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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
Mar 24, 2022
Mar 24, 2022
23 min
Anne Harpold and Sharon Grant, top sellers of Holland America cruises and owners of Getaway Vaca of Grand Rapids, Mich., a Dream Vacation franchise, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how they decided to enter the travel business after they both completed careers as school principals, how they paid off their franchise fees on their first booking, and then added 11 independent contractors. For more information, visit Getaway Vaca on Facebook.
Mar 23, 2022
Mar 23, 2022
15 min
Matt Slippoy, general manager of the Thompson Central Park in New York, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his newly renovated upscale hotel, with more than 500 rooms, new (and existing) dining concepts, innovative accommodations and local experiences. This property was formerly the Parker Meridien. For more information, visit www.thompsoncentralpark.com.
Mar 23, 2022
Mar 23, 2022
17 min
Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer at Royal Caribbean Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest ship, Wonder of the Seas, and all the innovations and design improvements that have been made in the fifth Oasis class vessel, which can carry more than 6,900 guests. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.
Mar 22, 2022
Mar 22, 2022
20 min
Fernando Delgado, Silversea's vice president-Ecuador, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about exactly how Silver Origin, the cruise line's newest ship in the Galapagos, is able to offer a luxury expedition cruise that includes snorkeling, kayaking and hiking excursions and beginners classes. Delgado outlines the educational aspects of Silversea's voyages, especially how Sliversea invests in the people of the Galapagos. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Mar 22, 2022
Mar 22, 2022
22 min
Ruben Rodriguez, president-MSC Cruises U.S.A., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the planned introduction of MSC Meriviglia in April 23 in New York City. The ship will offer year-round cruises from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, sailing six- or 11-night itineraries to Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island. Rodriguez talks about this as well as MSC’s emergence from COVID and what lies ahead in terms of new ships and new routes. For more information, visit www.mscruisesusa.com.
Mar 21, 2022
Mar 21, 2022
16 min
Frank Marini, president and CEO of Railbookers Group (formerly Yankee Leisure Group), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why his company was just renamed to truly reflect the rail travel products it mostly sells. Marini also talks about the rise of rail travel and how Yankee evolved to focus on the rail tour category. For more information, visit www.railbookersgroup.com.
Mar 18, 2022
Mar 18, 2022
24 min
Jean-Luc Naret, executive director of The Set Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how his group of locally-inspired luxury hotels has grown from four to eight in just the first quarter of this year. The group now has three hotels in Europe, one in Israel, and four in China. The collection also is poised to expand even more under the direction of this veteran hotelier and former Michelin Guide executive. For more information, visit www.thesetcollection.com.
Mar 18, 2022
Mar 18, 2022
13 min
Alex Parakovnic, executive chef onboard the Scenic Eclipse, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the incredible culinary choices his team provides to guests sailing on the luxury discovery yacht, even on a long Antarctica cruise. Scenic Eclipse features up to 10 restaurants serving a variety of cuisine, multiple bars and curated tasting menus. And it’s all overseen by Chef Alex. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Mar 17, 2022
Mar 17, 2022
12 min
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Sarah Bomber, cruise director, and Beth Wilson Knight, assistant cruise director on Scenic Eclipse, the luxury discovery yacht that just completed its Antarctica season. On a small vessel geared to expedition cruises, it’s surprising to find a cruise team that delivers not just a full program of activities but also quality nightly entertainment—and it’s all part of the complete Scenic luxury experience. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Mar 17, 2022
Mar 17, 2022
26 min
Rosanne Zusman, chief commercial officer for CIE Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the history of the Ireland-focused operator; how it’s survived through recessions, revolutions, wars and pandemics for the past 90 years; how the company has evolved to meet the demands of today’s global travelers; and how CIE works to help travel advisors better sell its vacation products. It’s all Ireland on this St. Patrick’s Day special interview. For more information, visit www.CIETours.com.
Mar 16, 2022
Mar 16, 2022
32 min
Miguel Sanz, director general of the Tourist Office of Spain (Turespana), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Spain is emerging from the pandemic with a new tourism strategy aimed at attracting even more visitors from the U.S. Sanz details the latest entry requirements for the country, how Spain’s tourism has recovered so far, new air connectivity with the U.S., how much easier it is to get around the country using high-speed rail, and new luxury hotels popping up in Madrid and around the country. For more information, visit www.spain.info.
