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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 Jan 11, 2022
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
Christophe Cornu, executive hotel manager for SeaDream Yacht Club, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the luxury boutique cruise line’s food and beverage, accommodations, activities and special experiences. Cornu, who has been with SeaDream since it began more than 20 years ago, has a unique perspective on what makes the line so different from its competitors. For more information, visit www.seadream.com.
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
JoAnn Kurtz-Ahlers, founder and president of Hidden Doorways Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes her representation company’s newest offerings in destinations, resorts and experience, the state of the luxury market, and just how important ILTM Cannes was to luxury travel. For more information, visit www.hiddendoorwaystravel.com.
Monday Jan 10, 2022
Monday Jan 10, 2022
Crystal Vinisse Thomas, vice president and global brand leader for Hyatt Hotels' lifestyle and luxury brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report last month at ILTM Cannes about the growth of Hyatt's luxury brands, including Park Hyatt, All, Andaz, Thompson and more. For more information, visit www.hyatt.com.
Monday Jan 10, 2022
Monday Jan 10, 2022
Bob Lepisto, president of SeaDream Yacht Club, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a SeaDream II cruise of the Caribbean out of San Juan. Lepisto details what a SeaDream cruise is today aboard one of its two 110-guests yachts designed to sail to more intimate destinations with a "casual" luxury experience complete with fine cuisine and great personalized service. For more information, visit www.seadream.com.
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Edoardo Giuntoli, general manager of Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese, talks with James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes last month about his luxury hotel located near the city’s famed attractions and landmarks. A former 19th century Roman palazzo reimagined by visionary architect Jean-Phillipe Nuel, the five-star hotel lies within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, Villa Medici and Spanish Steps. For more information, click on Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese.
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Francois Delhaye, chief operating officer for Dorchester Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes last month about his group of 10 luxury hotels in London, Paris, Los Angeles, Milan, Rome and soon Dubai. Delhaye gives an update on Dorchester Collection’s Paris properties, which he directly oversees, but also details the upcoming renovations of The Dorchester itself, as well as the opening this year of The Lana in Dubai. For more information, visit www.dorchestercollection.com.
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
Dino Michael, senior vice president and global category head for Hilton Luxury Brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes last month about how Hilton is growing those brands throughout the world. Waldorf Astoria, LXR Hotel & Resorts and Conrad now feature 78 properties in nearly 30 countries and growing, with roughly 45 properties in the pipeline. For more information, visit www.hilton.com.
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
Leslie Kouhana, co-founder and CEO of Maisons Pariente, and her younger sister Kimberley Cohen, co-founder and artistic director, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes last month about their small luxury boutique hotels in key destinations around France. Maisons Pariente includes the Hôtel Crillon Le Brave at the foot of Mont-Ventoux in Provence, Hôtel Lou Pinet in Saint-Tropez, Hôtel Le Coucou in Méribel, and later this year a new urban hotel, Le Grand Mazarin, in the Marais section of Paris. Each of the properties in the portfolio are designed in collaboration with famous designers and artists. For more information, visit www.maisonspariente.com.
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Andre Gerondeau, chief operating officer for Melia Hotels International, gives James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report an update about Melia's expansion plans, new and renovated hotels and the state of luxury in the markets where the company operates. This is part of a series of video interviews on the luxury travel market from last month's ILTM Cannes. For more information, visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com.
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Christian Renz, chief commercial Officer (CCO) at Corinthia Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes last month about his luxury hotel company's expansion plans, its highly regarded hotels in London and the rest of Europe and what's to come in the future. This is part of a series of video interviews on the luxury travel market from ILTM Cannes. For more information, visit www.corinthia.com.
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
Elisabeth Alleyne, general manager of O2 Beach Club & Spa, talks with Greg Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new all-inclusive resort on the southern coast of Barbados. Alleyne also shares her insider tips for travel advisors. For more information, visit www.o2beachclubbarbados.com.
If interested, the original video of this podcast -- with supplemental pictures and video -- can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Costas Christ, executive director of Beyond Green, part of Preferred Hotel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his budding collection of hotels and resorts committed to sustainable tourism will help change the ethos of hospitality as more upscale travelers seek out “green” products and services. Christ, an expert and pioneer in sustainable tourism, is working to make sustainable tourism a reality in a very practical way. For more information, email traveladvisors@staybeyondgreen.com or visit www.staybeyondgreen.com/travel-advisors.
