181.4K
Downloads
2516
Episodes
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
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Why was famed Chef Wolfgang Puck in Budapest at the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo just hours after hosting an Oscars party at his Spago restaurant in LA? Chef Puck tells James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his long and storied carrier, the longevity of his famed restaurant, how he had achieved success, and why he keeps focused on his culinary career with the opening of a new Spago at the Matild Palace Hotel in Budapest. For more information, visit www.wolfgangpuck.com.
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Heather Parker, owner of Bliss Travel Experiences, an affiliate of Gifted Travel Network (GTN), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her experience as a member of GTN. Parker details how she got into the travel business, how she’s grown her business and what she looks for from GTN in terms of training, coaching and support. For more information, visit www.giftedtravelnetwork.com or www.blisstravelexperiences.com.
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Wendy Chambers, chief travel designer and owner of Victory Travel, an affiliate of the Gifted Travel Network (GTN) host agency, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how she got into the travel business, why she selected GTN, and how she’s used its programs to grow her business. For more information, visit www.giftedtravelnetwork.com or https://yourvictorytravel.com.
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Michael Heath, CEO of Aurora Expeditions, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his Australian-based adventure cruise company, founded by Greg Mortimer. Heath describes the company’s two ships, their itineraries to both the South and North Polar regions, and the activities that differentiate their Polar voyages from the competition, including snorkeling and scuba diving. For more information, visit www.aurora-expeditions.com.
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Jennifer Cochrane, CEO of Gifted Travel Network (GTN), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the innovative host agency has grown over the past 10 years and how it’s refocused on selling luxury travel. With its roots in a coaching and training company started by Meredith Hill, now chief visionary officer for GTN, the host focuses on developing travel entrepreneurs, many of whom are new to the industry. Cochrane spoke during GTN’s first symposium on selling group travel, held onboard AmaVerde just before the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo. For more information on GTN, visit www.giftedtravelnetwork.com.
Friday Mar 24, 2023
Friday Mar 24, 2023
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the second annual ASTA Global River Cruise Expo, which was held in Budapest last week. With more attendees (750), more advisors new to river cruising, more river ships on the Danube, and more educational and training programs, ASTA’s Expo was bigger and better than ever. For more information, visit www.asta.org. To register for next year’s ASTA Global River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam, visit www.astarivercruiseexpo.org/2024.
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Tamara Belinger, hotel manager of the Hollmann Beletage Vienna, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of her small, quirky, stylish, eclectic and almost hidden boutique hotel in downtown Vienna. It’s the place to cool out and hide out right in the middle of the city. For more information, visit www.crazyhollmann.com.
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Sonja Wimmer, managing director and owner of Hotel Harmonie Vienna, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her boutique property, located in a quiet neighborhood of the city, provides stylish and comfortable accommodations as well as direct access to the Vienna’s music, theater and culture. For more information, visit www.harmonie-vienna.at.
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Barbara Hammerschmid-Kovar, general manager of the Alstadt Hotel Vienna, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her quirky, colorful boutique property in a quiet area of the city, offering great art, individually decorated rooms and suites, and some very livable public areas and breakfast rooms. For more information, visit www.altstadt.at.
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Fernando Gonzalez, the veteran travel agency executive who is co-owner and CEO of First in Service, better known as F1S, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his host agency, a member of Virtuoso, and how it has built up its luxury sales and membership. F1S held its 2023 Summit in New York City at the new Virgin Hotels New York earlier this month where its affiliated advisors networked, heard from top suppliers and go training to boost their sales. For more information, visit https://firstinservice.com.
Friday Mar 17, 2023
Friday Mar 17, 2023
Liz Coleman, vice president of sales for Paul Gauguin Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what honeymooners can book onboard her luxury line’s sailings of Tahiti and its islands. Those who want to have friends and family along for the ride can also book small destination weddings (ceremony only) so they can experience Tahiti as well. For more information, visit www.pgcruises.com. This video is from our Virtual Roadshow; Honeymoons & Destination Weddings, scheduled next week for four days, March 20-23. To register for the show and see even more content, plus a virtual trade show. To attend Virtual RoadShows-Selling Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, register for free at www.taconnect.travel/agent-reg-dwh-vrs.
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Kay Milliner-Kitchens, director of sales for U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what the U.S.V.I offers to honeymooners and those interested in booking destination weddings. Milliner-Kitchens details the resources and training available for travel advisors catering to the honeymoon and destination weddings market. For more information, visit www.visitusvi.com. This video is from our Virtual Roadshow; Honeymoons & Destination Weddings, scheduled next week for four days, March 20-23. To register for the show and see even more content, plus a virtual trade show. To attend Virtual RoadShows-Selling Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, register for free at www.taconnect.travel/agent-reg-dwh-vrs.
