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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
Aug 24, 2021
Aug 24, 2021
28 min
Helen McCabe-Young, vice president of marketing for Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what’s new with the luxury travel network’s marketing, including updated features and functionality for Wanderlist, the group’s tool to help luxury travelers plan and dream about their future vacations. McCabe-Young also details other marketing programs, such as an updated logo, a revamped website, new direct and email marketing and much more to help Virtuoso agency members and preferred partners. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Aug 24, 2021
Aug 24, 2021
13 min
Luis Santos, hotel manager for the new World Navigator, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this new luxe adventure ship from Atlas Ocean Voyages. Santos details the range of accommodations, the dining, the service and everything else that’s offered onboard to keep guests pampered and comfortable during their expedition cruise. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.com.
Aug 23, 2021
Aug 23, 2021
22 min
As our world opens up to travel again, Tourism Cares, the non-profit group focusing on sustainable travel, has introduced a new series, “Robin Tauck: In Conversation on the Future of Travel,” featuring respected travel and tourism leaders talking about how to create a brighter future for travel. In this edition of those interviews, Tauck, chairman of Tourism Cares, talks with James Shillinglaw, editor in chief and co-founder of Insider Travel Report, and Arnie Weissmann, editor in chief of Travel Weekly and editorial director of Northstar Travel Group. For more information on Tourism Cares, visit www.tourismcares.org.
Aug 23, 2021
Aug 23, 2021
15 min
David Kolner, senior vice president-strategy for Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month's Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas about what the luxury travel network is providing to its travel agency members as we emerge from the pandemic. From restructured events to a new guide to entry requirements for countries, from new productivity and booking tools to new exclusive hotel offers, Kolner details what's new at Virtuoso. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Aug 23, 2021
Aug 23, 2021
14 min
Alberto Aliberti, president of Atlas Ocean Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the excursions, onboard programs and entertainment aboard his brand new luxe adventure ship World Navigator, which just went into service earlier this month. Aliberti talks about the expeditions the ship will feature in every destination, including the Antarctic, as well as the nightly entertainment and daytime activities onboard, including fascinating lectures and insights delivered by the expedition team. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.com.
Aug 20, 2021
Aug 20, 2021
18 min
Alberto Aliberti, president of Atlas Ocean Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw about his line’s new World Navigator, a revolutionary luxe-adventure ship that made its debut earlier this month. Aliberti details the many new features of the vessel, including its accommodations, dining, activities and expedition program. The first of five planned Atlas Ocean ships, World Navigator is now sailing on Greece and Egypt itineraries before moving to the Caribbean for its official christening this fall. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.com.
Aug 20, 2021
Aug 20, 2021
11 min
Jennifer Tombaugh, president of Tauck and co-godmother of Tauck’s new Andorinha, talks with James Shillinglaw about this brand new river ship designed specifically for Portugal’s Douro River. Tombaugh details the many features of this new vessel, including a new sun deck, a new dining and lounge area. She also talks about what this will mean to Tauck as it expands its river cruise product. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.
Aug 19, 2021
Aug 19, 2021
15 min
Dan Mahar, CEO of Tauck, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the christening of Tauck's new Andorinha riverboat earlier this month on Portugal's Douro River. Mahar details the many new features of this revolutionary riverboat, Tauck's first in Portugal, from the unique sundeck, with a collapsible Arthur's restaurant and large pool, to the atrium-like, two-deck lounge and restaurant. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.
Aug 19, 2021
Aug 19, 2021
21 min
Greg O'Hara, founder and senior managing director of Certares, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages' first ship, World Navigator. O'Hara, whose firm is an investor in Atlas Ocean Voyages, talks about Certares' strategy in financing multiple travel companies, including Internova Travel Group, American Express Business Travel, G Adventures, AmaWaterways and more. Certares recently helped rescue bankrupt Hertz Corporation, making it one of the most active investment firms in the travel industry. O'Hara describes his firm's strategy to provide capital to distressed travel companies and invest in new travel ventures and more. For more information, visit www.certares.com.
Aug 18, 2021
Aug 18, 2021
18 min
Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury travel network just pulled off the largest travel conference of the year and how Virtuoso has helped its members get through the pandemic crisis. Upchurch also reveals what advance travel bookings look like for his group for the rest of this year and into 2022 and beyond, and how the pandemic has impacted luxury travel and travel in general for the next decade and beyond. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Aug 18, 2021
Aug 18, 2021
16 min
Mario Ferreira, CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, Mystic Cruises and DouroAzul, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard the brand new World Navigator about the many features and amenities of this luxury expedition vessel from Atlas Ocean. Ferreira is known for building and operating river cruise ships on the Douro River in Portugal and on rivers in the rest of Europe. Now he's taking to the oceans with World Navigator, the first of five vessels planned for Atlas Ocean, with cruises around the world ending this year in Antarctica. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.com.
