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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 Jul 20, 2021
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
Vassilios Gazikas, director-marine operations, for Celestyal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard Celestyal Crystal about his line's fleet, which includes Celestyal Crystal, Celestyal Olympia and the upcoming Celestyal Experience (March 2020). Discover what Celestyal offers to guests with its unique series of sailings to the Greek islands and beyond. For more information, visit www.celestyalcruises.com.
Monday Jul 19, 2021
Monday Jul 19, 2021
Chris Theophilides, chief executive officer for Celestyal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his Greek and Mediterranean specialist cruise line has restarted operations with two ships, with a third on the way in 2022. Celestyal offers multiple itineraries of the Greek islands and more using classic, comfortable ships with good food and surprisingly good entertainment. For more information, visit www.celestyal.com/us.
Monday Jul 19, 2021
Monday Jul 19, 2021
Sofia Zacharaki, deputy minister of tourism for Greece. talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her country is helping to get travelers back, what protocols are required to enter Greece, how the country has encouraged the restart of cruising and much more. For more information, visit www.mintour.gov.gr/en/archiki-english.
Friday Jul 16, 2021
Friday Jul 16, 2021
Stewart Weiner, chief operating officer of the Morgan Resort & Spa, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand new property located on St. Maarten just minutes away from the airport. This sleek, thoroughly modern resort reflects a Miami Beach-like vibe complete with large suites, a great restaurant, spa and a designer pool directly on the ocean. And yes, you can watch all those the flights jetting into the island, too! For more information, visit www.themorganresort.com.
Friday Jul 16, 2021
Friday Jul 16, 2021
JP Roberts, general manager; Rachael Stroop-Elias, director of sales; Heather Karst, food and beverage general manager; and GR Boone, director of nightlife, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about their upscale hotel and how they successfully counter-program the typical Nashville honky-tonk entertainment just around the corner. Dream Hotel Nashville features innovative food and drink, a crafty mixology bar, a dive bar called Snitch, a secret, hidden DJ-driven speakeasy called Dirty Little Secrets, and a high-octane party brunch.. For more information, visit www.dreamhotels.com/nashville.
Thursday Jul 15, 2021
Thursday Jul 15, 2021
Ralph Radtke, general manager and regional vice president at the Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his palatial property located in Istanbul directly on the Bosphorus. A former home to Ottoman royalty, Ciragan Palace has opulent accommodations, multiple fine dining options, a world-class spa and a large outdoor pool, plus great service. For more information, visit www.kempinski.com/tr/istanbul/ciragan-palace.
Thursday Jul 15, 2021
Thursday Jul 15, 2021
Ivana Klaric, general manager of the Cornaro Hotel in Split, Croatia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her well-located property featuring a wide variety of accommodations, dining venues and a signature rooftop bar overlooking the city. The Cornaro is also located just a block away from one of Split's main attractions, Diocletian's Palace, home to one of Rome's most notorious emperors. For more information, visit www.cornarohotel.com.
Wednesday Jul 14, 2021
Wednesday Jul 14, 2021
Siniša (Simon) Matković Mikulčić of Secret Hvar, a top tour guide to the popular Croatian island, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what your clients can experience on Hvar, including the historic town of Star Grad, another town known as the “Venice” of Hvar, the town of Hvar itself, as well as the many great local restaurants and wineries on the island. For more information on Hvar, visit www.visithvar.hr.
Wednesday Jul 14, 2021
Wednesday Jul 14, 2021
Denis Martin, new general manager of Maslina Resort on the beautiful island of Hvar in Croatia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what his brand new luxury resort, already recognized by luxury travel publications and agency groups, offers in terms of accommodations, dining, spa and more. Maslina opened last August to wide acclaim and is now ready to host guests interested in discovering the many charms of Hvar. For more information, visit www.maslinaresort.com.
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Zoran Pejovic, development director of the new Maslina resort, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury Relais & Chateaux property set into a hillside on the coast of Hvar island in Croatia. With 50 designer suites, unique modern architecture and furnishings, a gourmet restaurant and a large spa, this is a truly a destination resort on one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. For more information, visit https://maslinaresort.com.
