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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
Monday Oct 18, 2021
Monday Oct 18, 2021
Captain Patrick Marcheseau, who helms Ponant's new Le Commandant Charcot, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury expedition ship sailed to the geographic North Pole, the only passenger vessel to do so, even before it entered service. Capt. Marcheseau also details the many groundbreaking features of his new ship, including LNG-powered hybrid engines, the highest PC2 ice-class in the industry, and opulent amenities like the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea. For more information, visit www.ponant.com.
Monday Oct 18, 2021
Monday Oct 18, 2021
John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the rebranding of his company as American Queen Voyages as it expanded beyond rivers to lakes, oceans and expedition cruising. Waggoner also recalls the history of his company, which began with one classic Mississippi paddlewheeler. For more information, visit www.aqvoyages.com.
Friday Oct 15, 2021
Friday Oct 15, 2021
Steve Davison, creator of “Harmonious,” the new nighttime spectacular at Disney’s EPCOT, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the themes, the music, the animation and the fireworks that are part of one of Disney’s most intricate outdoor evening shows. “Harmonious” was launched as part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/50.
Friday Oct 15, 2021
Friday Oct 15, 2021
Joe, the production designer for Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in the newly expanded France Pavilion at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Disney’s newest immersive animated attractions, part of a number of new rides and innovations introduced for Disney World’s 50th anniversary. For more information, www.disneyworld.com/50.
Friday Oct 15, 2021
Friday Oct 15, 2021
Marilyn Cairo, vice president of global sales for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Karisma’s recent Gourmet All-Inclusive Vacation Consultant (GIVC) Awards, which honor some of the all-inclusive multi-brand chain’s top producing travel advisors. For more information, visit www.karismahotels.com.
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
Pascal Dupuis, general manager of the Andaz Mayakoba, gives an update on his property to James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report during the recent ILTM North America. Andaz Mayakoba opened five years ago as the fourth property in the luxury Mayakoba resort complex on the Riviera Maya in Mexico, offering great restaurants, sumptuous accommodations and a top spa. Dupuis talks about what’s new and how business has been as we emerge from the pandemic. For more information, visit www.andazmayakoba.com.
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
Robin Flanz, director of marketing and commerce for the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America about his luxury resort in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The property, the only Mandarin Oriental in the Caribbean, features opulent accommodations, great dining and proximity to local shops and restaurants. For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com/canouan.
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Christina Deeny, vice president of global sales and marketing Auberge Resorts Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America about how her company is growing the brand and adding unique new luxury resorts in the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.aubergeresorts.com.
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Alison Gilmore, portfolio director-events for the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes, set for Dec. 6-9, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the famed flagship luxury show is shaping up this year. After a successful ILTM North America last month, ILTM Cannes is attracting nearly 3,000 luxury buyers and suppliers who are eager to get back to business. For more information or to learn how you can participate if accepted, visit www.iltm.com.
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Robert Keddy, regional manager-North America for Tourism Western Australia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America about the many attractions of this region of Australia, which includes everything from Perth to the Kimberly. Australia is closed to U.S. visitors now, but is widely expected to reopen by the first quarter 2022 if not before—and Western Australia beckons visitors with its many natural attractions. For more information, visit www.westernaustralia.com.
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM-North America about how the three luxury hotels of his Bahamas mega-resort are coming back from the pandemic with a new waterpark, more high-end restaurants, and even more attractions and amenities for guests. For more information, visit www.bahamar.com.
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Paolo Lugardi, manager trade relations-North America for Switzerland Tourism, and Matthias Butler, chief marketing officer for Jungfrau Railways, talk with James Shillinglaw about how the famed railway through the rock of the Jungfrau mountain in Switzerland has a whole new set of luxury options for visitors, including a new high-tech cable car to get visitors to the top of the mountain. For more information, visit www.jungfrau.ch.
Monday Oct 11, 2021
Monday Oct 11, 2021
Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of World Travel Holdings (WTH) and parent company of Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc., talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how WTH is consolidating its agency brands, including merging Cruises Inc. into Dreams to better support their travel advisor members. For more information, visit www.worldtravelholdings.com or www.DreamVacationsFranchises.com.
Monday Oct 11, 2021
Monday Oct 11, 2021
Silversea Cruises CEO Roberto Martinoli and Chief Commercial Officer Barbara Muckermann talk with Peter Callahan of Insider Travel Report about a new luxury program being introduced on Silver Dawn that will be rolled out across the fleet. Just as S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) brought food immersion into the entire Silversea experience, Otivm (pronounced "Otium") brings the indulgences of the spa into the stateroom and beyond for an almost seamless luxury experience. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Friday Oct 08, 2021
Friday Oct 08, 2021
Diane Frisch, owner of Diane Frisch Destinations, and this year's Nexion Travel Group Ambassador of the Year, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her agency, how she uses Nexion's services, how she was recognized as Nexion Ambassador for helping to promote all the great things the host agency can do for its affiliates, and how she helps her fellow Nexion advisors. For more information, visit www.nexion.com.
