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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
May 18, 2022
May 18, 2022
25 min
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.
May 17, 2022
May 17, 2022
17 min
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.
May 16, 2022
May 16, 2022
10 min
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.
May 13, 2022
May 13, 2022
15 min
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.
May 12, 2022
May 12, 2022
4 min
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.
May 11, 2022
May 11, 2022
10 min
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.
May 10, 2022
May 10, 2022
6 min
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.
May 9, 2022
May 9, 2022
6 min
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.
May 6, 2022
May 6, 2022
7 min
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.
May 5, 2022
May 5, 2022
7 min
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.
May 4, 2022
May 4, 2022
17 min
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.
May 3, 2022
May 3, 2022
11 min
May 2, 2022
May 2, 2022
15 min
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.
Apr 29, 2022
Apr 29, 2022
7 min
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.
Apr 28, 2022
Apr 28, 2022
5 min
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.
Apr 27, 2022
Apr 27, 2022
7 min
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.
Apr 26, 2022
Apr 26, 2022
21 min
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.
Apr 25, 2022
Apr 25, 2022
7 min
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.
Apr 22, 2022
Apr 22, 2022
9 min
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.
Apr 21, 2022
Apr 21, 2022
24 min
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.
Apr 20, 2022
Apr 20, 2022
8 min
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.
Apr 19, 2022
Apr 19, 2022
10 min
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.
Apr 18, 2022
Apr 18, 2022
32 min
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.
Apr 15, 2022
Apr 15, 2022
26 min
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.
Apr 15, 2022
Apr 15, 2022
23 min
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.
Apr 14, 2022
Apr 14, 2022
7 min
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.
Apr 14, 2022
Apr 14, 2022
11 min
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.
Apr 13, 2022
Apr 13, 2022
25 min
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.
Apr 13, 2022
Apr 13, 2022
25 min
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.
Apr 12, 2022
Apr 12, 2022
22 min
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.
Apr 12, 2022
Apr 12, 2022
43 min
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.
Apr 11, 2022
Apr 11, 2022
17 min
Marilyn Cairo, vice president of global sales for Premier Worldwide Marketing, which represents Karisma Hotels & Resorts, gives Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report a tour of the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, as well as a scoop on Nickelodeon's "Summer of SpongeBob" promotion. starting April 12, 2022. Cairo suggests travel advisors obtain a new promotional toolkit of social media banners, website banners and email signatures to help encourage families to experience a ramped-up summer schedule of character activities and activations, along with special travel advisor incentives. For more information, visit www.KarismaTravelAgents.com and www.KarismaHotels.com.
Apr 11, 2022
Apr 11, 2022
15 min
Keith Baron, president and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent U.S.A., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last weeks’ A&K 100 Club event for top travel agency sellers of the luxury tour brand, the first such event to take place in more than three years because of the pandemic. Baron details A&K’s wide range of products, everything from luxury expedition cruises to private jet journeys to Tailor Made experiences, as well as what destinations are selling now in into 2023 for luxury travelers who are back now and eager to travel due to pent-up demand. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.
Apr 8, 2022
Apr 8, 2022
13 min
Leroy Browne, general manager of Sea Breeze Beach House, talks with Greg Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the four-star, all-inclusive property on the southern coast of Barbados. Browne also shares his insider tips for travel advisors and the experiences available for guests outside the resort. For more information, visit www.sea-breeze.com.
Apr 8, 2022
Apr 8, 2022
40 min
John Pagett, president of Princess Cruises, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about the changes and updates in the Princess family, including new ships, new executives, new Medallion Class experiences and a new Love Boat reality television show. For more information, visit www.princess.com.
Apr 7, 2022
Apr 7, 2022
14 min
Matt, a senior creative executive for Lucasfilm, talks with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about how the design for Disney's Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser is different from any other Star Wars attraction. He also details how it follows more than the movies, but also the Star Wars novels and comics created to widen the backstory upon which it is all based. For more information, click on Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser.
Apr 7, 2022
Apr 7, 2022
10 min
Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, the newly appointed CEO of St. Kitts Tourism Authority, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the removal of the island's 24-hour "Vacation in Place" quarantine at an approved hotel under certain conditions, including an antigen test taken within 24 hours of travel. Thompson also talks about the increase in flights to St. Kitts, the new Sunset Hotel, and what to do on the island, from the relaxing to the adventurous. For more information, visit www.stkittstourism.kn.
Apr 6, 2022
Apr 6, 2022
11 min
Ann Chamberlin, vice president of sales for Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report onboard the Emerald Sun river ship on the Danube about the Emerald brand, sister to Scenic’s luxury river and ocean discovery ships. Chamberlin details the attributes of the Emerald brand, a premium river ship company that just expanded by adding the first of two yachts. She also details why Emerald and Scenic so strongly supported last month’s ASTA Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest. For more information, visit www.emeraldcruises.com or www.scenicusa.com.