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Annarita Aprea, director of sales and marketing at Casa Angelina, talks with James Shilllinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her Amalfi Coast gem located in the tiny town of Praiano. The hotel has 37 newly renovated rooms, wonderful restaurants. a spa and the perfect location for an luxury Amalfi experience. For more information, visit www.casangelina.com.
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Jim Merkel, CEO of Makeready Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s new Junto Hotel, a boutique property making its debut in up and coming Columbus, Ohio. It’s just one of the great new lifestyle hotels that are part of the Makeready collection, which offers top properties in Dallas, Denver, Savannah (Ga.), Cape Neddick (Maine), Charleston (S.C.), and Nashville. Among other places For more information, visit www.makereadyexperience.com or www.thejuntohotel.com.
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why ASTA has a challenge with American Airlines' move to implement New Distribution Capability (NDC) in April, earlier than anybody else and before almost everyone—other airlines, GDSs and travel agencies—is ready to move to the new system. Kerby warns that if American does what it says it wants to do, the move could result in agencies not having access to 40 percent of the airline's fares. For more information visit www.asta.org.
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Bill McGee, senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why the U.S. Justice Department sued JetBlue and Spirit to prevent their deal, what the implications are for consumers and travel advisors, how his group views the merger, and why keeping Spirit independent is crucial to having lower fares and more flights to more places. For more information on American Economic Liberties Project at www.economicliberties.us.
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Victoria Braddock, strategic partnerships and marketing director for Marketing Manchester, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her city’s greatest attractions, including football (two top teams), music (including a brand new concert stadium), food (a wide variety of cuisine), architecture (as one of Britain’s old industrial cities) and history. For more information, visit www.marketingmanchester.com or www.visitmanchester.com.
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Johan Scheepers, general manager of the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his historic property (a former insurance headquarters dating from 1895). The sprawling hotel features spacious rooms, massive public areas, a great restaurant and bar, and is the perfect base to explore one of England’s most interesting cities. For more information, visit www.kimptonclocktowerhotel.com.
Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
Rob Kelly of Scranchester Tours takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a personal tour of food and history in Manchester. Showcasing a wide variety of great eats in the city, Kelly specializes in food (scran) tours with a twist of history. For more information, visit https://scranchestertours.com.
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Becky Hubbard, general manager of Lotte New York Palace, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of her renovated luxury hotel, which features duplex suites with great views in the tower and opulent bars and restaurants in the former Villard Houses and much more. For more information, visit www.lottenypalace.com.
Friday Mar 03, 2023
Friday Mar 03, 2023
Ben Tipple, head of communications for Coop Live in Manchester, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about one of the world’s greatest music venues, set to open later this year, featuring all forms of rock, pop, soul, R&B and everything in between in an intimate indoor concert venue. It will be worth the trip to book Manchester for your clients into hearing great music in a state-of-the-art, 23,000 seat facility. For more information, visit www.cooplive.com.
Friday Mar 03, 2023
Friday Mar 03, 2023
Michaela Guzy, owner and creator of OhThePeopleYouMeet.com, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks about her website for travelers, foodies and philanthropists who have a thirst for authentic local connection in travel. Guzy also describes how she’s branched out, producing content for in-flight entertainment on Qatar Airways, speaking and moderating at travel conferences, including travel advisor events, and appearing on local TV stations in LA and beyond. For more information, visit www.OhThePeopleYouMeet.com.
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
Regina Charboneau, culinary ambassador for American Queen Voyages, also known as the Biscuit Queen, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report, about all the great food and dining experiences she’s developed for the river, lake and expedition cruise line. Known as a Southern cooking expert, Charboneau has been consulting with American Queen Voyages since it began, and is now back overseeing all of its menus. For more information, visit www.AQVoyages.com.
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
Peter Frost-Pennington of Muncaster Castle in the Lake District of England, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a great tour of his family’s castle, which is now been run by his son Ewen (and both overseen by Peter’s wife Iona, who they say is the real power behind the throne). Peter showcases the Great Hall, the Portrait Gallery, the Dining Room and the opulent Library in this updated medieval castle. For more information, visit www.muncaster.co.uk.
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Danielle Davis, vice president of communications at Destination DC, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival in our nation's capital, the perfect time to visit Washington, which has an abundance of new hotels, museum exhibits and other attractions to thoroughly engage your clients. For more information, visit www.washington.org.