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
Thursday Oct 07, 2021
Lisa McGregor, owner of Fort Lauderdale-based Passport Pleasures, a Nexion travel advisor, talks with James Shillinglaw about how she started her luxury travel agency, how she’s grown it and what advice she has for her fellow advisors on getting back to business as we emerge from the pandemic. McGregor gave on of the Next Talks at Nexion’s recent CoNexion conference in Orlando. For more information, visit www.nexion.com.
Wednesday Oct 06, 2021
Wednesday Oct 06, 2021
Amy Butcher, who was named travel advisor rising star in the U.S. by Nexion Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw about how she started Pineapple Destinations, her Utah-based agency, how she has grown it even during the pandemic and how she uses Nexion’s training and resources to boost her business. For more information, visit www.nexion.com.
Tuesday Oct 05, 2021
Tuesday Oct 05, 2021
There’s more to river cruising than just Europe. We take a look at more exotic river cruise products and how they cross the line between traditional river cruising and expedition cruising. How has exotic river cruising become so intertwined with luxury travel? Annie Fitzsimmons, a luxury travel journalist, moderates a panel with Gary Murphy, vice president of sales and co-owner of AmaWaterways; Steve Spivak, senior vice president of sales for Tauck; and Francesco Galli Zugaro, owner and founder of Aqua Expeditions. This discussion was originally broadcast in June as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.
Tuesday Oct 05, 2021
Tuesday Oct 05, 2021
Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at her host agencies first “in-person” conference in two years, held at Universal Orlando Resort last week. Friedman details the latest programs to coach Nexion travel advisors and provide them with the resources they need to improve their businesses. For more information, visit www.nexion.com.
Monday Oct 04, 2021
Monday Oct 04, 2021
Gabe Rizzi, president of Internova Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the state of Internova and its new branding, Nexion’s CoNexIon conference last week in Orlando (Nexion is owned by Internova), and how the travel industry and travel advisors are successfully emerging from the pandemic. For more information, visit www.internova.com.
Friday Oct 01, 2021
Friday Oct 01, 2021
Francisco Blanch, leisure sales director for Discover Puerto Rico, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how easy it is to visit the island from the U.S. mainland, with no need for passports, no currency exchange or even COVID testing. Blanch discusses what travelers can expect once they arrive, including all the renovations and complete recovery from the hurricanes of three years ago. For more information, visit www.discoverpuertorico.com.
Friday Oct 01, 2021
Friday Oct 01, 2021
Luxury keeps getting redefined—and now we have the new age of post-pandemic cruising that will redefine it once again. We examine the new features, amenities and health and safety standards of true luxury cruising and how travel advisors can sell the category even better. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel including Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn; Mark Conroy, managing director of Silversea Cruises; Jack Anderson, president of Crystal Cruises; Jason Montague, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises; and Bob Lepisto, president of SeaDream Yacht Club. This discussion was originally broadcast in June as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
How soon will river cruising fully come back and how can travel advisors sell it today? This category has been booming for 20 years, but then the pandemic hit and it was stopped cold. Now it's reemerging slowly as luxury river cruising recover with new health and safety standards. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderated a panel with Gary Murphy, vice president of sales and co-owner, AmaWaterways; Jennifer Tombaugh, president of Tauck; Walter Littlejohn, president of Crystal River Cruises; Ellen Bettridge, president Uniworld; and John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Steamboat Company. This discussion was originally broadcast in June as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
Thursday Sep 30, 2021
Diana Plazas, chief sales and marketing officer for the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Marriott’s strategy going forward for the Caribbean and Latin America, including new luxury hotels from top brands opening around the region and a new expanded focus on all-inclusive resorts, For more information, visit www.marriott.com.
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
There was a time when all-inclusive resorts delivered a basic, affordable vacation for one low price. Today, however, many all-inclusive resort companies deliver luxury experiences. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel with Howard Tannenbaum, senior vice president-sales for Playa Hotels and Resorts ((Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara); Gary Sadler, executive vice president of sales and industry relations for Unique Vacations, representing Sandals & Beaches Resorts; Kathy Halpern, vice president of global marketing for Palace Resorts & Le Blanc Spa Resorts; and John Long, vice president-sales and marketing for Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. This discussion was originally broadcast as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Catherine Martin, Ireland's tourism minister, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what the Irish government has been doing to restore travel and tourism to the country, including a $4.7 million dollar marketing campaign, a new TV commercial and social media program, and a successful country-wide vaccination effort. For more information, visit www.ireland.com.