Aug 17, 2021
Aug 17, 2021
30 min
Andre Gerondeau, chief operating officer for Melia Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his company is recovering from the pandemic downturn, where it's growing, how it is differentiating its brands, and how it is showcasing its premium hotel brands. For more information, visit www.melia.com.
Aug 17, 2021
Aug 17, 2021
9 min
Spyros Maganiotis, commercial director Divani Collection Hotels, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his collection of seven luxury hotels in Greece, but more specifically, the three hotels in Athens that travel advisors can book for clients who would like experience historic Athens two blocks from the Acropolis, modern Athens for shopping and nightlife, and seaside Athens on the Greek Riviera. For more information, visit www.divani.com.
Aug 16, 2021
Aug 16, 2021
17 min
Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Norwegian Encore's first U.S. voyage to Alaska, how Norwegian has maintained the quality of the cruise experience while protecting passenger health, with a glimpse of the updated onboard hospital and ICU, as well as the partnerships Norwegian developed with the people of Hoonah and Ketchikan to create two new ports offering a variety of experiences. Sommer also offers his take on the recent Florida court decision permitting Norwegian to ask guests if they have been vaccinated. For more information, visit www.ncl.com.
Aug 16, 2021
Aug 16, 2021
40 min
Leaders of some of the top consortia and marketing groups focused on luxury travel offer their assessment on what has changed in luxury travel and what has changed for luxury travel advisors after the pandemic. Will luxury travel return quickly? Will it emerge in the same way? James Shillinglaw, editor-in-chief of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel with Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso; Alex Sharpe, president and CEO of Signature Travel Network; Gabe Rizzi, president of Internova Travel Group and David Harris, president and CEO of Ensemble Travel Group. This discussion was originally broadcast as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.
Aug 13, 2021
Aug 13, 2021
18 min
As our world opens up to travel again, now is the time for leaders to unite and rebuild travel and tourism for the better. Tourism Cares, the non-profit group focusing on sustainable travel, has introduced a new series, “Robin Tauck: In Conversation on the Future of Travel,” featuring respected travel and tourism leaders talking about how create a brighter future for travel. In this edition, Tauck, chairman of Tourism Cares, talks with Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). For more information on Tourism Cares, visit www.tourismcares.org.
Aug 12, 2021
Aug 12, 2021
47 min
They used to be called luxury tours and now they are luxury guided vacations. What makes them different from other tours and what experiences do they offer that you can’t find anywhere else. And how can travel advisors sell even more luxury guided vacations? James Shillinglaw, editor-In-chief of InsiderTravelReport.com moderates a panel including Jennifer Tombaugh, president of Tauck; Guy Young, president of Luxury Gold and Insight Vacations; Keith Baron, president-U.S. of Abercrombie & Kent U.S.A.; Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel Inc.; and Helen Giontsis, president of Kensington Tours. This discussion was originally broadcast as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.
Aug 11, 2021
Aug 11, 2021
46 min
Is business beginning to return in the luxury hotel space and does this vary by country? What is the most important feedback hotels are getting from guests coming to stay now? How can hoteliers and travel advisors communicate what is open and what is not available at a hotel or resort at the moment? And how can travel advisors help hotels today? Join moderator Peter Bates, president of Strategic Vision, Inc. with panelists Jonathan Raggett, managing director at Red Carnation Hotels Collection; Chris Hamaway, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer at Montage International; Andrea Filippi, vice president of global sales at Belmond; and Rick Harvey Lam, senior vice president of global luxury brand management for Accor. This discussion was originally broadcast as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show.
Aug 10, 2021
Aug 10, 2021
31 min
Geoffrey Kent, president and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent and one of the founders of luxury guided vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw about how he helped create the category and how he is still looking to innovate in the future. Discover the past, present and future of luxury touring with tour veteran Geoffrey Kent. This interview was originally broadcast as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.
Aug 9, 2021
Aug 9, 2021
14 min
Mary Jean Tully, founder and CEO of Tully Luxury Travel, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her impressions of Silversea Cruises' newest ship, Silver Moon, and how to sell it. Tully details the many new features of this luxury vessel and also offers her views on the future of luxury travel as we emerge from the pandemic. For more information, visit www.tullyluxurytravel.com and www.silversea.com.