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Petar Razovic, director of Hvar Tourist Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of his island in Croatia. Hvar has a great history showcased in its main towns of Hvar and Stari Grad, wonderful wineries like Tomic, rustic restaurants serving regional specialties, great beaches and incredible scenery. For more information, visit www.visithvar.hr.
Monday Jul 12, 2021
Monday Jul 12, 2021
Martina Bienenfeld, CEO of the Zagreb Tourist Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her city’s ambience and many attractions. Zagreb is a city of parks, gardens, restaurants and cafes, street markets, imperial architecture and unique museums. Think a quieter even more livable Vienna or Budapest, reflecting Zagreb’s Austro-Hungarian empire roots. For more information, visit www.infozagreb.hr.
Monday Jul 12, 2021
Monday Jul 12, 2021
Max Krizmanic, general manager of the Esplanade, the top hotel in Croatia’s capital of Zagreb, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his luxury property’s accommodations, gourmet dining and location in the heart of the city. The art-deco Esplanade was once a key stop on the Orient-Express train and it carries on the traditions of a grand dame hotel. For more information, visit www.esplanade.hr.
Friday Jul 09, 2021
Friday Jul 09, 2021
Graeme Cockburn, corporate executive chef for Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new cuisine onboard the newly "stretched" Star Breeze, which will be installed in two more ships, Star Legend and Star Pride. Cockburn describes what goes into cooking the Spanish food in Cuadro 44 and the great BBQ in Star Grill by Steven Raichlen. It's all part of the even more luxurious Windstar experience that includes great food and wines. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Friday Jul 09, 2021
Friday Jul 09, 2021
Ivan Maslac, commercial director of Dubrovnik Airport, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the surge in flights to his Croatian airport from the U.S., including new service from Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, as well as other European carriers. American Airlines also is widely expected to introduce seasonal service as well. It’s all positioning Dubrovnik and Croatia for an expected tourism boom as we emerge from the pandemic. For more information, visit www.airport-dubrovnik.hr.
Thursday Jul 08, 2021
Thursday Jul 08, 2021
Culinary guru Peter Tobler, director of hotel operations for Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the two new restaurants on the newly "stretched" Star Breeze, which will be installed in two more ships. Tobler describes the cuisine in Cuadro 44, a Spanish dining venue, and Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, an outdoor barbecue restaurant, plus how Windstar has upgraded its main Amphora restaurant, Veranda and Candals. It's all part of the even more luxurious Windstar experience. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Thursday Jul 08, 2021
Thursday Jul 08, 2021
Ana Hrnic, director of the Dubrovnik Tourism Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her iconic destination is emerging after the pandemic. Known as a popular cruise stop and for being one of the locations used in the hit TV series “Game of Thrones,” Dubrovnik has long been one of the top places to visit in Croatia, and recently hosted the ASTA Destination Expo. For more information, visit www.visitdubrovnik.hr.
Wednesday Jul 07, 2021
Wednesday Jul 07, 2021
Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how tourism is coming back to the historic Croatian city after a year of downturn. Frankovic, who spoke at last month's ASTA Destination Expo in Dubrovnik, showcases his city's many attractions and new promotions to get tourism back but keep overtourism from returning. For more information, visit https://visitdubrovnik.hr.
Wednesday Jul 07, 2021
Wednesday Jul 07, 2021
Steven Simao, vice president of sales for Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard the newly refurbished and stretched Star Breeze, the first of three ships that the cruise line is revamping to include 50 more suites, a larger spa, two new specialty restaurants and a larger pool. Simao offers strategies for travel advisors on how to sell Windstar's new luxury vessels. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Tuesday Jul 06, 2021
Tuesday Jul 06, 2021
Slaven Zabo, director-commercial division for Croatia Airlines, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how visitors to Croatia can best get around the country using his carrier’s convenient service linking major Croatia cities and towns, as well as top European hubs. With modern, clean and efficient airports, a comfortable fleet of small and mid-sized aircraft, Croatia Airlines can get your clients to all of the country’s hot spots. For more information, visit www.croatiaairlines.com.