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Patricia Affonso-Dass, CEO and group general manager of Ocean Hotels Group, talks with Greg Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new all-inclusive O2 Beach Club & Spa, which just opened on the southern coast of Barbados. Affonso-Dass also discusses the group's how-to experiences for guests and the best ways to sell its portfolio of resorts, including the family-friendly Sea Breeze Beach House. For more information, visit www.oceanhotelsbarbados.com.
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Pierre Jean Montagne, resort manager at Club Med La Rosière in France, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about the all-inclusive package offered to guests, including all food, drink, ski lessons, ski-in/ski-out program and child care. Montagne says the resort is set to support all ages, with large room to accommodate families, as well as lounges and other facilities for adults only. For more information, visit www.clubmed.us/la-rosiere.
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Soraya Al Olama, market lead-North America for Dubai Tourism, and Chad Martin, director-North Eastern U.S. for the Israel Ministry of Tourism, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the progress both countries have made individually and together since the Abraham Accords were signed by Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco, who joined Egypt and Jordan in making peace with Israel. For more information, visit www.goisrael.com and www.visitdubai.com.
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Frankely Castillo Blanco, executive chef for the Margaritaville Caribbean Group, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his vision for the restaurants and menus served at the two Margaritaville all-inclusive resorts, Cap Cana and Cancun, with more to come. Blanco covers Margaritaville’s twists on the traditional eateries, including JWB, Frank and Lola's, the Boathouse, LandShark and Mon SO Wi. This is the fourth part of a four-part review of Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana. For more information, visit www.karismahotels.com/margaritaville-island-reserve-resorts.
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Jerry Tschudy, regional food and beverage director for Club Med North America, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about how Club Med Quebec limits importation of supplies and works with local Canadian food producers to create the resort’s cuisine. For more information, visit www.clubmed.ca/r/quebec-charlevoix.
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Joseph Quilio, the general manager of the NOPSI Hotel in New Orleans, talks with Darley Newman about the hotel that originally housed the New Orleans Public Service Incorporated (NOPSI), which was the power station for the city. Quilio discusses how centrally located the hotel is from the French Quarter and the waterfront, things to do nearby, the hotel's room types, food and beverage offerings, including a "Beignet flight." For more information, visit www.nopsihotel.com.
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Carolina Alboreda, resident manager of Club Med's Exclusive Collection, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about the planned renovation to turn the Club Med Val d'Isère ski resort into a full Exclusive Collection property. For more information, visit www.clubmed.us/r/val-d-isere.
Friday Dec 24, 2021
Friday Dec 24, 2021
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, the luxury sister line to MSC Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the recent ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about how he’s positioning his company as a complete upscale experience not a cruise. The first of four vessels will make its debut in 2023, with itineraries in the Mediterranean blending renowned destinations with less-traveled ports. Ungerer also details Explora Journeys’ extremely friendly commission policies, no NCFs and more for travel advisors. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Friday Dec 24, 2021
Friday Dec 24, 2021
Pete Callaro, senior vice president of brand and product marketing for Carnival Cruise Line, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Carnival’s new “Funderstruck” marketing campaign, which will debut on Christmas Day on national TV during NBA games and continue on through New Year’s Eve celebration on ABC and beyond into 2022. Callaro also tells you how you can use this new campaign to sell more Carnival cruises to your clients. For more information, visit www.carnival.com.
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ILTM Cannes luxury travel conference about his line’s plan for Silver Nova, a revolutionary vessel set for delivery in summer 2023 that will be the first hybrid luxury cruise ship free of local emissions at port, positioning Silversea at the forefront of sustainable cruising for years to come. For more information, visit www.silversea.com/lp-silver-nova.html.
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Grant Campbell, general manager of Nobu Portman Square, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his year-old London luxury property, which comes with a signature Nobu restaurant, completely renovated rooms and suites, and refurbished public areas, including a great spa and health club. For more information, visit https://london-portman.nobuhotels.com.
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Bob Lepisto, president of SeaDream Yacht Club, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury cruise line dealt with a guest who tested positive on SeaDream II earlier this month, what protocols the line followed and how the cruise eventually proceeded as planned after a day of quarantine. For more information, visit www.seadream.com.