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Jan Wilkinson, owner of the Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District of England, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her mine, the last wokring slate mine in the U.K., which also serves as a tourist attraction offering tours, a zip line, rope bridge and Via Ferrata climbing cable for the more adventurous. For more information, visit https://honister.com.
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Candace Cancino, the new general manager of Virgin Hotels New York, talks with James Shillinglaw about Virgin’s entry into the New York hotel scene with a property featuring lots of “rooms with a view” of New York, a hip new restaurant and bar, and another trendy eatery, pool and spa on the way this spring. For more information, visit www.virginhotelsnewyork.com.
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Ewan Frost-Pennington, who is inheriting the responsibility of running Muncaster Castle from his mother and father, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his castle in the Lake District of England. Frost-Pennington reveals how he gave up a tech job in California to return to his roots and now focuses on how keep up and renovate the castle, which includes a lavish dining room, Great Hall and library, plus a bird sanctuary for owls, falcons, eagles and more. There will even be rooms available for rent in the castle very soon. For more information, visit www.muncaster.co.uk.
Monday Feb 27, 2023
Monday Feb 27, 2023
John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Voyages, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how his river, lake and ocean cruise line is being reinvented with a new president and executive team to offer a multitude of luxury cruise experiences. For more information, visit www.aqvoyages.com.
Monday Feb 27, 2023
Monday Feb 27, 2023
Francine Bolt, sales and marketing director for Visit Lake District and Cumbria, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on cruise on of Lake Windemere about the many attractions of her region, from the lake itself to great inns and resort to castles, museums, gardens and much more. For more information, visit www.visitlakedistrict.com.
Friday Feb 24, 2023
Friday Feb 24, 2023
James Wood, marketing manager for Visit Liverpool, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the many attractions of this magnificent city, including, of course, everything related to the Beatles. Beyond that, Wood showcases Liverpool Cathedral, football (soccer), the city’s maritime heritage, architecture, as well as what’s to come, including hosting Eurovision 2023. For more information, visit www.visitliverpool.com.
Friday Feb 24, 2023
Friday Feb 24, 2023
Carmen Roig, vice president of sales for Princess Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Princess Plus and Princess Premier and how to sell them to your clients. These programs offer complimentary drinks, free Wi-Fi, crew appreciation and more to deliver a truly more inclusive cruise experience. Princess just upgraded with Princess Premier offering free specialty dining, fitness classes and additional benefits. Plus you get commission on both programs. For more information, visit www.princess.com and effective March 1, the brand new www.princesspartners.com.
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO of American Queen Voyages (AQV), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard the American Queen about how she is working to transform the river, lake and expedition cruise line into an even more luxury experience. AQV is focusing on delivering even better regional cuisine, more entertainment and better shore excursions. For more information, visit www.aqvoyages.com.
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Paul Askew, chef patron of The Art School restaurant in Liverpool, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how British food in the city can now be considered eligible for Michelin-star status. Askew delivers an incredible fine dining concept with his team that is second to none. For more information, visit https://theartschoolrestaurant.co.uk.
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Norway, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her cruise line is launching two special Norwegian coastal cruises, Svalbard Express and North Cape Express, using a completely refurbished ship. These cruises will be dedicated to leisure guests as opposed to Norwegians being ferried between coastal towns and will offer premium services and elevated cuisine. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
Margo Storey, a Blue Badge tour guide for Liverpool, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of historic Liverpool, including Beatles attractions, the old warehouse port district now revived with stores and apartments, the Three Graces historic buildings, shopping areas, churches and much more. For more information, visit www.HeartOfLiverpoolTours.co.uk or www.visitliverpool.com.
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister and honorary chairman of Strawberry Field, talks with James Shillinglaw about this essential attraction for Beatles fans visiting Liverpool. Strawberry Field, run by the Salvation Army, features an interactive museum focused on Lennon and the Beatles, a café, a store and a meditative garden with the famous “Strawberry Field” gate. Proceeds go to disadvantaged adults and kids to help them become part of society. And Baird also reveals her favorite Lennon song. For more information, visit www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com.
Monday Feb 20, 2023
Monday Feb 20, 2023
Disney executives Lynn Clark and Javier Moreno talk with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report about Disney Studio's 100th Anniversary Bash in Anaheim, Calif.,, including Disney's World of Color 1, Wondrous Journeys; Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway; and the upcoming Pixar Place Hotel. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com.
