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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 Feb 08, 2022
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Michael Medeiros, general manager of the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his hotel, surrounded by two state parks and the beach, making it centrally located and yet quiet. Newly renovated in 2019, every one of the 240 guest rooms, 20 junior suites and two master suites face the ocean with floor to ceiling windows, and the restaurant, Steelpan, features entertainment and serves both the pool and walk--in trade with a patio adjoining the sidewalk. For more information, visit www.sonesta.com/us/florida/fort-lauderdale/sonesta-fort-lauderdale-beach.
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Adam Thomas, destination marketing organization director of Experience Florida Sports Coast, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Florida's "adventure county," an outdoor recreational leisure travel destination that caters to families wanting to create mulit-generational experiences. Thomas describes the many massive sports complexes serving amateur athletes of all ages, hoping to grow their sport skills, as well as where to stay and eat in the area when attending upcoming events. For more information, visit www.flsportscoast.com.
Friday Feb 04, 2022
Friday Feb 04, 2022
Tom Bartosek, travel trade industry coordinator for Florida's Space Coast, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how the Space Coast is true to its name, featuring 72 miles of beaches and access to outer space. It is also a foodie destination, with a port that hosts five cruise lines, attractions like the new Wizard of Oz museum and a Brightline train stop proposed for 2026. For more information, visit www.visitspeacecoast.com.
Thursday Feb 03, 2022
Thursday Feb 03, 2022
Markham McGill, director of sales for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, which oversees the Florida Keys, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the warmest place in the U.S. during the winter, warmer than even Miami. He also focuses on Key West, the southernmost point of the U.S. and the Caribbean you can drive to. McGill highlights attractions, tours, new properties and property renovations, air lift, a new $100 million dollar renovation of Key West's airport, plus special events like the 200th anniversary of Key West, the Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest, and the Key Lime Academy for travel advisors. For more information, email markham@fla-keys.com or visit www.Fla-Keys.com.
Wednesday Feb 02, 2022
Wednesday Feb 02, 2022
Santiago Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Florida Huddle 2020 about how much Tampa has changed since it last hosted the Huddle in 2016. Setting visitor records every year since 2013, the city is back in stride. Corrada outlines the meteoric tourism climb, which includes hotel growth, increased lift, the creation of a river walk, new attention from the Michelin Guide, and hosting a Superbowl. For more information, visit www.RiverWalkPass.com and www.VisitTampaBay.com.
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Susanne Höller, head of destination marketing for Graz Tourism, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the many attractions of her historical city, the second largest in Austria, but one often overshadowed by Vienna and other towns. Graz has the biggest medieval armory in Europe, many charming and historic churches, and a castle hill that has served as a focal point for many European conflicts. It also has great restaurants, shops, and some surprising newer attractions, including the longest indoor slide in Europe. For more information, visit www.graztourismus.at.
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Monday Jan 31, 2022
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Keith Waldon, founder of Departure Lounge (www.departurelounge.com), a Virtuoso-affiliated host agency, about how he selected and developed a customized booking platform for his independent contracts with BookingVault and Valerie Wilson Travel. Ben Nayberg, chief operating officer of BookingVault (www.bookingvault.com), and Jennifer Wilson Buttigieg, co-president of Valerie Wilson Travel (www.valeriewilsontravel.com), talk about their role in supplying Departure Lounge with the booking tool, plus an air and hotel booking system.
Friday Jan 28, 2022
Friday Jan 28, 2022
Jeff Anderson, co-CEO of Avoya Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his innovative host travel agency and vacation specialist a month after it held its annual conference virtually. Anderson reveals the what’s behind Avoya’s deal with investor group Certares, which last November took a stake in the host agency, as well as what new programs and services are resonating with Avoya’s affiliated agencies. Crucially Anderson forecasts the future for cruises and other forms of travel as we emerge from the pandemic. For more information, visit www.avoyanetwork.com.
Thursday Jan 27, 2022
Thursday Jan 27, 2022
Chris Moss, CEO of PSNGR1 (that’s Passenger1), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new system, which travel advisors can use to aggregate access to the GDSs, NDC capability and even restaurant, tour and activity reservations. PSNGR1 also delivers new, simpler functionality than tradition reservations systems, making it easier for users to find and book travel products more quickly. For more information, visit www.psngr1.com.
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Dana Young, president and CEO of Visit Florida, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at this week's Florida Huddle 2022 in Tampa. Young assures travel advisors that all their clients, risk-averse or not, can safely book vacations to enjoy the state’s wide open spaces and hot night spots, because Florida will never close, meaning a vacation in Florida is never at risk of being canceled. Travel advisors looking to virtually attend the Florida Huddle on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 11:30a.m. can sign up at www.FloridaHuddle.com. For more information, visit www.VisitFlorida.com.
