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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
Oct 4, 2021
Oct 4, 2021
10 min
Gabe Rizzi, president of Internova Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the state of Internova and its new branding, Nexion’s CoNexIon conference last week in Orlando (Nexion is owned by Internova), and how the travel industry and travel advisors are successfully emerging from the pandemic. For more information, visit www.internova.com.
Oct 1, 2021
Oct 1, 2021
15 min
Francisco Blanch, leisure sales director for Discover Puerto Rico, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how easy it is to visit the island from the U.S. mainland, with no need for passports, no currency exchange or even COVID testing. Blanch discusses what travelers can expect once they arrive, including all the renovations and complete recovery from the hurricanes of three years ago. For more information, visit www.discoverpuertorico.com.
Oct 1, 2021
Oct 1, 2021
49 min
Luxury keeps getting redefined—and now we have the new age of post-pandemic cruising that will redefine it once again. We examine the new features, amenities and health and safety standards of true luxury cruising and how travel advisors can sell the category even better. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel including Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn; Mark Conroy, managing director of Silversea Cruises; Jack Anderson, president of Crystal Cruises; Jason Montague, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises; and Bob Lepisto, president of SeaDream Yacht Club. This discussion was originally broadcast in June as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.
Sep 30, 2021
Sep 30, 2021
46 min
How soon will river cruising fully come back and how can travel advisors sell it today? This category has been booming for 20 years, but then the pandemic hit and it was stopped cold. Now it's reemerging slowly as luxury river cruising recover with new health and safety standards. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderated a panel with Gary Murphy, vice president of sales and co-owner, AmaWaterways; Jennifer Tombaugh, president of Tauck; Walter Littlejohn, president of Crystal River Cruises; Ellen Bettridge, president Uniworld; and John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Steamboat Company. This discussion was originally broadcast in June as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.
Sep 30, 2021
Sep 30, 2021
15 min
Diana Plazas, chief sales and marketing officer for the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Marriott’s strategy going forward for the Caribbean and Latin America, including new luxury hotels from top brands opening around the region and a new expanded focus on all-inclusive resorts, For more information, visit www.marriott.com.
Sep 29, 2021
Sep 29, 2021
54 min
There was a time when all-inclusive resorts delivered a basic, affordable vacation for one low price. Today, however, many all-inclusive resort companies deliver luxury experiences. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel with Howard Tannenbaum, senior vice president-sales for Playa Hotels and Resorts ((Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara); Gary Sadler, executive vice president of sales and industry relations for Unique Vacations, representing Sandals & Beaches Resorts; Kathy Halpern, vice president of global marketing for Palace Resorts & Le Blanc Spa Resorts; and John Long, vice president-sales and marketing for Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. This discussion was originally broadcast as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.
Sep 29, 2021
Sep 29, 2021
7 min
Catherine Martin, Ireland's tourism minister, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what the Irish government has been doing to restore travel and tourism to the country, including a $4.7 million dollar marketing campaign, a new TV commercial and social media program, and a successful country-wide vaccination effort. For more information, visit www.ireland.com.
Sep 28, 2021
Sep 28, 2021
9 min
Simon Mayle, event director for ILTM North America, celebrates ILTM’s first successful in-person show in more than two years on the Riviera Maya in Mexico as the luxury market gets back to business as we emerge from the pandemic. With roughly 700 participants, including top luxury selling travel advisors and luxury hotels, DMCs, destinations, cruises and tour operators, ILTM provided the boost that the travel industry needs right now. For more information, visit www.iltm.com.
Sep 28, 2021
Sep 28, 2021
15 min
Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard the Costa Smeralda, the Italian line’s almost new ship, introduced in 2019 before the pandemic. Costa’s version of a mega-ship, Costa Smeralda can carry roughly 6,500 guests (reduced on this cruise to meet the pandemic rules), but has lots of open deck space and places to get away from the crowds so it doesn’t feel like a big ship. With a large spa, great pool areas and water slides, a wide choice of stateroom categories, energetic entertainment and some superb restaurants, this is Costa’s upper contemporary ship—and it just might have the best pizza at sea. For more information, visit www.costacruises.com.
