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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
May 19, 2021
May 19, 2021
23 min
Elizabeth Fettes, chief sales and marketing officer for Premier Worldwide Marketing (Karisma Hotels & Resorts) talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Karisma’s new Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, set to make its debut this fall. This second all-inclusive Margaritaville resort, after the first one opened in Riviera Cancun in Mexico last summer, offers luxury villas, private pools and multiple upscale dining options, while reflecting the Jimmy Buffet relaxed luxury vibe. For more information, visit www.karismahotels.com.
May 18, 2021
May 18, 2021
12 min
Peter Yeung, managing director of the Walker Tribeca, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his almost brand new hotel located in one of New York City's trendiest and most happening neighborhoods. Veteran hotelier Yeung reveals that the hotel actually opened in late 2019 and remained open throughout the pandemic. But now it's getting ready for its real introduction to the New York scene with a new rooftop bar (the name revealed in this video) opening May 21, a new restaurant helmed by a James Beard award-winning chef and a basement speakeasy. For more information, visit www.walkerhotels.com.
May 17, 2021
May 17, 2021
38 min
Shady Ghoneem, managing partner-development, and Saeed Ali, managing partner-sales of marketing, for Genovic Boutiques talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about hotel development in the Arab states of the Gulf and the Maldives. Despite nearby regional unrest and the pandemic, the area continues to see a major influx of luxury hotels. And that growth will only continue as Saudi Arabia grows its tourism infrastructure and Dubai hosts the World Expo this fall. For more information on Genovic Boutiques, visit www.genovicboutiques.com.
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
40 min
Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic Limited, talks with James Shillinglaw about his new expedition cruise line with a famed name. Zito details his line’s plans to launch a new ship, Swan Hellenic Minerva, later this year and two more nearly identical vessels in subsequent years, and why his company bought the Swan Hellenic name to focus on expedition cruising. For more information, visit www.swanhellenic.com.
May 13, 2021
May 13, 2021
25 min
Katina Athanasiou, chief sales officer for Norwegian Cruise Line, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the many new features of Norwegian Prima, the first of a new class of ships that Norwegian is introducing next summer. Norwegian Prima will introduce several groundbreaking features in design, including more spacious public spaces, staterooms and suites; a larger redesigned Haven now in the ship’s stern; a upgraded dining and entertainment district now called Ocean Boulevard; and much more. For more information, visit www.ncl.com.
May 12, 2021
May 12, 2021
38 min
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Brian Leibman, president and CEO of Frosch, Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, co-president of Valerie Wilson Travel, Kimberly Wetty Wilson, co-president of Valerie Wilson Travel, and Lara Leibman, executive vice president of Frosch about the mega-travel agency deal that has quickly transformed the market. This next generation of travel leaders, following in the footsteps of the two agencies founders, Richard Leibman and Valerie Ann Wilson, are focused on building the best combined agency, operating under two brands, for high-end corporate travel and luxury leisure travel. For more information, visit www.frosch.com or www.valeriewilsontravel.com.
May 11, 2021
May 11, 2021
20 min
Jim St. John, president of Precise Hospitality and managing agent for Iconic Santorini, talks with James Shillinglaw about his truly “iconic” hotel set high on the mountain overlooking this classic Greek island. The property houses guests in luxury caves with private pools, provides great locally influenced Greek cuisine and connects them to essential island experiences. Designed for couples, this is the perfect place for honeymoons and romantic getaways. For more information, visit www.iconicsantorini.com.
May 10, 2021
May 10, 2021
14 min
Grecia Lopez, general manager, and Diego Velasquez, island ambassador, of Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, and their nearly brand new luxury all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya. From great rooms and suites to fine dining and more casual fare, from quiet pools and a spa to hammocks and comfortable chairs to watch the sea, this resort exudes all the laid back qualities of a Jimmy Buffet-influenced property for singles, couples and families. For more information, click on Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun.
May 7, 2021
May 7, 2021
21 min
James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report talks with veteran travel attorney Jeff Miller, who is also our Travel Law Insider columnist, about one of his favorite topics—the airlines. Miller talks about the financial health of airlines, well supported by the government; airline onboard protocols during the pandemic; fare rules and booking policies during the COVID-19 crisis; and the relationship between airlines and travel agencies. Miller is a travel industry attorney based in Maryland and a full-time faculty member in the College of Business, Hospitality Management Program at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla. You can reach him by emailing jrmiller486@gmail.com.