Friday Feb 17, 2023
Friday Feb 17, 2023
Robin Moore, guide and member of the college of interpreters for Liverpool Cathedral, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a tour of this iconic building, which is indeed the largest cathedral in England with some unique features. The cathedral also is a working religious building with daily services, choral music, concerts, dinners and even a café. It’s one of great cultural attractions in Liverpool, one of the destinations we visited on a recent VisitBritain fam trip. For more information, visit www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk.
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
Brian King, president of Caribbean and Latin America for Marriott International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the hotel giant’s exponential growth in the region, with new luxury hotels, even more all-inclusive resorts and other Marriott brands. King details Marriott’s strategy and what’s to come in a region so popular with vacationers. For more information, visit www.marriott.com.
Wednesday Feb 15, 2023
Wednesday Feb 15, 2023
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the latest Britain travel marketing campaigns, key events your clients might want to book around, and new attractions and activities outside of London. This year Britain will showcase the coronation of King Charles III and much more in its messaging to travel advisors and travelers. For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com.
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Susanne Traudt, general manager of The Bloomsbury Hotel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her very English hotel in a great area of London. Owned and managed by the Doyle Collection, an Irish hotel company, The Bloomsbury features a library dedicated to Irish authors, a great restaurant and, of course, a wonderful place to have tea. For more information, visit www.doylecollection.com or www.thebloomsburyhotel.com.
Monday Feb 13, 2023
Monday Feb 13, 2023
Alex Von Ulmenstein, hotel manager at The Kensington Hotel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his so very perfect English hotel set in one of the trendiest areas London. It's English, yet it's owned and managed by an Irish company, the Doyle Collection, one of three properties in London. For more information, visit www.doylecollection.com/kensington.
Monday Feb 13, 2023
Monday Feb 13, 2023
Roger Block, president of Travel Leaders Network (TLN), gives Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report an update on his consortium, which is the largest in the U.S. in terms of number of member agencies. Block details what TLN has accomplished over the past year, what sales look like for 2023, and what the future holds. For more information, visit www.travelleaders.com.
Friday Feb 10, 2023
Friday Feb 10, 2023
Ana Poulalion, head snorkel guide and dive instructor for Aurora Expeditions on the Sylvia Earle, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how guests can swim with Antarctic penguins and seals up to twice daily depending on the weather. Poulalion shows the equipment that keeps guests toasty warm in the icy water, and explains how the program allows its members to enjoy all ship landings, but with the added bonus of swimming in the surrounding sea as well. For more information, visit www.Aurora-Expeditions.com.
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the recently concluded Global Summit in Saudi Arabia, held in late November 2022. Simpson details how the summit helped Saudi open up to the world as it showcased the vast improvements to the country’s infrastructure, as well as how Saudi Arabia is a model for how travel and tourism can develop. Simpson also talks about what WTTC will focus on now and in the future, particularly sustainability and the value of travel and tourism to every country in the world. For more information, visit www.wttc.org.
Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
Osman Ozpolat, hotel director on Aurora Expeditions' Sylvia Earle, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the ship's suites and room types, public spaces, dining, gym and sauna, and how it is possible to tour Antarctica in a sustainable way. For more information, visit www.Aurora-Expeditions.com.
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Roger Kirkwood, Aurora Expeditions' expedition leader on the Sylvia Earle, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how Aurora doesn't just take guests for an expedition, but tries to make them explorers themselves. For more information, visit www.Aurora-Expeditions.com.
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Monday Feb 06, 2023
During this panel, originally posted during our Virtual RoadShow: Adventure & Expedition Travel, held Jan. 23-26 and moderated by James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, top expedition cruise and adventure tour executives tell you what to book in expedition and adventure this year and beyond. They detail the products, the target clients, and the trends in adventure and expedition travel. Panelists include Cara Matthew, regional sales manager for Quark Expeditions; Anthony Iozzia, regional sales director for Atlas Ocean Voyages; Becky Helms, sales director-East, Hurtigruten; Kent Phillips business development manager, Exodus Travels; and Kimberly Stirdivant Wason, director of partnerships at Tour Radar.
Friday Feb 03, 2023
Friday Feb 03, 2023
During this panel, originally posted during our Virtual RoadShow: Adventure & Expedition Travel, held Jan. 23-26 and moderated by James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, top destination executives talked 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. Panelists include Kristy Angellotti, head of trade relations-North America for South African Tourism; Anas Alsharief, executive director-trade marketing, Saudi Tourism Authority; Robin Basso, senior director-travel industry partnerships, Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau; and Julie Cuesta, executive vice president and managing director for Myriad Marketing (representing Rwanda, Madeira, Northern Territory (Australia) and Shizuok, Japan).