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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
Apr 7, 2023
Apr 7, 2023
14 min
Jen Halboth, CEO-Americas for Riverside Luxury Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest about the debut and rechristening of Riverside Mozart, the former Crystal Mozart, which has been revamped and refreshed to offer luxury sailings of the Danube. Mozart will soon be joined by Riverside Ravel and Riverside Debussy on French rivers, followed in 2024 by Riverside Bach and Riverside Maher, all baked by Riverside’s owners, Seaside Collection, a German luxury hotel group. For more information, visit https://riverside-cruises.com/en/.
Apr 6, 2023
Apr 6, 2023
8 min
Carol Cabasas, president of Azamara Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at this year’s Seatrade Global Conference about what it was like to steer her company through COVID and a sale, from Royal Caribbean to Sycamore Partners. Cabasas also discusses her plans for the next five years, a new updated website, a new global contact center in Wichta, Kansas, as well as just how immersive Azamara’s Destination Immersion will be. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
Apr 6, 2023
Apr 6, 2023
14 min
Marcus Leskovar, executive vice president of Amadeus River Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo In Budapest about how his Austrian-owned river cruise line is differentiating itself for U.S. river cruisers, including a different pricing system (no excursions included) and more. For more information, visit www.amadeus-rivercruises.com.
Apr 5, 2023
Apr 5, 2023
13 min
Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest about her river cruise line, its focus on more active river cruising, its unique accommodations and how Avalon will deploy its ships this year and next. For more information, visit www.avalonwaterways.com.
Apr 5, 2023
Apr 5, 2023
13 min
Angie Licea, president of Global Travel Collection (GTC), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at a GTC press event where the luxury travel agency giant unveiled plans for a new magazine for clients of its travel advisors; a new GTC website; a new TV pilot show on NBC on luxury agencies; GTC’s Select preferred partners in hotels, DMCs and cruises; and The Path Forward, a new strategic direction for GTC, its travel agency brands and its travel advisors. For more information, visit www.globaltravelcollection.com.
Apr 4, 2023
Apr 4, 2023
9 min
Michael Ungerer, Explora Journeys’ CEO, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at this year’s Seatrade Global Conference about his luxury cruise line, part of MSC Cruises, which will officially launch on July 17, 2023. Ungerer explains how research has enabled Explora to plan a very specific style of luxury for a new type of guest. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Apr 4, 2023
Apr 4, 2023
9 min
Ken Muskat, the new managing director of Scenic Group U.S.A., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest about his plans for Scenic river and luxury expedition yacht cruises and Emerald river and luxury yacht cruises. Muskat, a veteran ocean cruise executive, also talks about how his enthusiasm for small luxury river and ocean ship cruising, which he sees as a growth market for cruising overall. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com or www.emeraldcruises.com.
Apr 3, 2023
Apr 3, 2023
7 min
Barbara Muckermann, Silversea Cruises’ new president and CEO, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at this year’s Seatrade Global Conference about her new job, her new ships, new direct charter flights and how Silversea rented an entire island in the Philippines to host a bespoke event for approximately 300 Silver Shadow guests. For more information, visit www.silverseas.com.
Apr 3, 2023
Apr 3, 2023
21 min
Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Global River Expo in Budapest about why AmaWaterways supported the Expo, what’s new on the rivers of Europe for her river cruise line, new longer itineraries on those rivers, and the upcoming launch of cruises on the Magdalena River in Colombia in 2024. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Mar 31, 2023
Mar 31, 2023
9 min
Jackie Friedman, president of host agency Nexion Travel Group and a board member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ASTA Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest. Friedman, a strong advocate of river cruising, details how this event was bigger and better than ever with more than 750 attendees and more river cruise ships that the previous year. For more information, visit www.astaglobalrivercruiseexpo.com, www.asta.org and www.nexion.com.
Mar 30, 2023
Mar 30, 2023
6 min
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.
Mar 29, 2023
Mar 29, 2023
7 min
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.
Mar 28, 2023
Mar 28, 2023
8 min
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.
Mar 27, 2023
Mar 27, 2023
13 min
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.
Mar 27, 2023
Mar 27, 2023
20 min
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.
Mar 24, 2023
Mar 24, 2023
8 min
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.
Mar 23, 2023
Mar 23, 2023
11 min
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.
Mar 22, 2023
Mar 22, 2023
12 min
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.
Mar 21, 2023
Mar 21, 2023
11 min
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.
Mar 20, 2023
Mar 20, 2023
12 min
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.
Mar 17, 2023
Mar 17, 2023
17 min
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.
Mar 16, 2023
Mar 16, 2023
12 min
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.
Mar 15, 2023
Mar 15, 2023
16 min
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.
Mar 14, 2023
Mar 14, 2023
13 min
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.
Mar 13, 2023
Mar 13, 2023
16 min
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.
Mar 10, 2023
Mar 10, 2023
43 min
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.
Mar 9, 2023
Mar 9, 2023
14 min
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.
Mar 8, 2023
Mar 8, 2023
12 min
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.
Mar 7, 2023
Mar 7, 2023
11 min
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.
Mar 6, 2023
Mar 6, 2023
13 min
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.
Mar 3, 2023
Mar 3, 2023
8 min
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.
Mar 3, 2023
Mar 3, 2023
43 min
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.
Mar 2, 2023
Mar 2, 2023
16 min
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.
Mar 2, 2023
Mar 2, 2023
7 min
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.
Mar 1, 2023
Mar 1, 2023
5 min
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.
Mar 1, 2023
Mar 1, 2023
8 min
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.
Feb 28, 2023
Feb 28, 2023
11 min
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.
Feb 28, 2023
Feb 28, 2023
9 min
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.
Feb 27, 2023
Feb 27, 2023
14 min
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.
Feb 27, 2023
Feb 27, 2023
7 min
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.
Feb 24, 2023
Feb 24, 2023
9 min
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.
Feb 24, 2023
Feb 24, 2023
20 min
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.
Feb 23, 2023
Feb 23, 2023
18 min
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.
Feb 23, 2023
Feb 23, 2023
12 min
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.
Feb 22, 2023
Feb 22, 2023
17 min
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.
Feb 22, 2023
Feb 22, 2023
14 min
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.
Feb 21, 2023
Feb 21, 2023
15 min
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.
Feb 20, 2023
Feb 20, 2023
5 min
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.
Feb 17, 2023
Feb 17, 2023
7 min
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.
Feb 16, 2023
Feb 16, 2023
17 min
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.