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer for Silversea Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury cruise line’s new promotional Port-to-Port fares providing travel advisors with additional options to tailor a more personalized program for their clients. These new fares provide guests with increased flexibility, additional savings and limited-time reduced deposit of 15 percent. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Charles Oak, director of The Londoner, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury boutique hotel, which comes complete with elaborate accommodations; great new dining outlets, bars and a tavern; a spa and fitness center; and a location that can’t be beat on Leicester Square near the West End theater district. For more information, visit www.thelondoner.com.
Monday Dec 20, 2021
Monday Dec 20, 2021
Don Habets, hotel director on Scarlet Lady, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the accommodations, dining options, entertainment, activities and much more in this comprehensive video showcasing Virgin Voyages’ new ship for adults only. For more information, visit www.virginvoyages.com.
Friday Dec 17, 2021
Friday Dec 17, 2021
Brian Riply, chief revenue officer for Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Colorado, talks with Darley Newman of Insider Travel Report about what makes this type of vacation unique, including the room configurations, the amenities and what type of guest would be the best fit. Devil's Thumb was originally a hot spot for groups and business conferences, but the pandemic has led to a rise in FIT, family and leisure travel. For more information, visit www.devilsthumbranch.com.
Friday Dec 17, 2021
Friday Dec 17, 2021
Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how Uganda gives visitors value for money more than any other country in Africa, starting with extending the "Big Five" animals everyone wants to see (lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant and the African buffalo) by two more, because Uganda also offers chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. For more information, visit www.visituganda.com, and coming soon, www.exploreuganda.com.
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Manuel Gonzales, director, and Jennifer Castro, brand ambassador, for Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report in the second part of a multi-part review of the all-inclusive property. In this episode, Gonzales and Castro describe the room types and how guests stock their mini bars at Joe Merchant's Coffee & Provisions shop. For more information, click on Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana.
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Gilberto Salcedo, vice president of tourism for ProColombia, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about ProColumbia's relationship with Tourism Cares, the protocols guests must follow to visit the country, and Colombia's sustainability program to protect its status as the second most biodiverse country in the world. For more information, visit https://colombia.travel.
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Amélie Brouhard, vice president of marketing and sales-North America for Club Med, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about Club Med's newly opened all-inclusive ski resort in Quebec, and its similarities and differences from the other Club Med ski resorts worldwide. The resort, which will be open all four seasons, will be joined by another ski resort in Utah next year. For more information, visit www.clubmed.com.
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Marco Frank, trade and partnerships manager of North America for Flanders, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Dutch-speaking northern portion of Belgium, a hidden gem known for its beer, chocolate, central location and status as having the most castles per square mile in Europe. Frank also discusses the latest requirements for travel. For more information, visit www.flandersmasters.com.
Tuesday Dec 14, 2021
Tuesday Dec 14, 2021
Manuel Gonzales, director, and Jennifer Castro, brand ambassador, for the Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report in the first part of a multi-part review of the all-inclusive property. Gonzales and Castro describe the story behind the resort, the property's COVID-19 protocols, its restaurants and public spaces. Upcoming segments will highlight the rooms, entertainment, a deep-dive on the resort's culinary offerings with its executive chef, Frankely Castillo Blanco, and more. For more information, visit Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana.
Tuesday Dec 14, 2021
Tuesday Dec 14, 2021
Matt Berna, managing director for Intrepid Travel for North America, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how guests are looking less for destinations than for themes since picking up new skills and hobbies while stuck at home, which explains why cooking and cycling trips are more popular than ever. For more information, visit Intrepid's Travel Agent Portal or www.intrepidtravel.com
Monday Dec 13, 2021
Monday Dec 13, 2021
Terry Dale, president and CEO of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his organization's annual survey of members on the state of travel and the deft handling of a single case of COVID at USTOA's annual conference in San Diego. For more information, visit www.ustoa.com.
Monday Dec 13, 2021
Monday Dec 13, 2021
Josephine Connolly, minister of tourism for the Turks & Caicos, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her island nation handled the pandemic, tourism infrastructure in the islands, what tourism strategy Turks & Caicos will follow going forward as we emerge from the COVID-19 cruise. For more information, visit www.turksandcaicostourism.com.
