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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 Jun 14, 2022
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Sarah Handley, Tourism New Zealand’s general manager, Americas and Europe, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the protocols U.S. visitors must follow to enter the newly reopened country, as well as new tourism strategies and marketing campaigns. Handley also details how travel advisors can get back to selling New Zealand’s popular attractions. For more information, visit www.newzealand.com or www.tourismnewzealand.com.
Monday Jun 13, 2022
Monday Jun 13, 2022
Steve Cohen, known as the millionaires’ magician for his boutique performances in luxury hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Inside Travel Report, about his long-running “Chamber Magic” show at the Lotte New York Palace in New York City. Cohen details how he got to be a magician and what his show includes—and he may even have a trick or two to whet your appetite for some very real magic. For more information, show schedules and tickets, visit www.chambermagic.com.
Friday Jun 10, 2022
Friday Jun 10, 2022
Chef Glynn Purnell, owner of his Michelin-starred restaurant Purnell’s in Birmingham, England, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his city is becoming a culinary capital, led by his own restaurant, a new wave of truly British cuisine that uses locally sourced ingredients. Indeed, food is yet another reason to visit Birmingham today. For more information, visit www.purnellsrestaurant.com.
Thursday Jun 09, 2022
Thursday Jun 09, 2022
Becky Frall, head of tourism for the West Midlands Growth Company, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the many attractions of her region in England, which includes the famed former industrial city of Birmingham with its canals, surrounding gardens and castles, cuisine and fine arts. For more information, visit www.wmgrowth.com or www.visitbirmingham.com.
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Anton Moore, general manager of the Gansevoort Hotel in New York City, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the renovation of his luxury property, long considered to be the heart of Manhattan’s fashionable Meatpacking District. The hotel still has its famed rooftop bar and pool, but now has completely revamped rooms, public spaces and more. For more information, visit www.gansevoorthotelgroup.com.
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
Themba Khumalo, CEO of South African Tourism, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about the metrics by which to judge whether Africa's Travel Indaba was a success. According to Khumalo, more than 22,000 meetings were scheduled and kept, and 120 new small businesses came to the conference for the first time. For more information, visit www.southafrica.net.
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Jerry Mpufane, president of South African Tourism for North America, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about how proud his country was to host Africa's Travel Indaba conference after having been delayed for three years, as well as the importance of tourism to his country that also welcomes inclusion and diversity. For more information, visit www.southafrica.net.
Friday Jun 03, 2022
Friday Jun 03, 2022
Javier Moreno, senior vice president for sales, services and events for Disney Destinations, talks with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about why now is the best time for families to book a Walt Disney World vacation, as well as how travel advisors can learn about new incentives, programs, products and more. For more information, visit www.DisneyTravelAgents.com or www.disneyworld.com.
Thursday Jun 02, 2022
Thursday Jun 02, 2022
Edson, sous chef at Walt Disney World, talks with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about the creative food being served during Disney's 50th anniversary celebration, including colorful 50th anniversary churros, the Hall of Presidents' "I Cannot Tell a Lie" shake, the Haunted Mansion's chilling chamber pops, and Fantasyland's "When Will My Life Begin" pasta, which resembles Rapunzel's long hair. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com.
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Steve Spiegel, story editor executive at EPCOT, talks with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind thrill ride in the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion. As a writer, Spiegel helped develop the first storytelling rollercoaster, just the way Disney does it. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/epcot.
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Zach, lead imagineer for Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, talks with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the first high-tech roller coaster at EPCOT. Zach also reveals details of EPCOT's new World Celebration area, which is broken into neighborhoods, including World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/epcot.
Monday May 30, 2022
Monday May 30, 2022
Regina Charboneau, restaurateur and culinary educator, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her return to American Queen Voyages (AQV) as culinary ambassador initially focused on Southern cuisine. Born and raised in Natchez, Miss., Charboneau's first cooking jobs were actually in Alaska before she studied in Paris, so it is no stretch for her to create dishes like Alaskan King Crab chowder for Ocean Victory, AQV's new expedition ship in Alaska. For more information, visit www.AmericanQueenVoyages.com.
