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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
Mar 10, 2021
Mar 10, 2021
34 min
Capt. Dan Blanchard, CEO of UnCruise Adventures, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his small-ship cruise line will most likely be one of the only companies sailing in Alaska this summer, after Canada banned cruising until February 2022. Blanchard details UnCruise’s plans for fleet deployment and itineraries, what bookings are looking like so far, what COVID-19 protocols his line is following when it starts, and much more, For more information, visit www.uncruise.com.
Mar 10, 2021
Mar 10, 2021
23 min
David Zipkin, co-founder and vice president of Tradewind Aviation, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his small aircraft private charter and shuttle service operation to exclusive destinations like St. Barts, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and more. Even better, Tradewind works with travel advisors to serve their higher end clients with an affordable flight service—and commissions them as well. For more information, visit www.flytradewind.com.
Mar 9, 2021
Mar 9, 2021
35 min
Trey Byus, chief expedition officer for Lindblad Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the upcoming Antarctica season starting this November, including the new ships Lindblad will deploy, the different itineraries, what guests should expect to experience on their cruise, and how to determine the right Antarctic cruise for your clients. For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
Mar 8, 2021
Mar 8, 2021
10 min
Dana Young, president and CEO of Visit Florida, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the virtual Florida Huddle 2021, its high attendance numbers, as well as Florida Huddle 2022, scheduled live in Tampa, Jan. 24-26, 2022. Young says her state is perfect for pandemic safety with its wide open spaces and venues that take advantage of it. Watch for upcoming live interviews from key hotels and attractions in Florida from Insider Travel Report. For more information, visit www.visitflorida.com.
Mar 5, 2021
Mar 5, 2021
40 min
Ira Bloom, CEO of ÀNI Private Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his unique collection of four small boutique properties suitable for family and group takeovers. These luxury resorts, located in Anguilla, Dominican Republic, Thailand and Sri Lanka, just might be the perfect accommodations for those seeking safe and isolated properties in the age of COVID. For more information, visit www.aniprivateresorts.
Mar 5, 2021
Mar 5, 2021
23 min
Pam Knudsen, senior director of compliance and an expert on lodging and travel with consulting firm Avalara's lodging tax division, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the pandemic has affected hotels and resorts around the country, how it has changed their operation and the experience they offer to guests. Knudsen also details what Americans will now require in a hotel stay, as well as the effect on rates and occupancies, and what the “new normal” might be for lodging. For more information on Knudsen’s firm, visit www.avalara.com.
Mar 4, 2021
Mar 4, 2021
19 min
Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report talks with Heather Solish of Heather Solish Travel, Ania Wroblewska of Polished Traveler, Jennifer Anderson of Reserve Travel and Jackie Cittone Magid of Inviato Travel about how these four friends decided to pool their resources and knowledge to be more efficient and productive in preparation for a travel rebound by forming Worlds Away Travel, a New York-based independent luxury travel agency affiliated with host agency Travel Edge. For more information, visit www.worldsawaytravel.com.
Mar 3, 2021
Mar 3, 2021
10 min
Sir Patrick McLoughlin, chairman of VisitBritain, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about when Americans will be able to travel to the U.K., what the impact of the pandemic has been on tourism in Britain, how the U.K. hopes to recover, and how soon Britain can bring back tourism to 2019 levels in the future. For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com.
Mar 3, 2021
Mar 3, 2021
36 min
Mario Mathieu, senior vice president of business development, design and construction for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, and Dolores López Lira chairman of Grupo Lomas talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their unique new family-focused Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, set to debut in July in Mexico. They detail what the property will look like, its rooms and suites, dining options, pools, and immersive opportunities to engage with Nickelodeon characters. For more information, visit www.karismahotels.com.
Mar 2, 2021
Mar 2, 2021
23 min
Jon Grutzner, president of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold U.S.A., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about a new just released survey of luxury travelers that offers encouraging news for the business. The survey shows luxury travelers are getting ready to travel, how they want to travel and where they want to go as we emerge from the pandemic. Grutzner also talks about the luxury tours and experiences that Luxury Gold has to meet their needs. For more information, visit www.luxurygold.com.
Mar 2, 2021
Mar 2, 2021
12 min
Fausto Cornejo, manager of Sacha Lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what guests can experience at this exotic retreat located near the Napo River, a tributary to the Amazon. From comfortable cabins with full amenities to gourmet regional cuisine, from hikes in the tropical humid forest to canoe rides into the jungle, from wildlife viewing towers to a canopy walk, Sacha Lodge delivers the ultimate Amazon experience. For more information, visit www.sachalodge.com.