Sep 27, 2021
Sep 27, 2021
11 min
Sheri Doyle, founder and owner of Pacific Northwest Journeys in Seattle, a Travel Experts agency, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how her agency survived the pandemic, what types of travel are selling now. Doyle also talks about how to sell Holland America's Alaska cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam and who would be the perfect for the sailing. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Sep 27, 2021
Sep 27, 2021
7 min
Nirmal Saverimuttu, chief commercial and experience officer of Virgin Voyages, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Scarlet Lady, Virgin's first ship, when she visited New York City earlier this month before starting cruises out of Miami. Saverimuttu details the ship’s successful run in Britain, what was learned for its upcoming debut in the Caribbean in October, and offers a tour of some of the vessel’s key features. For more information, visit www.firstmates.com or www.virginvoyages.com.
Sep 24, 2021
Sep 24, 2021
11 min
Jonathan Knudsen, principal of Gilded Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about one of the newest restaurants and rooftop bars in Manhattan, HOWM Cocina & Cocktails, located in the Selina Chelsea hotel. Knudsen details the cuisine, the cocktails, the views and the location in the heart of Chelsea just below the emerging Hudson Yards neighborhood and overlooking the High Line, New York’s most chic city park. For more information, visit www.howm.co, www.selinarooftop.com or www.selinachelsea.com.
Sep 24, 2021
Sep 24, 2021
8 min
Valerie Perry, cruise and travel director on Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her job bringing Alaska to guests on the ship even before they go ashore, as well as her part in the Music Walk for which Holland America is famed, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard and more. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Sep 23, 2021
Sep 23, 2021
8 min
Mark Pells, hotel general manager on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboutpo how things have changed for him and his crew so the guest experience can remain much the same on the ship and at all the ports of call, including Juneau, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait, Sitka and Ketchikan. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Sep 23, 2021
Sep 23, 2021
24 min
Peter Bates, president and founder of Strategic Vision Inc., talks with Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, and Thomas Kochs, managing director of the Corinthia London, about the London luxury hotel scene as the U.K. emerges from the pandemic, how London hotels have adjusted to the new demands of the pandemic, and what the future holds for luxury travel in the U.K. and Europe. It’s all part of a conference being held this week by London hoteliers and high-end destination management company Noteworthy hosting top Virtuoso travel advisors. For more information, visit www.strategicvision.org, www.virtuoso.com and www.corinthia.com/london.
Sep 22, 2021
Sep 22, 2021
13 min
Jeroen Baijens, captain of Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what it was like keeping his ship serviced throughout the pandemic with a skeleton crew of just 100, the writing and rewriting of procedures and protocols changed, and the relief when the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act was passed. Capt. Baijens also talks about the ship’s successful return to service, including the surprisingly high numbers of new-to-cruise passengers who now love sailing and are already rebooking. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Sep 22, 2021
Sep 22, 2021
6 min
Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Scarlet Lady, Virgin's first ship, as it visits New York City. McAlpin details the ship’s successful run in Britain, what was learned for its upcoming debut in Miami on October, as well as a tour of some of the vessel’s key features. For more information, visit www.firstmates.com or www.virginvoyages.com.
Sep 21, 2021
Sep 21, 2021
35 min
Advance Your Reach’s Pat Quinn, chief product officer, and Cris DeSouza, director of business development, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their company and how it can help travel agencies and travel advisors grow their sales by more effectively communicating their message to clients and potential clients. Quinn and DeSouza detail how to make sure your “messages” reach the right people at the right time. They also are offering a special free webinar this October on just how the process works. For more information, visit www.advanceyourreach.com.
Sep 21, 2021
Sep 21, 2021
15 min
Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara, talks with Kelly McDaniel, on assignment for Insider Travel Report, about Azamara's return to sailing as an independent brand, upcoming voyages and destinations, plans for future programming, as well as Azamara's newest ship, Azamara Onward. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
Sep 20, 2021
Sep 20, 2021
25 min
Chris Allison, Tourism Australia’s acting general manager and regional director-North America, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the status of travel to his country right now, how Australia has relaunched its much vaunted Aussie Specialist program for travel advisors, a new virtual Australia Global Summit coming in November, plus Australia 365, a global virtual hub for all things Australia. For more information, visit www.aussiespecialist.com or tradeevents.eventsair.com/australia-global-summit-2021 or tradeevents.eventsair.com/australia-365-on-demand.