Friday May 27, 2022
Friday May 27, 2022
Bud Lehnhausen, expedition leader onboard Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Resolution, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about the importance of being an expedition leader, second only to the captain of the vessel. Lehnhausen talks about the number of firsts achieved on this journey, including walking on fast ice early in the season and sailing through "sea smoke," the fog that emanates from the surface of the warmer water meeting the colder winter air, illuminated by the sun from a low angle. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Thursday May 26, 2022
Thursday May 26, 2022
Joe Jiffo, vice president of sales for American Queen Voyages (AQV), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how to travel advisors can sell AQV's Alaska expeditions on the new Ocean Victory. Jiffo points out that guests will be able to participate with scientists' open research for California Polytechnic State University, as well as enjoy food overseen by AQV's culinary ambassador Regina Charboneau. For more information, email Joe.Jiffo@AQVoyages.com or visit www.AQVoyages.com.
Wednesday May 25, 2022
Wednesday May 25, 2022
David Harris, president and CEO of Ensemble Travel Group (soon to be chairman), and Michael Johnson of Navigatr (soon to be president of Ensemble) talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how this major travel agency group deal transpired and what their plans are for the future. Ensemble agency members voted 83 percent in favor of the acquisition and now the task is to relaunch the group with new technology provided by Navigatr and new strategies to create a great alternative for travel agencies around North America who want another option. For more information, visit ensembletravel.com or www.navigatr.com.
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Heidi Norling, captain of the National Geographic Resolution, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about how Resolution was purpose-built for expeditions. She is a Polar Class Five ship, with azipod propulsion, easy Zodiac deployment and a large high-tech bridge, always open to guests. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Monday May 23, 2022
Monday May 23, 2022
John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Voyages (AQV), gives Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report a tour of Ocean Victory, AQV's new expedition ship, which just sailed its maiden voyage to Alaska. Waggoner highlights the mud room, Zodiacs, kayaks, two Jacuzzis, infinity pool, spa, gym and more. For more information, visit www.AmericanQueenVoyages.com.
Friday May 20, 2022
Friday May 20, 2022
Sven Lindblad, chairman of Lindblad Expeditions, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about Lindblad's 10th and newest ship, National Geographic Resolution.Along with identical sister ship Endurance, Resolution was purpose-built for expedition cruises and reflects all that had been learned from decades of prior salings. Sven Lindblad also discusses the hiring of a new CEO, which has allowed him to deal less with the day-to-day running of his company and focus on new destinations and itineraries. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Thursday May 19, 2022
Thursday May 19, 2022
Duncan Palmer, managing director of The Beaumont in London, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury hotel was revamped and renovated during the pandemic while adhering to its art deco style. Now featuring a main restaurant with new decor, a tea room and a brand new bar, The Beaumont also is planning to add even more rooms and suites in an entirely new wing. For more information, visit www.thebeaumont.com.
Wednesday May 18, 2022
Wednesday May 18, 2022
Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report onboard the newly refurbished and rechristened Azamara Onward, the destination immersions fourth sister vessel. Cabezas details how the ship has been updated with all-new soft goods, redecorated suites, and even a brand new Atlas Bar, among other features. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Dondra Ritzenthaler, senior vice president of sales at Celebrity Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how to sell the brand new Celebrity Beyond, the third and largest ship in the Edge class. Ritzenthaler details the "new luxury" features of the ship, including accommodations, unique public spaces, exquisite dining options and original entertainment. For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com.
Monday May 16, 2022
Monday May 16, 2022
Brian Abel, senior vice president of hotel operations for Celebrity Cruises, tours the new Celebrity Beyond with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, showcasing the enticing new public spaces on this "new luxury" ship, the myriad dining options (including a Daniel Boulud restaurant, the unique entertainment and the sumptuous accommodations available onboard. For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com.
Friday May 13, 2022
Friday May 13, 2022
Matthew Shollar, co-founder of Transcend Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his brand new European river cruise charter company focused on groups with its first radically designed ships coming out in 2024. Shollar says he's ready to work with travel advisors to identify the group and charters hidden within their existing client base. For more information, visit www.Transcend.Cruises.
Thursday May 12, 2022
Thursday May 12, 2022
Clark Reber, director of sales and partner relations for the new Margaritaville at Sea, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how this newly rebranded cruise line will deliver a true Margaritaville experience on two-, four- and six-night sailings from Palm Beach to Grand Bahama. Reber also describes how Margaritaville will work with travel advisors by paying 15 percent commission and no NCFs. For more information, visit www.MargaritavilleAtSea.com or www.BookParadise.com.
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Janet Bava, chief marketing officer for AmaWaterways, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the river cruise line's new itineraries in Egypt, Portugal, the Seven-River Journey, five-night capitals of the Danube and classical music tours. Bava also talks about AmaWaterways' travel advisor support, with programs like "More to Love," including air, land and cruise for one commissionable price. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Matthew Gleaves, vice president,-commercial for North America and Australasia at Cunard, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Queen Anne, fourth ship that will join the Cunard fleet in 2024. Carrying 3,000 guests, she will represent a 40 percent increase in the line's capacity, with more space, more restaurants, but the same suite classes as the line's other ships. Gleaves also discusses Cunard's new itineraries and world voyages. For more information, visit www.cunard.com.