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Simon Mayle, event director for ILTM North America, celebrates ILTM’s first successful in-person show in more than two years on the Riviera Maya in Mexico as the luxury market gets back to business as we emerge from the pandemic. With roughly 700 participants, including top luxury selling travel advisors and luxury hotels, DMCs, destinations, cruises and tour operators, ILTM provided the boost that the travel industry needs right now. For more information, visit www.iltm.com.
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard the Costa Smeralda, the Italian line’s almost new ship, introduced in 2019 before the pandemic. Costa’s version of a mega-ship, Costa Smeralda can carry roughly 6,500 guests (reduced on this cruise to meet the pandemic rules), but has lots of open deck space and places to get away from the crowds so it doesn’t feel like a big ship. With a large spa, great pool areas and water slides, a wide choice of stateroom categories, energetic entertainment and some superb restaurants, this is Costa’s upper contemporary ship—and it just might have the best pizza at sea. For more information, visit www.costacruises.com.
Monday Sep 27, 2021
Monday Sep 27, 2021
Sheri Doyle, founder and owner of Pacific Northwest Journeys in Seattle, a Travel Experts agency, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how her agency survived the pandemic, what types of travel are selling now. Doyle also talks about how to sell Holland America's Alaska cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam and who would be the perfect for the sailing. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Monday Sep 27, 2021
Monday Sep 27, 2021
Nirmal Saverimuttu, chief commercial and experience officer of Virgin Voyages, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Scarlet Lady, Virgin's first ship, when she visited New York City earlier this month before starting cruises out of Miami. Saverimuttu details the ship’s successful run in Britain, what was learned for its upcoming debut in the Caribbean in October, and offers a tour of some of the vessel’s key features. For more information, visit www.firstmates.com or www.virginvoyages.com.
Friday Sep 24, 2021
Friday Sep 24, 2021
Jonathan Knudsen, principal of Gilded Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about one of the newest restaurants and rooftop bars in Manhattan, HOWM Cocina & Cocktails, located in the Selina Chelsea hotel. Knudsen details the cuisine, the cocktails, the views and the location in the heart of Chelsea just below the emerging Hudson Yards neighborhood and overlooking the High Line, New York’s most chic city park. For more information, visit www.howm.co, www.selinarooftop.com or www.selinachelsea.com.
Friday Sep 24, 2021
Friday Sep 24, 2021
Valerie Perry, cruise and travel director on Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her job bringing Alaska to guests on the ship even before they go ashore, as well as her part in the Music Walk for which Holland America is famed, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard and more. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Thursday Sep 23, 2021
Thursday Sep 23, 2021
Mark Pells, hotel general manager on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboutpo how things have changed for him and his crew so the guest experience can remain much the same on the ship and at all the ports of call, including Juneau, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait, Sitka and Ketchikan. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Thursday Sep 23, 2021
Thursday Sep 23, 2021
Peter Bates, president and founder of Strategic Vision Inc., talks with Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, and Thomas Kochs, managing director of the Corinthia London, about the London luxury hotel scene as the U.K. emerges from the pandemic, how London hotels have adjusted to the new demands of the pandemic, and what the future holds for luxury travel in the U.K. and Europe. It’s all part of a conference being held this week by London hoteliers and high-end destination management company Noteworthy hosting top Virtuoso travel advisors. For more information, visit www.strategicvision.org, www.virtuoso.com and www.corinthia.com/london.
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Jeroen Baijens, captain of Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what it was like keeping his ship serviced throughout the pandemic with a skeleton crew of just 100, the writing and rewriting of procedures and protocols changed, and the relief when the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act was passed. Capt. Baijens also talks about the ship’s successful return to service, including the surprisingly high numbers of new-to-cruise passengers who now love sailing and are already rebooking. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Scarlet Lady, Virgin's first ship, as it visits New York City. McAlpin details the ship’s successful run in Britain, what was learned for its upcoming debut in Miami on October, as well as a tour of some of the vessel’s key features. For more information, visit www.firstmates.com or www.virginvoyages.com.
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
Advance Your Reach’s Pat Quinn, chief product officer, and Cris DeSouza, director of business development, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their company and how it can help travel agencies and travel advisors grow their sales by more effectively communicating their message to clients and potential clients. Quinn and DeSouza detail how to make sure your “messages” reach the right people at the right time. They also are offering a special free webinar this October on just how the process works. For more information, visit www.advanceyourreach.com.
