14, 2023
Jun 14, 2023
13 min
Koreen McNutt, senior vice president-sales and trade engagement for MSC Cruises USA, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how you can sell the brand new, most sustainable ship in the fleet, MSC Euribia. McNutt details the other major features of the vessel, including new dining and beverage option, such as the new Helios Winemaker digital wine tasting experience, an expanded Kaito Japanese restaurant complex, and an expanded Carousel Lounge in the stern of the vessel showcasing big band sounds. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.