Tuesday Jul 06, 2021
Tuesday Jul 06, 2021
Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard the newly renovated Star Breeze, the first of three Windstar ships to be “stretched” to accommodate more guests, house more specialty restaurants and feature a bigger spa. Prelog details what the ship’s 50 new suites offer, the new Cuardo 44 Spanish restaurant and the new Star Grill by Steve Raichlan, the revamped spa, and other additions to Star Breeze as Windstar puts the focus on even more luxury for guests. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Monday Jul 05, 2021
Monday Jul 05, 2021
Kristjan Stanicic, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ASTA Destination Expo in Dubrovnik about what Croatia offers as a travel destination, including magnificent cities, islands, history, culture, food and more. Stancic also talks about the significance of the ASTA Destination Expo to Croatia as we emerge from the pandemic. For more information about Croatia, visit www.croatia.hr.
Friday Jul 02, 2021
Friday Jul 02, 2021
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his group’s Destination Expo, which was held in Dubrovnik, Croatia last month after being postponed twice because of the pandemic. Kerby celebrates an event for 150 top travel advisors that was one of the first of its kind after the COVID-19, immersing ASTA travel advisors in all things Dubrovnik and all things Croatian. For more information, visit www.asta.org.
Friday Jul 02, 2021
Friday Jul 02, 2021
Scott Sibella, president of Resorts World Las Vegas, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his brand new casino-hotel property, which includes three Hilton brands, 40 dining venues, shopping, great entertainment, and a lively 5.5 acre pool deck. It’s the newest property on the Las Vegas Strip and it’s ready for its close-up. For more information, visit www.rwlasvegas.com.
Thursday Jul 01, 2021
Thursday Jul 01, 2021
Jeff Miller, our travel attorney expert, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the hotel industry has been affected by the COVID-19 crisis, including why hotel rates first fell then rose, the shortage of hotel staff, lower service levels, why some hotels have been shuttered completely, and what travel advisors and their clients should be concerned about as we emerge from pandemic. To reach Jeff Miller, email jrmiller486@gmail.com.
Wednesday Jun 30, 2021
Wednesday Jun 30, 2021
Simon Mayle, event director for ILTM North America, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the upcoming ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) North America, scheduled as an in-person event in Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya in Mexico for Sept. 20-23. With an expected attendance of 250 travel buyers (advisors) and 250 suppliers, ILTM North America will be the first “live” for ILTM in advance of several other shows and ILTM Cannes, set for Dec. 6-9. For more information, email Simon Mayle at simon.mayle@rxglobal.com or visit www.iltm.com.
Tuesday Jun 29, 2021
Tuesday Jun 29, 2021
Monday Jun 28, 2021
Monday Jun 28, 2021
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw about how her cruise line is positioned in the market today and why she believes big ship luxury is the wave of the present and the future. After a weekend when Celebrity launched its first ship from Fort Lauderdale, Lutoff-Perlo describes how changes to the cuisine (from Chef Daniel Boulud), an expansive suite product, a massive full-service spa, and lots and lots of space now make Celebrity a candidate for your luxury clients. This interview was originally posted during our recent Virtual Vacation Events-The New Age of Luxury virtual show, but we are offering it now for those who may not have attended that event. For more information on Celebrity, visit www.celebritycruises.com.
Friday Jun 25, 2021
Friday Jun 25, 2021
Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her home state, one that is steeped in history, but now making efforts to retell it more truthfully than ever, with compassion and inclusion. McClenny also speaks about Virginia's new hotels, attractions and screen tourism sites, including those of "The Walking Dead." For more information, visit www.virginia.com.
Thursday Jun 24, 2021
Thursday Jun 24, 2021
Joel Cohen, general manager of Beyond Times Square, a New York focused tour operator, and Bob Hoffman, vice president of Broadway Inbound, Inc., a part of The Shubert Organization and a provider of Broadway tickets for groups, tour operators, and the travel industry, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about which shows and theaters are opening, when, and with what health and safety protocols in place, as well as luxury tours of New York City that include backstage passes and dinners with Broadway performers. For more information, visit www.btsq.com.
Wednesday Jun 23, 2021
Wednesday Jun 23, 2021
Oleg Pavlov, founder and CEO of Quadrum Global, the developer of Arlo Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the impact of the new Arlo Midtown on the Arlo brand. Arlo, which currently has three hotels in Manhattan and one in Miami, is designed for a hip new traveler who wants spacious public areas to work and network, efficient rooms, great bars and restaurants. Pavlov talks about the Arlo concept and his plans for expansion. For more information, visit www.arlohotels.com.