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara, talks with Kelly McDaniel, on assignment for Insider Travel Report, about Azamara's return to sailing as an independent brand, upcoming voyages and destinations, plans for future programming, as well as Azamara's newest ship, Azamara Onward. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
Monday Sep 20, 2021
Monday Sep 20, 2021
Chris Allison, Tourism Australia’s acting general manager and regional director-North America, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the status of travel to his country right now, how Australia has relaunched its much vaunted Aussie Specialist program for travel advisors, a new virtual Australia Global Summit coming in November, plus Australia 365, a global virtual hub for all things Australia. For more information, visit www.aussiespecialist.com or tradeevents.eventsair.com/australia-global-summit-2021 or tradeevents.eventsair.com/australia-365-on-demand.
Monday Sep 20, 2021
Monday Sep 20, 2021
Helen Smith, chief customer experience officer for Dorchester Collection, talks with Peter Bates, president and founder of Strategic Vision Inc., about the London luxury hotel scene as the U.K. emerges from the pandemic, what the outlook is for luxury travel in the future, and how London hotels have adjusted to the new demands of the pandemic. It’s all part of a conference being held this week by London hoteliers and high-end destination management company Noteworthy hosting top Virtuoso travel advisors. For more information, visit www.dorchestercollection.com, www.strategicvision.organd www.virtuoso.com.
Friday Sep 17, 2021
Friday Sep 17, 2021
Anthony Beach, general manager of the new Sophy Hyde Park in Chicago, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on how his property injects art into every facet of guest’s stay. With paintings strewn on almost every wall, the hotel offers hip but elegant accommodations, a living room-like lobby, and a cool new restaurant for those seeking to stay a bit off-the-beaten-path from Downtown Chicago. And there’s even a connection to former President Barack Obama. For more information or to book, call 773-289-1003 or visit www.sophyhotel.com.
Friday Sep 17, 2021
Friday Sep 17, 2021
Maria Elena Rossi, director of marketing and promotion for ENIT (the Italian Tourist Board), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the requirements for visiting Italy right now, what’s open and what’s not around the country, specifically how such top cities as Milan and Venice are welcoming visitors, and how to use those cities as hubs to explore the region nearby. For more information, visit www.italiantourism.com.
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
Capt. Ronald Schuegard, master of the new AmaSiena, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about AmaWaterways' newest river ship in Europe, a sister to AmaKristina and the upcoming AmaLucia. Capt. Ron details the accommodations, public areas and dining, as well as how the ship meets and exceeds the latest environmental requirements. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
Nicola Butler, managing director and owner of Noteworthy, talks with James Shillinglaw about a special event for Virtuoso travel advisors taking place this coming week to showcase London as a destination as it emerges from the pandemic and welcomes American travelers. Noteworthy, a luxury destination management company focused on the U.K., and a number of luxury hotels in London are hosting this meeting to get advisors up to speed on the London and U.K. market. For more information, visit www.noteworthy.co.uk or www.virtuoso.com.
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of World Travel Holdings and godmother to AmaSiena, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about AmaWaterways' newest ship on the Rhine, how she got the news about her being selected as mother, what she likes about her brand new ship and how travel advisors should sell it their clients. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com or www.worldtravelholdings.com, www.dreamvacations.com, www.cruiseone.com and www.cruisesinc.com.
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Martina Valachova, cruise manager for AmaSiena, speaks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about AmaWaterways' newest ship on the Rhine and what it offers. Valachova details the different levels of shore excursions, the onboard wellness program, and the entertainment offered each evening. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Mark Conroy, managing director-the Americas for Silversea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury cruise line’s deployment has gone so far, new inclusions for guests like door-to-door service, new ports of call for 2022 and 2023, what World Cruises Silversea will offer in the next two years. Conroy also previews a new video that you can send out to your clients to get them excited about cruising. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Monday Sep 13, 2021
Monday Sep 13, 2021
Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on board her company's brand new AmaSiena on the Rhine. Karst details the new river ship plus AmaWaterways' upcoming sister ship AmaLucia and the company's first ship on the Nile, the AmaDahlia. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Friday Sep 10, 2021
Friday Sep 10, 2021
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Scott Koepf, senior vice president of strategic development for Cruise Planners, about his career in cruise sales, from opening one of the country’s first cruise-only travel agencies to holding posts with Club Med, Sitmar Cruises, Cruise Holidays International, GalaxSea Cruises, Sabre, Nexion, NACTA and Avoya Travel, before joining Cruise Planners. In many respects, Koepf’s career reflects the history of cruising itself over the past 35 years. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or www.cruiseplanners.com.
Thursday Sep 09, 2021
Thursday Sep 09, 2021
Dan Durazo, director-communications for Allianz Global Assistance, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Allianz’s latest travel insurance products, including new travel insurance that covers epidemics, a new influencer campaign to promote that epidemic coverage, and a new travel insurance retail marketing website, among other innovations. For more information, visit www.allianztravelinsurance.com.