Sep 20, 2021
Sep 20, 2021
17 min
Helen Smith, chief customer experience officer for Dorchester Collection, talks with Peter Bates, president and founder of Strategic Vision Inc., about the London luxury hotel scene as the U.K. emerges from the pandemic, what the outlook is for luxury travel in the future, and how London hotels have adjusted to the new demands of the pandemic. It’s all part of a conference being held this week by London hoteliers and high-end destination management company Noteworthy hosting top Virtuoso travel advisors. For more information, visit www.dorchestercollection.com, www.strategicvision.organd www.virtuoso.com.
Sep 17, 2021
Sep 17, 2021
9 min
Anthony Beach, general manager of the new Sophy Hyde Park in Chicago, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on how his property injects art into every facet of guest’s stay. With paintings strewn on almost every wall, the hotel offers hip but elegant accommodations, a living room-like lobby, and a cool new restaurant for those seeking to stay a bit off-the-beaten-path from Downtown Chicago. And there’s even a connection to former President Barack Obama. For more information or to book, call 773-289-1003 or visit www.sophyhotel.com.
Sep 17, 2021
Sep 17, 2021
40 min
Maria Elena Rossi, director of marketing and promotion for ENIT (the Italian Tourist Board), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the requirements for visiting Italy right now, what’s open and what’s not around the country, specifically how such top cities as Milan and Venice are welcoming visitors, and how to use those cities as hubs to explore the region nearby. For more information, visit www.italiantourism.com.
Sep 16, 2021
Sep 16, 2021
7 min
Capt. Ronald Schuegard, master of the new AmaSiena, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about AmaWaterways' newest river ship in Europe, a sister to AmaKristina and the upcoming AmaLucia. Capt. Ron details the accommodations, public areas and dining, as well as how the ship meets and exceeds the latest environmental requirements. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Sep 16, 2021
Sep 16, 2021
18 min
Nicola Butler, managing director and owner of Noteworthy, talks with James Shillinglaw about a special event for Virtuoso travel advisors taking place this coming week to showcase London as a destination as it emerges from the pandemic and welcomes American travelers. Noteworthy, a luxury destination management company focused on the U.K., and a number of luxury hotels in London are hosting this meeting to get advisors up to speed on the London and U.K. market. For more information, visit www.noteworthy.co.uk or www.virtuoso.com.
Sep 15, 2021
Sep 15, 2021
11 min
Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of World Travel Holdings and godmother to AmaSiena, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about AmaWaterways' newest ship on the Rhine, how she got the news about her being selected as mother, what she likes about her brand new ship and how travel advisors should sell it their clients. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com or www.worldtravelholdings.com, www.dreamvacations.com, www.cruiseone.com and www.cruisesinc.com.
Sep 14, 2021
Sep 14, 2021
23 min
Martina Valachova, cruise manager for AmaSiena, speaks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about AmaWaterways' newest ship on the Rhine and what it offers. Valachova details the different levels of shore excursions, the onboard wellness program, and the entertainment offered each evening. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Sep 14, 2021
Sep 14, 2021
31 min
Mark Conroy, managing director-the Americas for Silversea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury cruise line’s deployment has gone so far, new inclusions for guests like door-to-door service, new ports of call for 2022 and 2023, what World Cruises Silversea will offer in the next two years. Conroy also previews a new video that you can send out to your clients to get them excited about cruising. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Sep 13, 2021
Sep 13, 2021
18 min
Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on board her company's brand new AmaSiena on the Rhine. Karst details the new river ship plus AmaWaterways' upcoming sister ship AmaLucia and the company's first ship on the Nile, the AmaDahlia. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Sep 10, 2021
Sep 10, 2021
11 min
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Scott Koepf, senior vice president of strategic development for Cruise Planners, about his career in cruise sales, from opening one of the country’s first cruise-only travel agencies to holding posts with Club Med, Sitmar Cruises, Cruise Holidays International, GalaxSea Cruises, Sabre, Nexion, NACTA and Avoya Travel, before joining Cruise Planners. In many respects, Koepf’s career reflects the history of cruising itself over the past 35 years. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or www.cruiseplanners.com.