May 6, 2021
May 6, 2021
46 min
In a talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, Mark Conroy, managing director of Silversea Cruises, talks about how his line is planning to restart cruising out of Greece with its new ship, Silver Moon. Conroy also details other restart plans in the Galapagos and Antarctica, and even the prospects for cruising out of U.S. ports and other Mediterranean ports. He talks about the steps required to get a cruise ship operating again, why World Cruises are booking so well and much more. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
May 5, 2021
May 5, 2021
16 min
Robert-Jan Woltering, general manager of the Fairmont Mayakoba, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about plans to renovate his iconic luxury property, the first built in the four-resort Mayakoba complex. Many of those renovations will be complete by the time travel advisors stay at the resort for the annual ILTM-North America luxury travel show in September. For more information visit www.fairmont-mayakoba.com.
May 4, 2021
May 4, 2021
31 min
Stacy Small, owner of Elite Travel International in Maui, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how she downsized her Virtuoso-affiliated luxury travel agency, rejoined her first host agency and began life again as an independent contractor selling Hawaii and luxury travel. She also details other business ventures she explored during the pandemic and how she worked to change her workstyle and her lifestyle to find happiness and contentment in the new age of travel. For more information, visit www.elitetravelinternational.com.
May 3, 2021
May 3, 2021
33 min
Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s new “Have It All” packages featuring included shore excursions, specialty dining, drinks and Wi-Fi. Antorcha also details Holland America’s fleet today, the upcoming new Rotterdam, and the prospects for cruising out of U.S. ports this year, including the Alaska season. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Apr 30, 2021
Apr 30, 2021
20 min
Andy Levine, president of DuVine Cycling & Adventure Co., now part of Lindblad Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury biking tour company is in the right place at the right time for those clients seeking domestic vacations in off the beaten path places in style. For more information, visit www.duvine.com.
Apr 29, 2021
Apr 29, 2021
21 min
Jason van Esso, co-owner with Jonathan David of STFU & Party, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new wave travel agency focused on group trips to such “party” destinations as Las Vegas, Miami, Bimini and beyond. Van Esso and his partner took an idea they had in college and transformed it into a business delivering nightlife, accommodations and transportation to some the hottest destinations for a new generation. For more information, visit www.stfuandparty.com.
Apr 28, 2021
Apr 28, 2021
28 min
Mark Snider co-owner and managing director of Little Gem Resorts, and Gwenn Snider, co-owner and create director of the company, talk with James Shillinglaw of insider Travel Report about Lovango Resort & Beach Club, their newest creation in the U.S.V.I, a private island luxury resort with a full-service beach club, restaurant, hilltop villa and more accommodations to come, including tents and treehouses. For more information, visit www.lovangovi.com or www.littlegemresorts.com.
Apr 27, 2021
Apr 27, 2021
13 min
Sabina Fluxà, vice chairman and CEO of Iberostar, and her sister Gloria Fluxà, vice chairman and chief sustainability officer, talk with James Shillinglaw about their hotel and resort company’s strong focus on their Waves of Change movement aimed at protecting the oceans and leading the way in sustainable travel. For more information, visit www.iberostar.com or www.iberostaragents.com.
Apr 26, 2021
Apr 26, 2021
26 min
Enrique Calderon, chief operating officer of Posadas, one of the largest hotel operators in Mexico, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about La Colección Resorts and its newest adults-only lifestyle resort, the first Live Aqua Beach Resort outside of Mexico in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, as well as upcoming projects and announcements for the brand. For more information, visit www.lacoleccionresorts.com.
Apr 23, 2021
Apr 23, 2021
22 min
Rocio Lancaster, Undersecretary of Tourism for the Mexican state of Jalisco, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the many tourism attractions of her destination, which includes such famed cities as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Lancaster details new hotels, flights, major celebrations and events, how Jalisco has dealt with the pandemic, and a new campaign to show how it is LGBTQ+ friendly. For more information, visit https://visitjalisco.com.mx.
Apr 22, 2021
Apr 22, 2021
21 min
David Black, president of Sky-tours USA, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his new tour operation selling through travel advisors. With a European parent, Sky-tours International, Sky-tours USA will leverage its relationships with top hotels and resorts to sell programs to the Caribbean, Mexico and beyond, offering lucrative incentives that travel advisors can take advantage of to satisfy their clients and profit from. For more information, visit www.sky-toursusa.com.