Mar 16, 2022
Mar 16, 2022
15 min
Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America LInes, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what sets his company apart, including new itineraries that allow U.S. guests to visit global destinations without ever taking an international flight. Antorcha also discusses Russia and the Ukraine and how Holland American is assisting its crew members in both locations. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Mar 16, 2022
Mar 16, 2022
14 min
Tony Lumpkin, chief helicopter pilot, and Brandan Morris, chief submarine pilot, on Scenic Eclipse talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the unique experiences they deliver to guests on an Antarctica cruise. No other expedition ship in Antarctica offers both helicopter flights and submarine adventures to the White Continent. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Mar 15, 2022
Mar 15, 2022
23 min
Jason Flesher, expedition operations director for Scenic, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Scenic Eclipse discovery yacht cruise in Antarctica, how Scenic operates its expedition sailings, and what's to come for Scenic as it adds a second discovery yacht. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Mar 15, 2022
Mar 15, 2022
20 min
Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales, trade support and service for Royal Caribbean International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how to sell the new biggest ship in the world, which now includes a new suite neighborhood, a new southern cuisine restaurant and brand new entertainment. For information, visit www.cruisingpower.com or www.royalcaribbean.com.
Mar 14, 2022
Mar 14, 2022
18 min
Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the recovery of cruising, the resumption of Carnival brands and their future, the evolving COVID protocols, and the support of crew members in both the Ukraine and Russia. For more information, visit www.carnivalcorp.com.
Mar 11, 2022
Mar 11, 2022
25 min
Fernando Delgado, Silversea's vice president-Ecuador, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the cruise line's newest ship in the Galapagos, what differentiates it from others, and his favorite spots on Silver Origin. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Mar 10, 2022
Mar 10, 2022
15 min
Daniel Wedel, hotel director for Scenic Eclipse, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the range of elegant rooms and suites, multiple gourmet dining options, upgraded entertainment and lavish public areas in this luxury expedition yacht, which Scenic calls the first discovery yacht. These features make Antarctica cruises an extremely comfortable experience for guests seeking a combination of luxury and adventure. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Mar 9, 2022
Mar 9, 2022
8 min
Jason Liberty, the new president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what it was like for him to preside over his first naming ceremony with his new title, what is so special about the new Silver Origin, why Royal Caribbean Group purchased Silversea, and the big picture for his cruise company. For more information, visit www.silversea.com or www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.
Mar 8, 2022
Mar 8, 2022
9 min
Danny Johnston, the experienced expedition leader onboard Scenic Eclipse, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how his team puts together incredible experiences on an Antarctica sailing, including interactions with myriad species of penguins, seals and whales, as well as the incredible scenery that the White Continent has to offer with alp-like mountains and glaciers at every turn. Look for a few friends behind them during the interview. For more information on Scenic’s Antarctica journeys next season, visit www.scenicusa.com.
Mar 7, 2022
Mar 7, 2022
15 min
Roberto Martinoli, Silversea's president and CEO, and Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the naming of their latest ship, Silver Origin, done "Zodiac Chic," meaning in true expedition style. Guests left the ship to participate in the ceremony with glasses of champagne while at sea. They also highlight the many luxury features of Silver Origin that make her very different from any other ship sailing the Galapagos. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Mar 4, 2022
Mar 4, 2022
26 min
Mar 3, 2022
Mar 3, 2022
24 min
Mar 2, 2022
Mar 2, 2022
23 min
Mar 1, 2022
Mar 1, 2022
8 min
Patrick Fisher, vice president and managing director of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what the famed beachside property offers today, with new dining options, renovated rooms, a revamp of the famed pool, and new programming at this classic resort frequented by the stars. For more information, visit www.fontainbleau.com.
Feb 28, 2022
Feb 28, 2022
10 min
Anthony Rico, general manager the Beach Club at The Boca Raton, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how the property he oversees has been renovated with new rooms, suites and dining options, all while preserving that “beach” vibe that makes it different from the other hotels at The Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.thebocaraton.com.
Feb 25, 2022
Feb 25, 2022
7 min
Brice Kemper, general manager of Tower at The Boca Raton, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his property, the tallest building in Boca Raton, is being renovated as part of the overall $200 million renovation of the five-hotel resort. Set to debut in May, Tower will feature all new rooms and suites, a new top floor concept and more as it fits in with the overall resort concept. For more information, visit www.thebocaraton.com.
Feb 24, 2022
Feb 24, 2022
11 min
Corinne Heil, general manager the Yacht Club at The Boca Raton, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how this boutique property, one of five at The Boca Raton, has completely revamped its suites, developed a new top floor dining concept, and offers butler service as part of the overall renovation of this classic South Florida Resort. For more information, visit www.thebocaraton.com.
Feb 23, 2022
Feb 23, 2022
12 min
Daniel Hostettler, president and CEO of The Boca Raton, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his $200 million phase one renovation of this South Florida classic, which features five different hotels within the resort, which caters to club members and guests alike, as he seeks to return the property to a new Golden Era. For more information, visit www.thebocaraton.com.