Tuesday Jan 25, 2022
Tuesday Jan 25, 2022
Charlie B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Project Blue, his cruise company’s plan to build 12 newly designed small ships that will sail the rivers, lakes and coastal waterways of the United States. Representing a significant investment in small ship cruising, Project Blue represents a big bet on growth for domestic cruising in America. For more information, visit www.americancruiselines.com.
Monday Jan 24, 2022
Monday Jan 24, 2022
Ruth Daly, regional director of Tourism Fiji, and Strobel Bekker, regional manager-Americas for Fiji Airways talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Fiji has emerged from the pandemic ready to welcome visitors from the U.S., how Fiji Airways has returned to full service on long-haul routes, how almost all resorts are now open and ready for guests, and what Americans need to do in order to visit Fiji today. For more information, visit www.fiji.travel or www.fijiairways.com.
Friday Jan 21, 2022
Friday Jan 21, 2022
Megan Moncrief, chief marketing officer for Squaremouth.com, which helps travelers save time and money to find the best travel insurance policy for their trip, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what travel insurance covers and what it doesn’t today during the pandemic. Moncrief details how travel insurance coverage works when a trip is impacted by slow COVID testing or shortage of tests, how it works when countries change COVID protocols, and the difference between standard and cancel-for-any-reason policies. For more information, visit www.squaremouth.com.
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
David McKenna, the new president and CEO of Rocky Mountaineer, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his famed rail tour company is emerging from the pandemic with new rail cards, popular itineraries in Canada and a completely new rail product in Colorado and Utah. McKenna, an experienced travel executive, was just named CEO to take Rocky Mountaineer into the future. For more information, visit www.rockymountaineer.com.
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
Stacy Small, founder and owner of Elite Travel International, an affiliate of Travel Experts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new Elite Travel Club, where she invites clients to participate and charges them fees for her services. Small, whom you’ve seen in one of our top Insider Videos of 2021, now gets to choose who she wants to work with on a regular basis, something she says has eliminated those clients who can be a waste of time and gives her a better lifestyle. Is this the model for you? Find out in this interview. For more information, visit www.elitetravelinternational.com.
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Lisa Miller, general manager of the ONE11 Hotel in New Orleans, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new boutique property, housed in a former sugar factory, just steps from the French Quarter. With suites overlooking the Mississippi, innovative decor and more, ONE11 Hotel is the perfect retreat for leisure and business travelers alike. For more information, visit www.one11hotel.com.
Monday Jan 17, 2022
Monday Jan 17, 2022
Jeffrey Morris, chief marketing officer for the West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes conference about how West Hollywood offers a true luxury travel experience, with top hotels, restaurants, shopping and chic neighborhoods from Santa Monica Boulevard to the Design District to the Sunset Strip. For more information, visit www.visitwesthollywood.com.
Monday Jan 17, 2022
Monday Jan 17, 2022
Victoria Batten, regional director of sales and marketing-North America for The Langham Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes about how her luxury brand is growing and reinventing itself, including The Langham, Boston, newly reopened after a two-year renovation; The Langham, Jakara, the brand’s first hotel in Indonesia; and The Langham Gold Coast, which opens in Australia this spring. For more information, visit www.langhamhotels.com.
Friday Jan 14, 2022
Friday Jan 14, 2022
Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean International's senior vice president of sales, trade support and service, used her regular Coffee Chat this week to interview Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's new CEO, who just took over from Richard Fain, who remains chairman. Admittedly this is not one of Insider's video interviews, but it's important because it's the first full interview with Liberty since he became CEO. Liberty talks about Royal Caribbean Group's financial performance despite cruise cancellations in the first quarter, what the second quarter looks like and the long-term prospects for cruising, and reconfirmed his support for the travel agency trade. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.
Friday Jan 14, 2022
Friday Jan 14, 2022
Loic Ferrie, director of food and beverage at Four Seasons Nevis, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report an update on the resort since Insider visited more two years ago. That includes a new beachside restaurant, On the Dune, and a new beachside bar, Kastaway Beach bar. This completes the grand renovation Four Seasons Nevis began more than three years ago, including new rooms and suites, new dining concepts and more. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/nevis.
Friday Jan 14, 2022
Friday Jan 14, 2022
Jean-Marie Le Gall, general manager of Hotel Barrière Le Fouquet's, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes, about his newly refurbished Paris property. Located between Avenue George V and the Champs-Elysées, the hotel features 101 rooms and suites designed by Jacques Garcia. Just before the pandemic in December 2019, Le Fouquet’s unveiled 19 refurbished suites and rooms with iconic views over the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. For more information, visit www.hotelsbarriere.com/en/paris/le-fouquets.html.
