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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
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.
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.