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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
Jul 13, 2021
Jul 13, 2021
17 min
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.
Jul 13, 2021
Jul 13, 2021
8 min
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.
Jul 12, 2021
Jul 12, 2021
20 min
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.
Jul 12, 2021
Jul 12, 2021
7 min
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.
Jul 9, 2021
Jul 9, 2021
13 min
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.
Jul 9, 2021
Jul 9, 2021
7 min
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.
Jul 8, 2021
Jul 8, 2021
15 min
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.
Jul 8, 2021
Jul 8, 2021
11 min
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.
Jul 7, 2021
Jul 7, 2021
6 min
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.
Jul 7, 2021
Jul 7, 2021
12 min
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.
Jul 6, 2021
Jul 6, 2021
12 min
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.
Jul 6, 2021
Jul 6, 2021
17 min
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.
Jul 5, 2021
Jul 5, 2021
9 min
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.
Jul 2, 2021
Jul 2, 2021
6 min
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.
Jul 2, 2021
Jul 2, 2021
10 min
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.
Jul 1, 2021
Jul 1, 2021
23 min
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.
Jun 30, 2021
Jun 30, 2021
22 min
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.
Jun 29, 2021
Jun 29, 2021
11 min
Jun 28, 2021
Jun 28, 2021
26 min
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.
Jun 25, 2021
Jun 25, 2021
20 min
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.
Jun 24, 2021
Jun 24, 2021
13 min
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.
Jun 23, 2021
Jun 23, 2021
20 min
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.
Jun 22, 2021
Jun 22, 2021
20 min
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.
Jun 21, 2021
Jun 21, 2021
21 min
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.
Jun 18, 2021
Jun 18, 2021
34 min
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.
Jun 17, 2021
Jun 17, 2021
31 min
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.
Jun 16, 2021
Jun 16, 2021
19 min
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.
Jun 16, 2021
Jun 16, 2021
39 min
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.
Jun 15, 2021
Jun 15, 2021
29 min
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.
Jun 14, 2021
Jun 14, 2021
10 min
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.
Jun 14, 2021
Jun 14, 2021
22 min
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.
Jun 14, 2021
Jun 14, 2021
23 min
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.
Jun 11, 2021
Jun 11, 2021
7 min
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.
Jun 10, 2021
Jun 10, 2021
11 min
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.
Jun 9, 2021
Jun 9, 2021
7 min
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.
Jun 8, 2021
Jun 8, 2021
17 min
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.
Jun 7, 2021
Jun 7, 2021
8 min
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.
Jun 4, 2021
Jun 4, 2021
28 min
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.
Jun 3, 2021
Jun 3, 2021
25 min
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.
Jun 2, 2021
Jun 2, 2021
12 min
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.
Jun 1, 2021
Jun 1, 2021
10 min
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.
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2021
26 min
Robin Tauck, new chairman of Tourism Cares, and Greg Takehara, CEO, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their non-profit sustainable travel organization’s new branding campaign and its new effort to get more members, including travel agencies, travel advisors and other travel professionals. The goal is to better support the evolving needs of travelers and the destinations they visit around the world. To become a Tourism Cares member, visit www.tourismcares.org/professional-membership. To find out more about Tourism Cares, visit www.tourismcares.org.
May 28, 2021
May 28, 2021
17 min
Quentin Desurmont, president of Traveller Made, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his luxury consortia and its eighth annual Essence of Luxury conference, virtual for the second year in a row next week, May 31 through June 4 , set to explore every facet of emotion and how it affects luxury products, services and travel, and how travel "designers" can understand and support the emotions of the ultra-rich. Luxury travel advisors who aren't just booking expensive air and hotels and want to join can email membership@travellermade.com or visit www.travellermade.com.
May 27, 2021
May 27, 2021
31 min
Gavin Landry, VisitBritain’s executive vice president and director of the Americas, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Britain's pandemic emergence, of course, but then about what's new across the Pond, specifically screen tourism based on Bridgerton and the new James Bond film, as well as new hotels, experiences, and an overview of travel advisor support tools. For more information, visit, www.VisitBritain.com.
May 26, 2021
May 26, 2021
8 min
Jackie Friedman, president and CEO of Nexion Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what travel advisors, especially host agencies and independent contractors, need to survive the next eight months until their commission income is restored. For more information, visit www.nexion.com.
May 26, 2021
May 26, 2021
21 min
David Harris, president and CEO of Ensemble Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report after ASTA Legislative Day about the state of his travel agency cooperative, how it is lobbying with ASTA for measures that would restore income to its travel agency members, how things are progressing both in the U.S. and Canada to get more relief for agencies and travel in general. For more information, visit www.ensembletravel.com.
May 25, 2021
May 25, 2021
20 min
Paula Twidale, senior vice president of travel for the American Automobile Association (AAA), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the organization's annual Memorial Day travel forecast, dark last year due to the pandemic, but back again and hopeful this year, with 37 million set to travel this weekend and 90 percent of those by car (34 million). Twidale's advice is to book early to avoid the possible scarcity caused by an explosion of demand against a slow ramp up, as well as a lack of semi-conductor chips needed for new rental car fleets. For more information, visit www.aaa.com.
May 24, 2021
May 24, 2021
10 min
Eben Peck, executive vice president-advocacy for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week's ASTA Legislative Day about what ASTA is seeking from Congress, including support for the SAVE Act, which would help agencies financially; the Alaska Tourism Recovery Act (which actually passed last week after this interview) restarting cruises to the state; and additional measure that would provide another round of Paycheck Protection Plan funds and unemployment benefits for independent contractors. For more information, visit www.asta.org.
May 21, 2021
May 21, 2021
8 min
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on ASTA Legislative Day about what the Society wants Congress to do to help travel agencies and travel advisors survive the next eight months until their income returns. Key to that recovery is the SAVE Act, which if passed would help agencies recover a high percentage of their income, but also such legislation as the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, which would allow large cruise ships to sail directly to Alaska ports without stopping in a foreign port. ASTA received good news on that front yesterday when the U.S. House passed its version of the bill and the measure was sent to President Biden for his signature. For more information, visit www.asta.org.
May 20, 2021
May 20, 2021
45 min
Filippos Venetopoulos, the third generation CEO of Variety Cruises, talks to James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his small ship cruise line is capitalizing on the opening of travel to Greece by offering new itineraries in the region and beyond. Venetopoulos also talks about how Variety has expanded beyond the Med to destinations like Seychelles, French Polynesia, the Suez Canal, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Dubai and the Rivers of West Africa. For more information, visit www.varietycruises.com.