Mar 1, 2021
Mar 1, 2021
10 min
Naturalist guide Chris of the Sacha Lodge talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what guests can experience at this unique property in the tropical humid forest near the Napo River, a tributary to the Amazon. Chris describes the journey to the resort; the daily excursions to find exotic wildlife, birds, flora and fauna; and the canopy bridge and viewing towers where guests can see the jungle from above. For more information, visit www.sachalodge.com.
Feb 28, 2021
Feb 28, 2021
21 min
Brian King, president-Caribbean and Latin America for Marriott International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Marriott’s recent agreement with Sunwing Travel Group’s Blue Diamond Resorts to add 19 all-inclusive resorts totaling 7,000 rooms to its system, a deal that has suddenly turned the mega-hotel company into a power in the all-inclusive market. For more information, visit www.marriott.com.
Feb 26, 2021
Feb 26, 2021
7 min
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with the team at the Finch Bay Hotel, located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz in the Galapagos, about how guests can experience the islands in a different way. Featuring comfortable rooms, gourmet cuisine, a beach and a pool, this sustainable hotel, owned by Metropolitan Touring is perfect for those who want to relax post-cruise or who want a land-based way to explore the Galapagos islands, including its famed giant tortoises. For more information, visit www.finchbayhotel.com.
Feb 25, 2021
Feb 25, 2021
27 min
Maria del Carmen, expedition leader on Metropolitan Touring's Isabella II, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about one of the ship's four-day cruises in the Galapagos visiting Santa Cruz, Santiago, Rabida, Bartholome and Genovesa islands. In the course of the cruise, guests see many if not most of the exquisite wildlife in Galapagos, including sea lions, marine and land iguanas, Galapagos penguins, blue- and red-footed boobies and many other bird species. Plus they get to see the vastly different geology and plant life of these volcanic islands. This is the fourth of seven videos on a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. For more information, visit www.metropolitan-touring.com.
Feb 24, 2021
Feb 24, 2021
14 min
Dominic Hamilton, director of communications for Metropolitan Touring in Ecuador, talks about the trip his company planned for Insider Travel Report, including a tour of Quito, a four-day Galapagos cruise on Isabella II, a stay at Finch Bay Lodge on Santa Cruz, a stay at Mashpi Lodge in the cloud forest and more. For more information Metropolitan Touring, visit www.metropolitan-touring.com.
Feb 24, 2021
Feb 24, 2021
17 min
Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean International's senior vice president of sales, trade support and service, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how company’s new loan program countering the COVID-19 crisis for travel agencies selling Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Silversea and Azamara. Freed details the interest-free loan, in which agencies can borrow as much as $250,000 depending on their Royal Caribbean sales, and how they can apply for the program. For more information and to sign up, visit www.cruisingpower.com.
Feb 23, 2021
Feb 23, 2021
46 min
Klaus Fielsch, product manager for Metropolitan Touring, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the many travel products his Quito-based tour operation offers in Ecuador and the Galapagos. As the first company to offer Galapagos cruises, Metropolitan has a fleet of three ships and long experience in guiding visitors around the islands. But the company also offers a hotel in the Galapagos, a luxury hotel in Quito and an acclaimed lodge in the cloud forest near the city. This is the second in a series of seven videos on Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador and the Galapagos. For more information, visit www.metropolitan-touring.com.
Feb 22, 2021
Feb 22, 2021
39 min
John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his recent interview with Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation, when cruise lines might restart operations as we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, the future of Alaska cruises this year, how cruise lines are adapting to the CDC’s framework for the resumption of cruising, what Travel Leaders bookings are looking like for cruises and other travel products, what destinations are booking well today, and how Travel Leaders is helping its agency members survive the pandemic. For more information on Travel Leaders, visit www.travelleaders.com.
Feb 22, 2021
Feb 22, 2021
51 min
Francisco Dousdebés, corporate social responsibility manager for Metropolitan Touring, talks with James Shillinglaw about how his tour company addresses social responsibility and sustainable tourism for each of its cruise, tour and hotel products. Quito, Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring is the pioneer in Galapagos cruises, but also offers tours throughout Ecuador and other South American countries. The company owns a luxury hotel in Quito, a hotel in the Galapagos and the Mashpi Lodge in the cloud forest near Quito—and reflect Metropolitan’s concern for sustainable tourism. This is the first of seven videos on Metropolitan Touring and its unique products in the Galapagos and Ecuador. For more information, visit www.metropolitan-touring.com.