Apr 21, 2021
Apr 21, 2021
11 min
John Long, vice president of sales and marketing for Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on location at Iberostar Bávaro in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. This property features five different resorts in one—including the luxury Iberostar Grand Bávaro Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bávaro, Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites, Iberostar Dominicana and Iberostar Punta Cana. Over the past year during the pandemic Iberostar also introduced entirely new resort concepts (Coral Level) and completely renovated other sections of the resort (Iberostar Selection) so you can find just the right resort experience for your clients. For more information, visit www.iberostaragents.com or www.iberostar.com.
Apr 20, 2021
Apr 20, 2021
35 min
Vanessa Famighetti, co-founder of Beyond the Nest with her partner Mary Fusillo, talks with James Shillinglaw about her start-up that creates guided retreats for empty nesters and empty nestees, combining wellness, learning seminars and unforgettable travel experiences—what could be the perfect formula for post-pandemic travel. For more information, visit www.beyondthenest.org.
Apr 19, 2021
Apr 19, 2021
13 min
Jon Makhmaltchi, founder of J. MAK Hospitality, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how he reacted to the pandemic crisis by taking his hospitality consulting business, where he helps hotels better connect with travel advisors, on the road in a customized van that he drives around the country. For more information, visit www.jmak.com.
Apr 16, 2021
Apr 16, 2021
41 min
Sven Lindblad, CEO and soon to be co-chair of Lindblad Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his move to stop being CEO and take a more strategic role with the company and how Lindblad Expeditions is restarting cruises in Alaska and the Galapagos. Lindblad also reflects on the past, present and bright future for expedition cruising. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Apr 15, 2021
Apr 15, 2021
25 min
Michelle Fee, founder and CEO of top cruise seller Cruise Planners, talks with James Shillinglaw about Florida’s lawsuit against the Centers for Disease Control to get its conditional sail order preventing cruising out of U.S. ports overturned, Norwegian’s letter to the CDC asking it to reinstate cruising out of the U.S. by July 4, and even a White House meeting earlier this week to address the situation. The upshot: Fee says it looks promising that cruising will return this summer out of Florida and maybe later even in Alaska. For more information on Cruise Planners, visit www.cruiseplanners.com.
Apr 14, 2021
Apr 14, 2021
27 min
Jeff Miller, our Travel Law Insider columnist and a veteran travel attorney, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about whether big ship cruising will resume from U.S. ports this summer in the wake of Florida’s lawsuit against the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings letter to the CDC asking it to authorize cruise lines to resume sailing on July 4. Miller gives some no-holds-barred responses to what he sees as the futility of these efforts as well as when he sees cruising finally resuming again. You can reach him at jrmiller486@gmail.com.
Apr 13, 2021
Apr 13, 2021
33 min
David Giersdorf, founder and president of Global Voyages Group, and a veteran cruise executive, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new book “Hard Ships, Navigating Your Company, Career and Life Through the Fog of Disruption,” why he wrote it, and how his career in cruising led him to write about the lessons in business he’s learned during his career. Giersdorf is offering a free download of the Kindle version of the book to all travel advisors as an expression of gratitude for their support over the years and in hopes and confidence, that there are strategies in this “disruption playbook” that will prove helpful and valuable to them. The five-day window for the free downloads will be Tuesday, April 13 through Saturday, April 17. For the free download, visit www.amazon.com/dp/B08XYTLSS2.
Apr 12, 2021
Apr 12, 2021
23 min
Mina Agnos, founder and president of Travelive, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about her luxury destination management company, which offers programs Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Spain and Italy—and just introduced Croatia. Travelive also is extremely well positioned to serve luxury travelers this year because most of its destinations are now open to travelers from the U.S. For more information, visit www.travelive.com.
Apr 8, 2021
Apr 8, 2021
38 min
Experienced hoteliers Jennie Hoffman, president and CEO of Illusso, and Sandy Chun, chief revenue officer, talk to James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their new luxury hotel consulting firm and what it offers that makes it different. They also discuss what they think hotels need to do to get business back as we emerge from the pandemic, what is different today about marketing hotels, how travel advisors should work with hotels and much more. For more information, visit www.illusso.com.