Feb 22, 2022
Feb 22, 2022
33 min
Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the outlook for river cruising in Europe for 2022 and beyond; what’s going on with river cruising in other parts of the world, like Egypt, Africa and Southeast Asia; and new programs being developed right now to help travel advisors sell even more Amawaterways’ cruises. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Feb 21, 2022
Feb 21, 2022
32 min
Alberto Aliberti, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what his luxe-adventure line has accomplished in its first few months in business, including a revision of its inclusive policies on air and shore excursions and the hiring of new marketing, guest operations and sales executives. Aliberti also talks about World Navigator’s first season in Antarctica. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.com.
Feb 18, 2022
Feb 18, 2022
14 min
Shaylyn Potter and Kayvon Malek, underseas specialists (divers) onboard Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Resolution, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about what they do onboard, including explore the colorful undersea world of Antarctica, take photos of the marine creatures below, and engage in scientific research to fulfill Lindblad’s mission to combine exploration and science with expedition cruising. No, you can’t dive in Antarctica with them, but you can dive in other parts of the world with Lindblad. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Feb 17, 2022
Feb 17, 2022
23 min
Gina Gabbard, chief sales officer of Lindblad Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how you can better sell Lindblad’s two new ships, National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance, which offer cruises to the Antarctic, the Arctic regions and more. Resolution and Endurance are Lindblad’s bid to target the luxury market for its expedition programs, which are widely considered some of the best in the business. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Feb 16, 2022
Feb 16, 2022
15 min
Laura Fuentes, hotel director for National Geographic Resolution, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report during an Antarctica cruise earlier this month about the opulent cabins and suites, fine dining and other luxurious amenities. There are even two glass-paneled igloos on the top deck where guests can stay overnight and a tasting menu in the ship’s alternative restaurant. It all represents a raising of the bar for Lindblad Expeditions, which now definitely fits in the luxury expedition cruise category. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Feb 15, 2022
Feb 15, 2022
21 min
Capt. Martin Graser, master of Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Resolution, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the amazing capabilities of his new ship, which can go deeper and faster into Antarctica than most other vessels. With its new X-Bow pushing through the ice and the waves, National Geographic Resolution offers guests more stability and gets them to places in the White Continent that few have visited. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Feb 14, 2022
Feb 14, 2022
18 min
Shaun Powell, expedition leader for Lindblad Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on Devil Island in Antarctica. Powell details the landings and activities on a cruise on the new National Geographic Resolution, during which guests can see and learn about penguins, seals, whales, icebergs, mountains and the Great White continent. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Feb 11, 2022
Feb 11, 2022
18 min
Chris Allison, acting general manager and regional director-North America for Tourism Australia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Australia’s reopening to vaccinated visitors effective Feb. 21. Allison details the COVID protocols required as of that date and how Tourism Australia is ramping up marketing campaigns after an active period of promotion even during the pandemic. For more information, visit www.australia.com, www.tourismaustralia.com or www.australia.com/en-us/travel-inspiration.html.
Feb 10, 2022
Feb 10, 2022
22 min
Quentin Desurmont, president of the Serandipians, formerly Traveller Made, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his community of global luxury travel designers located across Europe, Russia, India, China and the U.S. Serandipians create journeys based on emotion and desirability, patterned after lessons learned from the fashion industry. Desurmont talks about the group's upcoming conference, its new corporate social responsibility division called "Pristine Mood," and the group's study of the metaverse as a possible tool for selling more travel. For more information, visit www.serandipians.com.
Feb 10, 2022
Feb 10, 2022
16 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 why travelers can visit Ireland with confidence, especially with the return of trans-Atlantic airline routes, the adherence by Irish businesses to mandated health protocols, and the fact that Ireland's population has one of the highest vaccination rates at 93 percent. Metcalfe also talks about upcoming special events and marketing programs, including "Moment's Strategy" and the "Green Button" campaign, as well as new travel advisor tools. For more information, email USTrade@TourismIreland.com or visit trade.Ireland.com.
Feb 9, 2022
Feb 9, 2022
11 min
Beatriz Lopez, senior account executive for leisure travel at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her 650-room resort with six restaurants, a full service spa and a quarter mile private beach, offering jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, as well as dinner service. Centrally located, the resort is five minutes from Port Everglades, close to three major malls and within walking distance from Las Olas Boulevard for shopping. For more information, visit www.marriott.com or www.travelagents.marriott.com.
Feb 8, 2022
Feb 8, 2022
9 min
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.
Feb 7, 2022
Feb 7, 2022
7 min
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.
Feb 4, 2022
Feb 4, 2022
5 min
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.
Feb 3, 2022
Feb 3, 2022
10 min
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.
Feb 2, 2022
Feb 2, 2022
16 min
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.
Feb 1, 2022
Feb 1, 2022
21 min
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.
Jan 31, 2022
Jan 31, 2022
27 min
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.
Jan 28, 2022
Jan 28, 2022
33 min
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.
Jan 27, 2022
Jan 27, 2022
42 min
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.
Jan 26, 2022
Jan 26, 2022
6 min
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.