Sep 9, 2021
Sep 9, 2021
8 min
Dan Durazo, director-communications for Allianz Global Assistance, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Allianz’s latest travel insurance products, including new travel insurance that covers epidemics, a new influencer campaign to promote that epidemic coverage, and a new travel insurance retail marketing website, among other innovations. For more information, visit www.allianztravelinsurance.com.
Sep 7, 2021
Sep 7, 2021
30 min
Joshua Bush, CEO of Avenue Two Travel in Bryn Mawr, Pa., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his Virtuoso-affiliated travel agency worked through the pandemic by literally taking it on the road. Bush spend weeks in an RV exploring the nation’s national parks so he could sell even more domestic travel. Bush also reveals his agency’s keys to recovery as we emerge from the COVID-19 era. For more information, visit www.avenuetwotravel.com.
Sep 6, 2021
Sep 6, 2021
20 min
Gwen Raez, senior market development manager-long haul, for Visit Scotland talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the requirements to enter the country now given COVID protocol, how significant the U.S. market is to Scotland, what’s open in the country ow, Scotland’s “We’re Good to Go” campaign and what new travel marketing campaigns the country has planned. For more information, visit www.visitscotland.com.
Sep 3, 2021
Sep 3, 2021
20 min
Brent Hill, the new CEO of Tourism Fiji, has a talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his island nation has fared during the pandemic, when he expects tourism to return from Fiji’s major markets of the U.S. and Australia, what tourism infrastructure improvements the islands have made over the past 18 months, and what major tourism campaigns Fiji will introduce to the market to bring back travelers. For more information, visit www.fiji.travel.
Sep 3, 2021
Sep 3, 2021
27 min
Jerry Mpfume, president-North America for South African Tourism, is interviewed by James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what U.S. visitors must do to enter his country (your clients can go there right now), how South Africa is emerging from the pandemic, new flights from the U.S. to the country, and what tourism marketing campaigns South Africa will launch to get visitors back. For more information, visit www.southafrica.net.
Sep 2, 2021
Sep 2, 2021
27 min
Becky Powell, chief strategy officer for Global Travel Collection, part of Internova Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about where luxury travelers are going, what they are doing and how they are booking as we fitfully emerge for the global pandemic. Powell also details what her luxury agency group, which includes Protravel International/Tzell, Andrew Harper, In the Know and other top agencies, is doing to help travel advisors bring back bookings. For more information, visit www.globaltravelcollection.com.
Sep 2, 2021
Sep 2, 2021
14 min
Chelynne Thalgott, director-leisure sales for Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new Virgin property, which includes a large and vibrant pool complex, a diverse collection of restaurants, playful bars and lounges, and a wide variety of room and suite categories reflecting the Virgin ethos. For more information, visit www.virginhotelslasvegas.com.
Sep 1, 2021
Sep 1, 2021
17 min
Michelle Buttigieg, representative-North America for the Malta Tourism Authority, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how her small island nation is emerging from the pandemic as a major cruise port in the Mediterranean, ramping up its tourism infrastructure, upgrading hotels and getting ready for an expected surge in tourism. For more information, visit www.visitmalta.com.
Sep 1, 2021
Sep 1, 2021
10 min
Greg Ward, head of global sales and distribution for Aman, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the boutique luxury chain is expanding with its newest resort set to debut as an urban oasis in New York City later this year. Ward details the features of the Aman New York, but also talks about other expansion and how Aman has gotten through the pandemic period so far. For more information, visit www.aman.com.
Aug 31, 2021
Aug 31, 2021
12 min
Lisa Bertini, national sales director-North America for Aurora Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her Australian-based expedition cruise line, which has two ships offering Antarctica programs plus some very usual sailings to destinations around the world. Aurora Expeditions, which is more than 30 years old, was actually founded by an intrepid explorer, Greg Mortimer, whom one of its ships is named after. Bertini describes the Aurora's ships, their itineraries and how the expedition cruise line is emerging from the pandemic. For more information, visit www.aurora-expeditions.com.