Monday May 09, 2022
Monday May 09, 2022
Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Seabourn Venture and Pursuit, the line's new twin ultra-luxury purpose-built PC6 Polar Class expedition ships, each with two submarines, 24 Zodiacs and 26 expedition team members aboard. He compares the value proposition to staying at a luxury hotel, which costs the same or more per day. Leibowitz, whose family came from the Ukraine, also explains how Seabourn is supporting its team members affected by the war. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com or the travel advisor portal at www.goseabourn.com.
Friday May 06, 2022
Friday May 06, 2022
Chris Austin, chief sales officer for Explora Journeys, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Expora's "By Appointment" program, where hold times are a thing of the past when travel advisors can make phone appointments either for themselves, or "By Appointment Plus," where travel advisors can have their clients join them on the calls. Austin says the program was designed for travel advisors who have never sold cruises before. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com/traveladvisors.
Thursday May 05, 2022
Thursday May 05, 2022
Charles B. Robinson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his company's growth from 15 ships currently in 34 states to include two more modern riverboats to be delivered this year. He also details the first two of a dozen catamaran-style coastal cruisers to be delivered next year, each able to host 109 guests in 56 staterooms. For more information, visit www.americancruiselines.com.
Wednesday May 04, 2022
Wednesday May 04, 2022
Herve Gastinel, the new CEO of Ponant, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the new ships that have been delivered during the pandemic, what post-pandemic sailing will be like, his company's commitment to sustainability, and his new vision for Ponant dubbed "Explore to Inspire." Gastinel also outlines how Ponant will enrich its Paul Gauguin Cruises unit in French Polynesia. For more information, visit www.ponant.com or www.pgcruises.com.
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Monday May 02, 2022
Monday May 02, 2022
Ciara Sugrue, head of festivals for Fáilte Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Global Irish Festival Series set to take place on the Wild Atlantic Way in Kerry, Mayo, Donegal & Limerick, from May to the end of October 2022. The goal of the festivals is to re-energize the Irish Diaspora, to create meaningful events and programs that can reconnect them worldwide, and to drive tourism to specific locations, including non-hotspots, in the off/shoulder seasons. For more information, visit www.visitireland.com and www.trade.Ireland.com.
Friday Apr 29, 2022
Friday Apr 29, 2022
Alison Metcalfe, executive vice president for North America, Australia and New Zealand at Tourism Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the country’s return to an in-person U.S. sales mission with on the road sessions with 15 companies from Ireland visiting Boston, New York, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Metcalfe also details the four Global Irish Festivals as part of a series to bring the diaspora back home to Ireland. For more information, email USTrade@TourismIreland.com or visit www.trade.Ireland.com.
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
Thursday Apr 28, 2022
Jaser Wolthuis, hotel general manager of the new Discovery Princess, on its maiden voyage from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about what makes this Royal Class vessel different from its predecessors, as well as three pieces of advice for travel advisors looking to book the ship for their clients. For more information, visit www.princess.com.
Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
Disney’s chef du cuisine for concept development and the food and beverage concept development manager for Walt Disney World talk with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about the exotic food and drink they have concocted for their space traveling guests on Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com.
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Lines, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what makes the new Norwegian Prima special, including her pop-star godmother Katy Perry, as well as NCL's major investment in the development of new ports in Alaska, and its recent plunge into the sale of non-fungible tokens (NFT) digital art. For more information, visit www.ncl.com.
Monday Apr 25, 2022
Monday Apr 25, 2022
Claire Behar, managing director of Cote D’Azur Tourism, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report an update on this popular region of France, which now features new hotels and attractions in such cities as Nice, Cannes, Antibes and more as it emerges from the pandemic. For more information, visit https://cotedazurfrance.fr.
Friday Apr 22, 2022
Friday Apr 22, 2022
Anne-Laure Tuncer, director U.S.A. for Atout France, the French government tourism agency, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how France is emerging from the pandemic with no more visitor protocols to enter the country, how it is reinvesting in its tourism product with new programs, and why the country should continue to be on your hot list of European destinations to book in 2022. For more information, visit https://us.france.fr.