Tuesday Jun 22, 2021
Tuesday Jun 22, 2021
Laura McMillan, director of audience strategy at Coventry City of Culture Trust, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Coventry was selected as a city of culture, what programs are being offered, what events Americans should be interested in attending, the history of the city and much more. The good news is that while the celebration has already begun, it will last well into next year, meaning there’s still time to book your clients to Coventry when Britain opens to Americans as expected later this summer. For more information, visit https://coventry2021.co.uk.
Monday Jun 21, 2021
Monday Jun 21, 2021
Jeff Miller, our expert travel attorney, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the car rental business as we emerge from the pandemic, including why rates are so, the shortage of cars, what coverage your clients really need, what happens if car is damaged during the rental, the advantages of being part of a frequent-renter program, whether you should pay for that full tank of gas and much more. To reach Jeff, email jrmiller486@gmail.com.
Friday Jun 18, 2021
Friday Jun 18, 2021
Nirmal Saverimuttu, chief commercial and experience officer for Virgin Voyages, talks of Insider Travel Report about how the concept for the cruise line was developed, how the brand truly reflects the Virgin ethos, who the target customers are, and what the Virgin difference really is. And Saverimuttu should know since he’s been involved in Virgin Voyages from the very beginning. For more information, visit www.virginvoyages.com or www.firstmates.com.
Thursday Jun 17, 2021
Thursday Jun 17, 2021
Chris Stubbs, senior director of sailor experience for Virgin Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the unique new dining and entertainment concepts that will debut on Scarlet Lady, making it a “different way to sail.” From high-end gourmet to more casual fare, the ship will have a culinary offering for every guest. From music to “pop-up” events, Virgin sailors will experience a very different kind of cruise entertainment. For more information, visit www.virginvoyages.com or www.firstmates.com.
Wednesday Jun 16, 2021
Wednesday Jun 16, 2021
Jennifer Tombaugh, president of Tauck, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the upscale tour operator is relaunching its tour, cruise and river cruise programs later this summer in Europe, Africa and Latin America. Tombaugh details what went into the decision to restart operations at this time and how Tauck will finally christen its river ship on the Douro in Portugal. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.
Wednesday Jun 16, 2021
Wednesday Jun 16, 2021
Dee Cooper, senior vice president of design for Virgin Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her company’s revolutionary approach to designing its three ships, including the décor of cabins and opulent suites, restaurants and other public rooms, theaters, nightclubs, outdoor and indoor lounges. This is the third of five videos detailing the innovative features and policies of Virgin Voyages. For more information, visit www.virginvoyages.com or www.firstmates.com.
Tuesday Jun 15, 2021
Tuesday Jun 15, 2021
Alex Zeitz, senior manager-sailor experience for Virgin Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what guests (sailors) will do on the new cruise line’s Shore Things land excursions (which are commissionable) as well as what they will do at Virgin Voyages’ private beach club on Bimini. This is the second video in a series of five on Virgin Voyages and its upcoming new ship Scarlet Lady. For more information, visit www.firstmates.com or www.virginvoyages.com.
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Capt. Dan Blanchard, founder and CEO of UnCruise Adventures, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the last day of their seven-day sailing in Alaska onboard the 86-guest Wilderness Legacy. Blanchard wraps what was thrilling cruise that included kayak rides, bushwhacking hikes, skiff adventures, lots of wildlife viewing and great dining experiences. With UnCruise, adventures can be as extreme or as tame as you want and this voyage proved you can send your clients on a small ship cruise despite the pandemic and its after effects. For more information, visit www.uncruise.com.
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Claudio Zemp, director-Americas for Switzerland Tourism, talks with James Shillinglaw about his country’s reopening to vaccinated Americans, now set for June 28 (see related story in this issue). He also details how Switzerland is launching a new b-to-b and b-to-c campaign to attract more American visitors this summer and beyond, all on the heels of a widely praised earlier campaign starring tennis star Roger Federer. For more information, visit www.myswitzerland.com/trade.