Aug 6, 2021
Aug 6, 2021
10 min
Jason Liberty, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Royal Caribbean Group, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the strategy behind acquiring Silversea Cruises, why it was a good idea to complete the deal in the middle of the pandemic, and how the sale of Azamara fit into Royal Caribbean's strategy. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.
Aug 5, 2021
Aug 5, 2021
14 min
Adam Sacks, director of Silversea Cruises' S.A.L.T. program (Sea and Land Taste), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Silversea's newest ship, Silver Moon, and its S.A.L.T. Kitchen, S.A.L.T. Bar, S.A.L.T. Lab and S.A.L.T. excursions, which fully immerse guests in culinary history, technique and indulgence. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Aug 4, 2021
Aug 4, 2021
14 min
Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises, takes Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report on a private walking tour of his new luxury ship, Sliver Moon, currently cruising in Greece. Shipbuilder Martinoli highlights in detail both the differences between Silver Moon and her sister ship, Silver Muse, as well as his own favorite parts of the ship. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Aug 3, 2021
Aug 3, 2021
35 min
Rudi Schreiner, president, CEO, co-owner and co-founder of AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw about what makes a luxury river cruise today in terms of product, service and destinations. Schreiner is considered one of the fathers of river cruising and he’s upgraded his cruise line to put it firmly in the luxury space. This interview was originally broadcast as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Aug 3, 2021
Aug 3, 2021
11 min
Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group (RCG), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what RCG did to support Silversea's return to cruising, how the light at the end of the COVID tunnel is now merely foggy patches, and how he out-cooked Roberto Martinoli, Silversea's president and CEO. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com and www.silversea.com.
Aug 2, 2021
Aug 2, 2021
12 min
Silversea Cruises CEO Roberto Martinoli and Chief Commercial Officer Barbara Muckerman talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about their new ship Silver Moon, which began sailing the Greek islands round-trip out of Athens late last month. They focus on Silversea’s new S.A.L.T. culinary program, how their new ship delivers luxury even with COVID protocols and other new features of the vessel. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Jul 30, 2021
Jul 30, 2021
13 min
Michelle Fridman, minister of tourism for the Mexican state of Yucatan, which includes Merida and Chichén Itzá, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the U.S. State Department allowing U.S. citizens to visit Mexico, now a category one destination. Fridman talks about the return of cruising and the viability of Merida Airport over more traveled Cancun Airport to visit Chichén Itzá, Mayan and colonial villages and 19 archeological sites. For more information, visit www.yucatan.travel.
Jul 30, 2021
Jul 30, 2021
33 min
What’s the future for travel agencies in the luxury travel space? How are they adapting with new products and services to serve their clientele? Will luxury travel agencies emerge even stronger after the pandemic? This panel of leading travel agency experts, which took place last month during our Virtual Vacation Expo-New Age of Luxury, takes on these questions. Moderator James Shillinglaw, editor-in-chief of InsiderTravelReport.com, talks with Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond; Michael Johnson, president of Travel Edge; Valerie Wilson, chairman of Valerie Wilson Travel; and Albert Herrara, chief commercial officer for Global Travel Collection.
Jul 29, 2021
Jul 29, 2021
11 min
Pascal Forotti, managing director of the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., talks with Darley Newman, PBS travel host reporting here for Insider Travel Report, about his historic hotel next to the Potomac River and Georgetown. The hotel was renovated and reopened in 2016, featuring a whiskey bar with more than 350 types of whiskey in over 2,500 bottles. With next year being the 50th anniversary of the Watergate break-in of 1972, guests can visit or reside in room 214, the site of the Watergate scandal. Called the Scandal Room, it has been made into a museum of the 1970s and the events that happened there. For more information, visit www.thewatergatehotel.com.
Jul 28, 2021
Jul 28, 2021
14 min
Donald Contursi, president of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about hosting commissionable VIP dining experiences, including dinner, lunch, brunch and a drinking tour, where guests visit four top venues, tasting three to four signature dishes at each one, all led by highly knowledgeable tour guides. Contursi describes a tour that visited ARIA Resort & Casino and its restaurants Catch, Bardot Brasserie and Javier's, as well as Mastro's Ocean Club at CityCenter, where guests enjoy flamed sushi, bubbling cocktails and more. For more information, visit www.lipsmackingfoodietours.com.
Jul 28, 2021
Jul 28, 2021
32 min
Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his late father’s impact on the all-inclusive resort business, and what he accomplished with Sandals and Beaches resorts. Stewart also reveals how he will run his luxury resorts going forward, including his growth plans for the future and what he hopes Sandals will become. This interview was originally broadcast as part of our Virtual Vacation Events-New Age of Luxury virtual show. For more information on Sandals, visit www.sandals.com.