Feb 19, 2021
Feb 19, 2021
30 min
Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor at Harper's Bazaar, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new travel TV show, Platinum Eye, where she takes viewers "backstage and behind the velvet rope" to learn about the finest destinations, designs and experiences in the world. The 10-part series will premiere Feb. 28, 2021 on A&E’s FYI Network. For more information and to see a preview, visit www.platinumeye.net/preview.
Feb 18, 2021
Feb 18, 2021
24 min
Fred Lounsberry, CEO of the Nassau-Paradise Island Promotion Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the destination and the rest of the Bahamas is ready for vacationers, with nearly all major resorts reopened and a new property just months from opening. He also reviews the current entry requirements for the Bahamas, which include testing but no quarantine. For more information, visit www.nassauparadiseisland.com or www.bahamas.com.
Feb 17, 2021
Feb 17, 2021
28 min
Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how to visit what she calls the safest islands in the Caribbean, including details on testing and the "Vacation in Place" program, which brings activities and culture to guests at sanctioned hotels, enriching them while they await approval to visit the islands on their own. For more information, visit www.stkittstourism.kn.
Feb 16, 2021
Feb 16, 2021
17 min
Sheila Folk, founder and owner of Travel Industry Solutions, talks with Angela Hughes, owner of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and a correspondent for Insider Travel Report, about how her compliant contracts and ready-to-implement booking tools for travel agencies are a game changer in helping thousands of travel advisors and agency owners remain one step ahead through updated contracts and simple to use tools. For more information, visit www.travelindustrysolutions.com.
Feb 15, 2021
Feb 15, 2021
23 min
Dr. Susanna Etti, Intrepid Travel’s environmental impact specialist, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what it means for Intrepid to be a B Corporation that has globally adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, what it means to the travel industry for President Joseph Biden to have the U.S. rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, and how we can all decarbonize our businesses. For more information, visit www.intrepidtravel.com and www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/decarbonise-travel.
Feb 11, 2021
Feb 11, 2021
14 min
Dan Flannery, senior vice president and managing director of EDITION hotels, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how Marriott International and boutique hotel impresario Ian Schrager came up with the EDITION hotels that would be classified as both lifestyle and luxury at the same time, about where the hotels set records when boarders were closed during the pandemic, and the expansion from 11 to 18 hotels as EDITION will open in Rome, Madrid, Dubai, Reykjavik, Tampa, Mexico’s Riviera Maya at Kanai and its second property in Tokyo. For more information, visit www.editionhotels.com.
Feb 11, 2021
Feb 11, 2021
19 min
Bernard Munyanziza, owner and operater of Nziza Hospitality, talks with Angela Hughes, owner of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and a correspondent for Insider Travel Report, about how his destination management company based in East Africa, specializing in East and South Africa, is able to cut the fat to put together upper-midrange, premium and luxury market bespoke customized itineraries that challenge the big ticket companies. For more information, visit www.nzizahospitality.com.
Feb 10, 2021
Feb 10, 2021
19 min
Florence Li, director-international markets and sales for Songtsam Hotels & Resorts and Songtsam Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her company, which features exotic stays in Tibet. Begun more than 20 years ago by her father, Songtsam offers lodges, including a new one opening this month, and guided tour programs that provide guests with a serene and sustainable travel experience in the mountain paradise that is Tibet. For more information, visit www.songtsam.com.
Feb 9, 2021
Feb 9, 2021
30 min
Chris Allison, head of commercial partnerships-Americas for Tourism Australia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the status of Australia as a tourism destination right now during the pandemic, what Tourism Australia has been doing to promote a destination currently closed off to foreign visitors, and six trends Australia has identified that will make the country an attractive destination for travelers as we emerge from the crisis. For more information, visit www.AussieSpecialist.com, www.tourism.australia.com or www.australia.com.
Feb 8, 2021
Feb 8, 2021
20 min
Luis Villasenor, director general of Puerto Vallarta, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how this top Mexican leisure destination has adapted to the new pandemic regime, new hotels and resorts in Puerto Vallarta, top activities for visitors and what’s to come for this historic tourist attraction. For more information, visit www.visitpuertovallarta.com.