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Monday Jun 14, 2021
John Diorio, associate vice president-North American sales for Virgin Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his brand new cruise line will work intimately with its First Mates (Virgin Voyages’ name for travel advisors), including programs to train them how to sell the revolutionary cruise product, commission policy, fam cruise opportunities and the keys to selling the Virgin Voyages cruise experience. This is the first in a five-part series on Virgin Voyages, which will debut this September with the new Scarlet Lady. For more information, visit www.firstmates.com or www.virginvoyages.com.
Friday Jun 11, 2021
Friday Jun 11, 2021
Chef Brendan Monts, who heads up the kitchen onboard Wilderness Legacy, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the great dining choices on UnCruise Adventures’ Alaska sailings, including a selection of three or four main courses for breakfast, lunch and dinner and some fabulous desserts. Monts also previews the dining selections available each day during a breakfast briefing. The surprisingly good food gets guests stoked to take on Alaska during their daily adventures in Alaska. For more information, visit www.uncruise.com.
Thursday Jun 10, 2021
Thursday Jun 10, 2021
Bobby DeMarinis, head expedition guide onboard UnCruise Expeditions’ Wilderness Legacy, talks with James Shillinglaw about the incredibly wide variety of adventures that guests can experience on their small ship Alaska cruise, everything from “bushwacking’” to kayaking, as well as the wildlife, natural surroundings and guides themselves that make the sailing so special. For more information, visit www.uncruise.com.
Wednesday Jun 09, 2021
Wednesday Jun 09, 2021
UnCruise Adventures Expedition Leader Jessica Skiba, known onboard as “Skiba,” talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the expeditions and shore excursions available onboard Wilderness Legacy on its Alaska cruise. These range from the aggressive “bushwacking” hikes up mountains with no trails to all-day kayaking trips, from nature hikes to skiff rides, from light kayaking to paddleboarding. Guests can find any level of adventure they want with UnCruise. For more information, visit www.uncruise.com.
Tuesday Jun 08, 2021
Tuesday Jun 08, 2021
Capt. Doug Coughenour of UnCruise Adventures’ Wilderness Legacy talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his classic 86-guest vessel, which began plying the waters of Alaska once again last month. Capt. Coughenour talks about his ship’s accommodations, public areas, dining and adventure excursions during this up-close-and-personal sailing to explore Glacier Bay National Park and much more in Alaska. For more information, visit www.uncruise.com.
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Capt. Dan Blanchard, CEO of UnCruise Adventures, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about one of the first Alaska cruises this year onboard the 86-guest Wilderness Adventurer. Blanchard talks about the mix of adventure, wildlife, scenic beauty and history you get on an UnCruise sailing. This is the first of six videos focused on the cruise we experienced on Wilderness Adventurer last month. For more information, visit www.uncruise.com.
Friday Jun 04, 2021
Friday Jun 04, 2021
Dan Austin, founder and CEO of Austin Adventures, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his family-owned adventure travel company with decades of experience, extensive access to the U.S. National Parks, and the ability to create custom luxury itineraries with hot air balloon rides and helicopter mountain top dinners. Austin used the pandemic to double-down and find, hire and train top unemployed guides to be ready for the resumption of travel. A Virtuoso member and a staunch supporter of travel advisors, he was one of the first suppliers to create an early commission program. For more information, email dan@austinadventures.com or visit www.austinadventures.com.
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Andy Uttley, director of sales for JacTravel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his destination management company specializing in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland can help your clients get the best travel experiences as Britain opens up to travel post-pandemic. For more information on JacTravel, call 800-472-5508 or visit www.jactravel.com.
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
Nils Bergmann, general manager of the Kimpton Goodland in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., talks with Darley Newman, producer and TV travel show host, reporting for Insider Travel Report, about his art deco hotel just two blocks from the beach. Built in the 1950s and registered as a historic building, the hotel features Kimpton boutique touches, including a yoga mat in each room, plush robes, bikes, umbrellas and a pet friendly environment. For more information, visit www.goodlandhotelftlauderdale.com.
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Laura Schofield, general manager of the Conrad Washington D.C., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her two-year-old luxury hotel featuring a clean, modern design, a popular rooftop bar and spacious and open suites. Schofield details how the hotel got through the pandemic and is poised for a travel resurgence. For more information, visit https://conradwashingtondc.com.