Jul 27, 2021
Jul 27, 2021
31 min
Karen Whitt, vice president-sales and marketing at The Hartling Group, which owns and operates the Shore Club and other resorts on Turks & Caicos, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about one of the most interesting and challenging group bookings at the resort during the pandemic—and you have to see this to believe it. She also provides an update on the property and how it’s fared during the COVID-19 restrictions. For more information, visit www.theshoreclubtc.com.
Jul 26, 2021
Jul 26, 2021
23 min
Aldo Sarnatoro, commercial director for Neos Air, talks with James Shillinglaw about his airline, Italy’s second largest, and its new route from New York JFK to Milan Malpensa. Neos offers international flights and domestic service within Italy and just might be one of the best ways to get to Italy today. For more information, visit www.neosair.it.
Jul 26, 2021
Jul 26, 2021
40 min
Geoffrey Weill, founder and owner of Geoffrey Weill Associates Inc., a travel public relations and marketing company based in New York, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his new book “All Abroad: A Memoir of Travel and Obsession,” published by the Wisconsin University Press. Weill details how travel became is obsession and how it profoundly impacted his life. Follow him on Instagram @geoffrey_2050. His book is available on Amazon by searching for “All Abroad: A Memoir of Travel and Obsession.”
Jul 23, 2021
Jul 23, 2021
12 min
Soraya Al-Olama, assistant manager, North America for Dubai Tourism, talks with James Shillinglaw about how Dubai has fared during the pandemic, what the protocols are for American visitors, what tourism numbers look like, and how the upcoming Dubai Expo, set to begin in October this year, will help boost travel for Dubai and the UAE. For more information visit www.visitdubai.com.
Jul 23, 2021
Jul 23, 2021
11 min
Bonnie Lee, president and founder of Travel Quest Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Celestyal Cruises experience onboard Celestyal Crystal. Celestyal offers a unique destination immersion in the Greek islands and beyond with comfortable accommodations, great dining and surprisingly good entertainment. Get Bonnie's take on what Celestyal delivers in this interview. For more information, visit www.celeystalcruises.com.
Jul 22, 2021
Jul 22, 2021
16 min
Monja Salvati, cruise director on Celestyal Crystal, talks about the surprisingly good entertainment program onboard the ship, which specializes in delivering the islands of Greece and other destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Salvati details nightly performances featuring a Cuban cast of singers and dancers that your clients will certainly enjoy after their days touring the islands. For more information, visit www.celestyalcruises.com.
Jul 22, 2021
Jul 21, 2021
Jul 21, 2021
6 min
Derek Stewart, sales manager-global cruise partnership for American Airlines, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his airline forges agreements with ocean and river cruise lines to get your guests to their cruise. In a year following the pandemic, this means figuring out just how much lift is required to such destinations as Greece and other places where cruising has restarted. For more information, visit www.americanairlines.com.
Jul 21, 2021
Jul 21, 2021
7 min
Gordon Dirker, vice president of business development for Celestyal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard Celestyal Crystal about how you can better sell the Greek Island cruise experience that his company offers. Celestyal's focus is on delivering the islands of Greece and other destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean on a ship that features comfortable accommodations, good food and surprisingly good entertainment. For more information, visit www.celestyalcruises.com.
Jul 20, 2021
Jul 20, 2021
36 min
Lindsey Epperly, founder of Epperly Travel, and Julia Pirrung, founder of Jetset World Travel, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the reasons behind their combination and what the resulting luxury host travel agency, Epperly Travel, will deliver to high-end clients in the future. Epperly’s agency purchased Pirrung’s shop in a bid to get more independent travel advisors, increase training and education for those advisors, and grow business in the post-pandemic travel world. For more information, visit www.epperlytravel.com.
Jul 20, 2021
Jul 20, 2021
10 min
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.
Jul 19, 2021
Jul 19, 2021
13 min
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.
Jul 19, 2021
Jul 19, 2021
12 min
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.
Jul 16, 2021
Jul 16, 2021
7 min
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.
Jul 16, 2021
Jul 16, 2021
28 min
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.
Jul 15, 2021
Jul 15, 2021
19 min
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.
Jul 15, 2021
Jul 15, 2021
9 min
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.
Jul 14, 2021
Jul 14, 2021
9 min
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.
Jul 14, 2021
Jul 14, 2021
10 min
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.