Thursday Apr 21, 2022
Thursday Apr 21, 2022
Angie Licea, president of Global Travel Collection (GTC), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on how her luxury travel agencies are emerging from the pandemic, what they are selling today, how GTC is adding to its executive team, and what’s next in luxury, entertainment and corporate travel. Licea’s group, part of Internova, owns some of the top luxury agenices in the business, including Protravel International, Tzell, R. Crusoe & Son, In the Know Experiences, Colletts Travel, Andrew Harper Travel and All Star Travel Group. For more information, visit www.globaltravelcollection.com.
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Peter Greenberg, CBS News travel editor and PBS travel show producer, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the premiere of his new “Tanzania-The Royal Tour,” where Tanzania’s impressive female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, offers Greenberg an intriguing and fascinating look at her East African country. The program is now debuting on PBS stations nationwide and will be available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+. For more information, visit www.petergreenberg.com.
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Peter Yeung, managing director of Walker Hotel Collection, talks to James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Walker Hotel Greenwich Village, a boutique property located in the heart of Greenwich Village that reflects the “village” spirit, complete with a hideaway restaurant, fireplaces and uniquely decorated rooms and suites. Yeung also provides an update on another Walker property, Walker Hotel Tribeca, which we stayed at last year. For more information, visit www.walkerhotels.com.
Monday Apr 18, 2022
Monday Apr 18, 2022
Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of luxury travel network Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw about the recently completed Virtuoso Symposium on Silver Dawn, what luxury travel business looks like as we emerge from the pandemic and face the challenge of the war in Ukraine, the latest booking trends in luxury travel destinations and product, how his agency members have gotten through the pandemic, and Virtuoso’s strategic plan. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Friday Apr 15, 2022
Friday Apr 15, 2022
Chiara Giorgi, global brand and event director for Seatrade Cruise Events, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about this year's Seatrade conference at the Miami Convention Center, April 25-28, 2022. Giorgi gives her take on the cruise industry and how current events have shaped it and the conference, from how people attend to the products and suppliers exhibiting. Travel advisors are invited on the final day, April 28, for free. For more information, email Events@SeaTradeCruise.com or visit www.SeaTradeCruise.com.
Friday Apr 15, 2022
Friday Apr 15, 2022
Bob Simpson, vice president of expedition cruising for Abercrombie & Kent, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how A&K is expanding its luxury expedition cruise offerings for the 2023-24 seasons to all seven continents, including new itineraries in Europe, Africa and across the South Pacific. Simpson also talks about the popularity of Antarctica and Arctic sailings, which A&K offers on chartered Ponant vessels. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.
Thursday Apr 14, 2022
Thursday Apr 14, 2022
On the Discovery Princess' inaugural sailing, Cal Almaguer, newly appointed senior vice president of sales and service strategy and operations for Princess Cruises, and Carmen Roig, Princess' new vice president of sales, talk with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about what makes a Princess ship so special, including the Medallion Class technology which supports the human touch that begins at the call center, long before the voyage itself. For more information, visit www.princess.com.
Thursday Apr 14, 2022
Thursday Apr 14, 2022
Stefanie Schmudde, vice president of product development and operations for Abercrombie & Kent USA, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at A&K’s Club 100 event for top travel agency sellers of its luxury programs. Schmudde details A&K’s many dedicated product categories, from tailored journeys to small group tours to Wings over the World and beyond, as well as new destinations and itineraries for this year and 2023. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea Cruises, and Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new Silver Dawn, the last ship in the Muse class, which was christened in Lisbon late last month. They detail all the revolutionary features of this vessel, including a perfected S.A.L.T. (Sea, Air Land, Taste) culinary program and the new Otivm spa and wellness concept. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, president of Collette, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the 100-year-old-plus, family run tour operator got through the pandemic and is now offering programs in countries around the world. Leibl-Cote also details the travel advisor-friendly policies Collette adopted to help its partners get through the crisis, including early commission, full refunds for clients and flexible bookings. For more information, visit www.gocollette.com.
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Antonio Teijeiro, chief operating officer for Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how this all-inclusive chain is embarking on a new strategy of expansion with the opening later this year of the Cayo Levantado Resort in the Dominican Republic. Teijeiro details the history of this Spanish-based hotel company and how its Bahia Principe-branded resorts cater to families, couples and singles. For more information, visit www.bahia-principe.com.
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Jason Liberty, new CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard the new Silver Dawn about the structure of his mega-cruise company, the addition of two new Silversea ships in the last month, plus new vessels for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity. Liberty details the expansion plans for the group as we emerge from pandemic and cruise bookings surge. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.