Apr 8, 2021
Apr 8, 2021
28 min
Bill Roberson, CEO of INCA and operator of Integrity, the luxury yacht in the Galapagos, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about a very different way to cruise the iconic expedition destination. Roberson details the experience the yacht delivers, the target customer and the itinerary options, including a signature nine-day Galapagos Adventure. For more information, call 510-420-1550, email info@inca1.com or visit www.integritygalapagos.com.
Apr 7, 2021
Apr 7, 2021
19 min
Katina Athanasiou, chief sales officer for Norwegian Cruise Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the company's attempt to find a shortcut through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's Conditional Sailing Order to get cruising back by July, 4 plus new itineraries in Greece and the Caribbean starting late July, and new travel advisor incentive programs. For more information, visit www.ncl.com.
Apr 6, 2021
Apr 6, 2021
22 min
Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of Los Cabos Tourism Board, and Hermann Elger, executive vice president and general manager of travel, entertainment and health security at Sharecare talk with James Shillinglaw about Los Cabos’ decision to partner with Sharecare, the digital health company that works with destinations, hotels and other travel companies, to become the world’s first Verified travel destination. To achieve this designation, Los Cabos successfully led an effort to make Sharecare health security verification with Forbes Travel Guide a universal standard among the region’s hotels and resorts to ensure travelers have more confidence in visiting the destination amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www.visitloscabos.travel, partner.forbestravelguide.com or www.sharecare.com.
Apr 5, 2021
Apr 5, 2021
27 min
Fernando Flores, vice president of Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Universal Orlando is operating today under COVID-19 protocols. It turns out, based on our own visit, too, that guests are back enjoying the three parks, discovering new attractions and a new hotel, and adapting quite nicely to the “new” way of traveling in Florida. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com, www.UniversalPartnerCommunity.com or click on Universal Travel Advisors.
Apr 2, 2021
Apr 2, 2021
7 min
Rodney Bailey, vice president of hotel operations for American Queen Steamboat Company, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what guests can expect to get onboard the brand new American Countess paddlewheeler on the Mississippi, including dining, accommodations, public areas, entertainment, excursions and a whole lot more. For more information, visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com.
Apr 1, 2021
Apr 1, 2021
17 min
Phil Whitney, vice president-sales and marketing at New York Cruise Lines, parent of Circle Line, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the April 1 return of day cruises around New York City, with three different itineraries to choose from and more on the way. For more information, email pwhitney@nycl.com or visit www.circleline.com.
Mar 31, 2021
Mar 31, 2021
11 min
Kari Tarnowski, American Queen Steamboat Company’s new senior vice president of marketing, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard the new American Countess, the newest riverboat to join the American Queen fleet on the Mississippi. Tarnowski, a veteran of ocean cruise lines, talks about her first impressions of the new riverboat, the main features of American Countess, and how it will be marketed to travel advisors and their clients. For more information, visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com.
Mar 30, 2021
Mar 30, 2021
16 min
Jay Stein, CEO of Dream Hotel Group, which includes Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, Unscripted Hotels and The Chatwal, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his company's new hotel openings in Memphis, Cleveland, Dallas, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Palm Springs, Doha and Guadalupe, as well as his current take on the recovery of the hotel industry. For more information, visit www.DreamHotelGroup.com.
Mar 29, 2021
Mar 29, 2021
19 min
John Waggoner, CEO and founder of American Queen Steamboat Company, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand new American Countess, the newest paddlewheeler on the Missississppi, during the riverboat’s inaugural cruise. Waggoner details how the American Countess was built, its accommodations, dining, activities, excursions and COVID-19 protocols as one of the first vessels back in business as we emerge from the pandemic. For more information, visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com.
Mar 26, 2021
Mar 26, 2021
16 min
Ericka Nelson, general manager of the Kimpton Epic Hotel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury high-rise property in the heart of Miami’s Brickell downtown district, which comes complete with large suites with spectacular views, a gourmet seafood restaurant, a large spa and a pool complex. It’s a very different kind of Kimpton catering to upscale business travelers and leisure guests interested in shopping, dining and nightlife. For more information, visit www.epichotel.com.