Apr 6, 2022
Apr 6, 2022
17 min
Paul Gauger, senior vice president of the Americas for VisitBritain, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how easy it is to travel to Britain now. With no testing requirements inbound (travelers still need to be aware of the rules to return to their own countries), and with mask wearing at the discretion of the traveler, all energy can again be focused on the visit and the experience, not the entry requirements. Gauger details VisitBritain’s new campaigns, including "Meanwhile in Britain” in partnership with British Airways. For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com.
Apr 5, 2022
Apr 5, 2022
6 min
Stephan Interthal, general manager of the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, talks with James Shillinglaw about his five-star hotel located in the heart of Hungary’s capital city. Last month Kempinski Budapest played host to the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo, and Insider stayed once again at the property. Rosenthal tells us what has happened to the hotel during two years of pandemic and how he’s ready and open for business today. For more information, click on Kempinski Budapest.
Apr 5, 2022
Apr 5, 2022
19 min
Dame Judith Macgregor, interim chair of the British Tourist Authority, parent of VisitBritain, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the recent ExploreGB, which was held virtually last month, as well as the new marketing programs being developed by Visit Britain and the requirements to visit the destination today. For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com or www.visitbritain.org.
Apr 4, 2022
Apr 4, 2022
23 min
Wendy Anderson, executive creative director for live entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort, and Sarah Thatcher, creative director for interactive, talk with Jason Leppert of Insider Travel Report about how the immersive Star Wars Starcruiser resort came together as an extension to Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The new hotel is built on the premise of guests being able to spend two days in the middle of a Star Wars story a. For more information, click on Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser.
Apr 1, 2022
Apr 1, 2022
4 min
Bob Lepisto, president of SeaDream Yacht Club, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury yacht cruise line has completely renovated the staterooms in its two small ships, SeaDream and SeaDream II, plus updated decking, soft goods and even added a double hot tub on the top. For more information, visit www.seadream.com.
Mar 31, 2022
Mar 31, 2022
13 min
Scott Sibella, president and CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report, about his mega-resort on the strip, which has been open less than a year and is still the newest resort in Vegas. Sibella details the latest updates to the three hotels on the property, as well as their new theater, spa, direct tunnel to the conference center and more. For information, visit www.resortsworldlv.com.
Mar 30, 2022
Mar 30, 2022
16 min
Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her river cruise line’s support of ASTA’s successful Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest earlier this month. She also details the most recent updates to Avalon, including new itineraries, an extension of its active and adventure river cruises, and a brand new river ship coming out this spring. For more information, visit www.avalonwaterways.com.
Mar 29, 2022
Mar 29, 2022
12 min
Russell Miller, executive vice president of hotel operations at Atlantis-Paradise Island in the Bahamas, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about what’s new at his mega-resort after two years of the pandemic, including revamped accommodations, new dining outlets and attractions, and even an upcoming new boutique property. For more information, visit www.atlantisbahamas.com.
Mar 28, 2022
Mar 28, 2022
8 min
Zsuzsa Szégner, director of international relations for Visit Hungary, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest about her country’s many attractions, themes for its tourism marketing campaign, how the war in Ukraine has affected the region and much more, including Hungary’s support for ASTA’s event. For more information, visit www.visithungary.com.
Mar 25, 2022
Mar 25, 2022
12 min
Bill Fletcher, senior director of consumer programs for Holland America Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why Holland America has an edge in Alaska, starting with its partnerships with the BBC, Food & Wine Magazine, and its 75 years of experience, dating back to before Alaska was a state. This longevity allows Holland America to get preferential treatment when it comes to giving its guests access to Denali Park and Glacier Bay. For more information, visit www.goHAL.com.
Mar 25, 2022
Mar 25, 2022
8 min
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report in Budapest about ASTA’s first Global River Cruise Expo, a highly successful event that the group just held on the Danube. The expo featured seven river cruise vessels that travel advisors could inspect; a major trade show with even more river cruise brands, destinations and tour operators; a general session and educational seminars. Best of all, it’s all going to be repeated next March 2 in Budapest in 2023. For more information, visit www.asta.org.
Mar 24, 2022
Mar 24, 2022
14 min
Mark Tamis, senior vice president of hotel operations for Royal Caribbean International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Wonder of the Seas’ many dining options, some of the best entertainment at sea, accommodations, including a new Suite neighborhood, and much more. For more information, visit www.cruisingpoweror www.royalcaribbean.com.