Friday Dec 10, 2021
Friday Dec 10, 2021
Karen Whitt, vice president of sales and marketing at The Hartling Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about The Shore Club, one of her company's three luxury boutique resorts on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos. With spacious suites and large villas, The Shore Club is suitable for couples, families and groups. It also features three pools, a great location on Long Bay Beach, a spa and great dining options. For more information, visit www.theshoreclubtc.com or www.thehartlinggroup.com.
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Stan Hartling, CEO of The Hartling Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how he built and grew his resort empire in the Turks & Caicos. That empire now includes The Shore Club on Long Bay Beach, The Palms Turks & Caicos, and The Sands at Grace Bay. Hartling also discusses how Turks & Caicos handled the pandemic, how it's working to bring travelers back, what the future holds for resort development in the islands. For more information, visit www.hartlinggroup.com.
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Dr. Eugene Delaune, MD, senior medical consultant for Allianz Travel Insurance, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new Omicron variant of the COVID virus and what effect it’s having on travel. The surprise? This variant may have some benefits in the long run, but Dr. Delaune still urges everyone to get a vaccine, a booster, as well as good travel insurance, and keep on traveling. For more information on Allianz, visit www.allianztravelinsurance.com.
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Helen Giontsis, president of Kensington Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw about her upscale tour operator’s new programs for 2022, including a new Classical Collection for river cruises and a new Family Collection designed for multi-generational trips. Giontsis also talks about the benefits of working with Kensington, what destinations are trending for next year and how the company addressed the pandemic. For more information, visit www.kensingtontours.com.
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Oscar Regueiro Castro, general manager of the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury hotel, which comes complete with a courtyard restaurant, a rooftop bar and grand accommodations, all located in the heart of Madrid. For more information, click on Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques.
Monday Dec 06, 2021
Monday Dec 06, 2021
Alex Sharpe, president and CEO of Signature Travel Network, talks with James Shillinglaw on Insider Travel Report about the state of the agency co-operative a month after the group’s annual conference in Las Vegas. Sharpe details the health of his agency network after a year of pandemic, what Signature has done to help its members survive and emerge ready to sell, what’s selling well for 2022 and beyond, and the programs Signature has launched to help its travel advisors better market themselves and serve their clients. For more information, visit www.signaturetravelnetwork.com.
Monday Dec 06, 2021
Monday Dec 06, 2021
Charles Morris, general manager of the Rosewood Villa Magna, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brilliant new luxury hotel on a UNESCO-listed Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid. A relatively new but completely restored building houses attractive new rooms and suites, a great restaurant, an inner courtyard and spa, among other great features. It’s one of a series of luxury hotels recently opened or restored in the last year as part of Madrid’s hotel boom and tourism renaissance. For more information, visit www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/villa-magna.
Friday Dec 03, 2021
Friday Dec 03, 2021
Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her river cruise line's innovative products for 2022 and beyond. These include a new Nile river cruise ship, the only river cruise in Venice, a 42-day river cruise odyssey, new "mystery" river cruise and much more. For more information, visit www.Uniworld.com.
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Hector Coronel, director of tourism for Madrid, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the rise of Madrid tourism both in Spain and in the rest of Europe. With numerous new hotels, a rising culinary scene, and great history and attractions, Madrid is finally poised to join the great capitals of Europe. For more information, visit www.esmadrid.com.
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Ken Muscat, chief operating officer of MSC Cruises USA, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new MSC Seashore, which was just christened on Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, MSC's private island in the Bahamas. Muscat details the many features of this bold new ship, which will help build MSC Cruises' presence in the U.S. market. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Mara Hargather of Hargather, Thaler & Associates, a Dream Vacations franchise and winner of the Bobbye Haupt Franchise of the Year Award, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about starting with Cruises, Inc., graduating to CruiseOne, becoming a Dream Vacations franchise, and then growing that agency even during the pandemic. Hargather also talks about travel trends, passing her 2019 booking levels already and her advice to other travel advisors at this time. For more information, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com and mhargarther.dreamvacations.com.
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Dondra Ritzenthaler, senior vice president of sales for Celebrity Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the new Celebrity Apex, how it is different from Celebrity Edge, why cruise ships are the safest places on Earth, as well as selling strategies and promotions that every travel advisor should know. For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com.