Mar 25, 2021
Mar 25, 2021
17 min
Mohan Koka, general manager of the Kimpton Surfcomber, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his newly renovated hotel, set in two classic Art Deco buildings on the beach. From new dining options (check out the empanadas) to a refurbished pool area, this hotel has been returned to its former glory and now caters to a wide variety of guests with its South Beach chic. For more information, visit www.surfcomber.com.
Mar 24, 2021
Mar 24, 2021
5 min
Manager Sai Jones and Executive Chef Oscar Noborikawa, formerly of Nobu for 10 years, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Ke-Uh, a new Asian fusion restaurant at Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., including its sushi and other exquisite dishes. Book this in advance for your clients staying at Acqualina.Book this in advance for your clients staying at Acqualina. For more information, click on Ke-Uh Restaurant or visit www.acqualina.com.
Mar 24, 2021
Mar 24, 2021
5 min
Manager Jason Rodriguez and Chef Claudio Sandri of Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the fine Italian cuisine at this famed restaurant in Sunny Isles Beach in Florida. They tell you what to eat, where to eat and how to reserve in advance for this popular dining experience. For more information, visit www.ilmulino.com/miami or www.acqualina.com.
Mar 22, 2021
Mar 22, 2021
12 min
Mauro Pinho, director of sales and marketing for Acqualina Resort and Residences on the Beach in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., talks with James Shillinglaw about this famed luxury property two years after Insider visited it. Pinho describes how Acqualina got through the pandemic, what's new (including a new pan-Asian restaurant), the dining, famously large suites, pristine beachfront and pools and spa. For more information, visit www.aqualina.com.
Mar 19, 2021
Mar 19, 2021
22 min
Steve Born, chief marketing officer for the Globus family of brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Choice Touring by Globus, a revolution in escorted touring offering a selection of included excursions at key points during the tour program. Born details how this new form of touring works and why it may be such a popular product for you to sell to your clients. For more information, visit www.globusjourneys.com.
Mar 18, 2021
Mar 18, 2021
38 min
Jack Anderson, interim president and CEO of Crystal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw about what lies ahead for his luxury line, the launch of cruises this July in the Bahamas only, the challenges Crystal has faced during the pandemic, the issue travel advisors and customers had over refunds, Crystal’s parent Genting Hong Kong, plans for future deployments for oceangoing ships, river ships and expedition vessels. It’s everything you want to hear from the Crystal’s chief. For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com.
Mar 17, 2021
Mar 17, 2021
22 min
Martin Oester, sales and marketing manager-North America for Swiss Travel System, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new Excellence Program, which provides e-learning for travel advisors interested in getting their clients around Switzerland seamlessly, efficiently and on time. The course modules cover everything from passenger trains to famed mountain trains, from yellow postal buses to lake steamers and cable cars and more. It all makes a visit to Switzerland a highly comfortable, efficient and luxurious experience. For more information, visit www.mystsnet.com/elearning.
Mar 16, 2021
Mar 16, 2021
35 min
Paula Carroll, sales and marketing director of the famed Ashford Castle in Cong, Ireland, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on International Women’s Day about her 33-year career selling one of the most luxurious properties in the world, the crown jewel of Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Carroll details how she got to the castle and why she fell in love with it and decided to spend her entire career at the property, as well as how attitudes toward women in executive positions have changed over the course of her career. For more information on Ashford Castle, visit www.ashfordcastle.com.
Mar 15, 2021
Mar 15, 2021
28 min
Andy Hogg, founder of The Bushcamp Company, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his unique lodges in a Zambia national park, what the requirements are for entering the country and just what kind of value experiences guests can have on a Bushcamp trip. For more information, visit www.bushcampcompany.com.
Mar 12, 2021
Mar 12, 2021
30 min
Angie Licea, president the Global Travel Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what bookings her luxury travel agency group, owned by Internova Travel Group, is seeing; how it is emerging from the pandemic; how its new branding is working, and how the group is growing in independent advisors even during the downturn. For more information, visit www.globaltravelcollection.com.
Mar 11, 2021
Mar 11, 2021
37 min
Stephanie Turner, CTC, president and CEO of St. Louis-based Brentwood Travel and her daughter, Stacey Acree, executive vice president, CTA, talk with James Shillinglaw about how their agency has been passed down through three generations as it grew into one of the region’s most successful travel retailers. They reveal the secrets of how they have made the switch, including great training and education from The Travel Institute and how to keep a family business going for decades. For more information, visit www.brentwoodtravel.com.