Aug 31, 2021
Aug 31, 2021
9 min
Steve Smotrys, vice president-global sales, for Seabourn, and Louis de Joux, managing director-leisure and group sales, and president of American Airlines Vacations, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their new partnership designed to get your Seabourn clients to their luxury cruise ship in the most expedient and comfortable way. They want to make sure your customers get the same experience in the air as on the ship. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com or www.aa.com.
Aug 30, 2021
Aug 30, 2021
13 min
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), is interviewed by James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about ASTA’s first major global convention since the pandemic shut travel down last year. Kerby deems the conference, which took place last week in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency, a success; details what ASTA has done and continues to do for its travel agency and travel advisor members; and previews what it will do in the future, including what events it’s planning. For more information, visit www.asta.org.
Aug 30, 2021
Aug 30, 2021
10 min
Daniel Hostetler, president and CEO of The Boca Raton, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how he plans to return this famed Florida luxury resort complex to its former glory, with a complete refurbishment of its five hotels, including rooms, public areas, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Hostetler, who formerly headed up the Ocean House Collection in Rhode Island, has an ambitious plan to completely recreate the property and make it a top resort on the East Coast of Florida. For more information, visit www.TheBocaRaton.com.
Aug 30, 2021
Aug 30, 2021
15 min
Chris Austin, chief sales officer for Explora Journeys, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about this new luxury line, a sister brand to MSC Cruises, set to debut in 2023 with the first of four 922-guest ships. Austin describes the Explora difference, what the brand will bring to the luxury cruise market, key selling points, and how travel advisors can profit by booking the company’s new ships. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Aug 27, 2021
Aug 27, 2021
13 min
Tim Kelly, managing director and executive vice president of Atlantis Dubai, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his massive resort complex has grown since Atlantis the Palm was launched in 2008 on Dubai’s artificial Palm Island. Kelly also details the next phase of that grow when the new Atlantis Royal Residences opens later this year. It’s all part of making the mythological Atlantis a reality in the United Arab Emirates. For more information, visit www.atlantis.com, www.atlantisthepalms.com or www.atlantisroyalresidences.com.
Aug 27, 2021
Aug 27, 2021
13 min
Dolph Berle, the relatively new CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his pioneering expedition cruise line is growing with two new ships, a greater variety of itineraries beyond the classic Antarctica sailings and how he hopes to build on the legacy of the legendary Sven Lindblad, who remains as co-chair and the company’s visionary and developer of new destinations. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Aug 26, 2021
Aug 26, 2021
11 min
Virginia Irurita founder and executive partner of Made for Spain and Portugal, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how travel is coming back to the destinations that her company sells. Here destination management company focused on Spain and Portugal is seeing stronger bookings for the luxury market. Irurita also describes the way Madrid is becoming more popular than ever, with the addition of even more luxury hotels, great dining and a highly accessible downtown district. For more information, visit www.madeforspainandportugal.com.
Aug 26, 2021
Aug 26, 2021
16 min
Adrian Messerli, regional vice president and general manager of the Four Seasons Madrid, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand new luxury property located in a historic bank building in the very center of Madrid. Messerli describes the fabulous rooms and suites, the rooftop Dani restaurant, and an incredible four story spa with pool that makes this Four Seasons a wonderful place to book your clients. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com.
Aug 25, 2021
Aug 25, 2021
17 min
Marilyn Cairo, vice president of global sales for Premier Worldwide Marketing, representing Karisma Hotels and Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the brand new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, the perfect resort for a family vacation. Cairo details all the famous Nickelodeon characters that guests can meet during their stay, how the Aqua Nick waterpark has quickly become a favorite for kids and adults, the range of family friendly accommodations, and how the Nickelodeon theme carries over into the dining experience on the property. For more information, visit www.karismahotels.com/nickelodeon-hotels-resorts/riviera-maya.
Aug 25, 2021
Aug 25, 2021
10 min
Victor Hugo, executive chef aboard World Navigator, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what your clients will find to dine on aboard this new luxe-adventure ship from Atlas Ocean Voyages. Hugo details the wide variety of cuisine offered at the indoor and outdoor main restaurant, Porto, as well as the 7 Aft Grill located near the pool, and the daily snacks at Paula’s Pantry. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.com.