Thursday Jan 13, 2022
Thursday Jan 13, 2022
Samy Ghachem, managing director of Sereno Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his first luxury boutique resort, Le Sereno St. Barths, which shows off his unique brand of hospitality in the chic destination. Ghachem oversees both Le Sereno and Il Sereno Lago di Como in Italy, which together form a mini-resort empire that caters to a high-end luxury clientele. For more information, visit www.serenohotels.com.
Thursday Jan 13, 2022
Thursday Jan 13, 2022
Imran Changezi, business development director-hospitality for the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes about how DGDA is transforming travel and tourism in Saudi Arabia with a massive new complex set to include 28 luxury hotels and celebrating the country’s history and culture. For more information, visit https://dgda.gov.sa.
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Tom Rowntree, vice president-global luxury brands at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel conference about how IHG is developing and growing its luxury brands, including Regent Hotels, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. For more information, visit www.ihg.com.
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Alistair Solomons, executive chef for SeaDream Yacht Club, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his boutique cruise line’s food and beverage program, dining options, his culinary philosophy and the special experiences offered on every sailing, such as the famed caviar and champagne on a surf board plus a BBQ beach party. For more information, visit www.seadream.com.
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
Christophe Cornu, executive hotel manager for SeaDream Yacht Club, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the luxury boutique cruise line’s food and beverage, accommodations, activities and special experiences. Cornu, who has been with SeaDream since it began more than 20 years ago, has a unique perspective on what makes the line so different from its competitors. For more information, visit www.seadream.com.
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
JoAnn Kurtz-Ahlers, founder and president of Hidden Doorways Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes her representation company’s newest offerings in destinations, resorts and experience, the state of the luxury market, and just how important ILTM Cannes was to luxury travel. For more information, visit www.hiddendoorwaystravel.com.
Monday Jan 10, 2022
Monday Jan 10, 2022
Crystal Vinisse Thomas, vice president and global brand leader for Hyatt Hotels' lifestyle and luxury brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report last month at ILTM Cannes about the growth of Hyatt's luxury brands, including Park Hyatt, All, Andaz, Thompson and more. For more information, visit www.hyatt.com.
Monday Jan 10, 2022
Monday Jan 10, 2022
Bob Lepisto, president of SeaDream Yacht Club, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a SeaDream II cruise of the Caribbean out of San Juan. Lepisto details what a SeaDream cruise is today aboard one of its two 110-guests yachts designed to sail to more intimate destinations with a "casual" luxury experience complete with fine cuisine and great personalized service. For more information, visit www.seadream.com.
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Edoardo Giuntoli, general manager of Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese, talks with James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes last month about his luxury hotel located near the city’s famed attractions and landmarks. A former 19th century Roman palazzo reimagined by visionary architect Jean-Phillipe Nuel, the five-star hotel lies within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, Villa Medici and Spanish Steps. For more information, click on Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese.
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Francois Delhaye, chief operating officer for Dorchester Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes last month about his group of 10 luxury hotels in London, Paris, Los Angeles, Milan, Rome and soon Dubai. Delhaye gives an update on Dorchester Collection’s Paris properties, which he directly oversees, but also details the upcoming renovations of The Dorchester itself, as well as the opening this year of The Lana in Dubai. For more information, visit www.dorchestercollection.com.
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
Dino Michael, senior vice president and global category head for Hilton Luxury Brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes last month about how Hilton is growing those brands throughout the world. Waldorf Astoria, LXR Hotel & Resorts and Conrad now feature 78 properties in nearly 30 countries and growing, with roughly 45 properties in the pipeline. For more information, visit www.hilton.com.
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
Leslie Kouhana, co-founder and CEO of Maisons Pariente, and her younger sister Kimberley Cohen, co-founder and artistic director, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes last month about their small luxury boutique hotels in key destinations around France. Maisons Pariente includes the Hôtel Crillon Le Brave at the foot of Mont-Ventoux in Provence, Hôtel Lou Pinet in Saint-Tropez, Hôtel Le Coucou in Méribel, and later this year a new urban hotel, Le Grand Mazarin, in the Marais section of Paris. Each of the properties in the portfolio are designed in collaboration with famous designers and artists. For more information, visit www.maisonspariente.com.
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Andre Gerondeau, chief operating officer for Melia Hotels International, gives James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report an update about Melia's expansion plans, new and renovated hotels and the state of luxury in the markets where the company operates. This is part of a series of video interviews on the luxury travel market from last month's ILTM Cannes. For more information, visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com.
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Christian Renz, chief commercial Officer (CCO) at Corinthia Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes last month about his luxury hotel company's expansion plans, its highly regarded hotels in London and the rest of Europe and what's to come in the future. This is part of a series of video interviews on the luxury travel market from ILTM Cannes. For more information, visit www.corinthia.com.
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
Elisabeth Alleyne, general manager of O2 Beach Club & Spa, talks with Greg Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new all-inclusive resort on the southern coast of Barbados. Alleyne also shares her insider tips for travel advisors. For more information, visit www.o2beachclubbarbados.com.
If interested, the original video of this podcast -- with supplemental pictures and video -- can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Costas Christ, executive director of Beyond Green, part of Preferred Hotel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his budding collection of hotels and resorts committed to sustainable tourism will help change the ethos of hospitality as more upscale travelers seek out “green” products and services. Christ, an expert and pioneer in sustainable tourism, is working to make sustainable tourism a reality in a very practical way. For more information, email traveladvisors@staybeyondgreen.com or visit www.staybeyondgreen.com/travel-advisors.
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Patricia Affonso-Dass, CEO and group general manager of Ocean Hotels Group, talks with Greg Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new all-inclusive O2 Beach Club & Spa, which just opened on the southern coast of Barbados. Affonso-Dass also discusses the group's how-to experiences for guests and the best ways to sell its portfolio of resorts, including the family-friendly Sea Breeze Beach House. For more information, visit www.oceanhotelsbarbados.com.
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Pierre Jean Montagne, resort manager at Club Med La Rosière in France, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about the all-inclusive package offered to guests, including all food, drink, ski lessons, ski-in/ski-out program and child care. Montagne says the resort is set to support all ages, with large room to accommodate families, as well as lounges and other facilities for adults only. For more information, visit www.clubmed.us/la-rosiere.
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Soraya Al Olama, market lead-North America for Dubai Tourism, and Chad Martin, director-North Eastern U.S. for the Israel Ministry of Tourism, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the progress both countries have made individually and together since the Abraham Accords were signed by Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco, who joined Egypt and Jordan in making peace with Israel. For more information, visit www.goisrael.com and www.visitdubai.com.
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Frankely Castillo Blanco, executive chef for the Margaritaville Caribbean Group, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his vision for the restaurants and menus served at the two Margaritaville all-inclusive resorts, Cap Cana and Cancun, with more to come. Blanco covers Margaritaville’s twists on the traditional eateries, including JWB, Frank and Lola's, the Boathouse, LandShark and Mon SO Wi. This is the fourth part of a four-part review of Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana. For more information, visit www.karismahotels.com/margaritaville-island-reserve-resorts.
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Jerry Tschudy, regional food and beverage director for Club Med North America, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about how Club Med Quebec limits importation of supplies and works with local Canadian food producers to create the resort’s cuisine. For more information, visit www.clubmed.ca/r/quebec-charlevoix.
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Joseph Quilio, the general manager of the NOPSI Hotel in New Orleans, talks with Darley Newman about the hotel that originally housed the New Orleans Public Service Incorporated (NOPSI), which was the power station for the city. Quilio discusses how centrally located the hotel is from the French Quarter and the waterfront, things to do nearby, the hotel's room types, food and beverage offerings, including a "Beignet flight." For more information, visit www.nopsihotel.com.
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Carolina Alboreda, resident manager of Club Med's Exclusive Collection, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about the planned renovation to turn the Club Med Val d'Isère ski resort into a full Exclusive Collection property. For more information, visit www.clubmed.us/r/val-d-isere.
Friday Dec 24, 2021
Friday Dec 24, 2021
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, the luxury sister line to MSC Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the recent ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about how he’s positioning his company as a complete upscale experience not a cruise. The first of four vessels will make its debut in 2023, with itineraries in the Mediterranean blending renowned destinations with less-traveled ports. Ungerer also details Explora Journeys’ extremely friendly commission policies, no NCFs and more for travel advisors. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Friday Dec 24, 2021
Friday Dec 24, 2021
Pete Callaro, senior vice president of brand and product marketing for Carnival Cruise Line, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Carnival’s new “Funderstruck” marketing campaign, which will debut on Christmas Day on national TV during NBA games and continue on through New Year’s Eve celebration on ABC and beyond into 2022. Callaro also tells you how you can use this new campaign to sell more Carnival cruises to your clients. For more information, visit www.carnival.com.
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ILTM Cannes luxury travel conference about his line’s plan for Silver Nova, a revolutionary vessel set for delivery in summer 2023 that will be the first hybrid luxury cruise ship free of local emissions at port, positioning Silversea at the forefront of sustainable cruising for years to come. For more information, visit www.silversea.com/lp-silver-nova.html.
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Grant Campbell, general manager of Nobu Portman Square, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his year-old London luxury property, which comes with a signature Nobu restaurant, completely renovated rooms and suites, and refurbished public areas, including a great spa and health club. For more information, visit https://london-portman.nobuhotels.com.
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Bob Lepisto, president of SeaDream Yacht Club, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury cruise line dealt with a guest who tested positive on SeaDream II earlier this month, what protocols the line followed and how the cruise eventually proceeded as planned after a day of quarantine. For more information, visit www.seadream.com.