Feb 4, 2021
Feb 4, 2021
41 min
Rudi Schreiner, president & CEO, founder and co-owner of AmaWaterways; Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner; and Gary Murphy, senior vice president and co-owner, talk with James Shillinglaw about the trends driving bookings in the river cruise market for their luxury cruise line, when river cruising might begin again, new and renovated ships and much more. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Feb 3, 2021
Feb 3, 2021
26 min
Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the pandemic has hit the hotel industry hard, the prospects for recovery with more government relief, and a unique offer made by AHLA hotel members to serve as vaccination centers around the country. For more information, visit www.ahla.com.
Feb 2, 2021
Feb 2, 2021
17 min
Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his “State of the Travel Industry” speech last month, which he titled “Travel’s Next Great Chapter.” See this video for Dow’s encouraging message on the future of the travel industry. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org.
Feb 1, 2021
Feb 1, 2021
7 min
Walt Disney World Ambassador Stephen Lim talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Disney World has adapted to the new environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic as well as what new attractions and events are set to debut in all of Disney World’s theme parks and water parks. For more information, visit www.disneytravelagents.com or www.disneyworld.com.
Jan 29, 2021
Jan 29, 2021
18 min
Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how he hopes to bring cruising back later this year with the new Seven Seas Splendour and the rest of the Regent fleet. Montague details why delivering a luxury all-inclusive cruise experience is so important to the brand, new promotions benefiting both consumers and travel advisors, and how Regent differentiates itself from other luxury cruise lines in the market. For more information, visit www.rssc.com.
Jan 28, 2021
Jan 28, 2021
27 min
Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales & trade marketing for Carnival Cruise Lines, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Carnival’s decision to keep travel agency commission rates at current tiers through 2022, a move matched by other Carnival Corp. lines like Holland America, Princess and Seabourn. Perez also details Carnival’s latest ship deployments for this year and how it’s working to support travel advisors in other ways. For more information, visit www.goccl.com.
Jan 27, 2021
Jan 27, 2021
18 min
John Downey, president-Americas Region for Hurtigruten, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his expedition cruise line’s newest offers in concert with National Plan a Vacation Day, the disposition of the Hurtigruten fleet, when the line is planning to restart cruising, how it’s supporting travel advisors and much more. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.
Jan 26, 2021
Jan 26, 2021
30 min
Carol Cabezas, newly promoted to president of Azamara, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why private equity firm Sycamore Partners bought the cruise line from Royal Caribbean Group and why it just bought a fourth sister ship for the company. Cabezas also talks about how Azamara will stick to its destination immersion focus and continue to work closely with travel advisors to sell cruises. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
Jan 25, 2021
Jan 25, 2021
25 min
Javier Coll, president of global business development for Apple Leisure Group (ALG), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how ALG’s AMResorts grew branded resort portfolio by 59 properties last year even during the pandemic, and how it’s on track to add another 50 resorts this year in Europe (Greece, Spain and Portugal), Mexico and the Caribbean. Coll describes the appeal ALG has with resort owners and developers and why it’s giving travel advisors more resorts to sell. For more information, visit www.appleleisuregroup.com or www.amresorts.com.
Jan 22, 2021
Jan 22, 2021
39 min
Gai A. Spann, Shawnta Harrison and Veranda Adkins, co-founders of the Association of Black Travel Professionals (ABTP), talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why they are forming the group at this time, their own backgrounds in travel, the state of diversity in the travel business, why there aren’t more black travel advisors and what training, education and awareness ABTP will provide. For more information, visit www.abtprofessionals.org.
Jan 21, 2021
Jan 21, 2021
27 min
Bill McGee, airline expert, consumer advocate, consultant to Consumer Reports and a former columnist for USA Today, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what's going on with airlines today as we emerge from nearly a year of the pandemic. McGee discusses how airlines have adapted to the new COVID-19 environment, points out the lack of government oversight on airline COVID policies, airline refunds and change fees, how airlines can survive with historically low airfares, the prospects for a return of business travel, the reintroduction of the 737MAX, a recent victory for airline consumers in a new DOT ruling, and much more. He also updates us on his own novel, "Half the Child," published nearly two years ago and now available as an audiobook. McGee also is author of a book on the airline industry, “Attention All Passengers.” For more information on “Half the Child” or to get in touch with Bill McGee, visit www.halfthechild.com.
Jan 20, 2021
Jan 20, 2021
23 min
Bill McGee, airline expert, consumer advocate, consultant to Consumer Reports and a former columnist for USA Today, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what's going on with airlines today as we emerge from nearly a year of the pandemic. McGee discusses how airlines have adapted to the new COVID-19 environment, points out the lack of government oversight on airline COVID policies, airline refunds and change fees, how airlines can survive with historically low airfares, the prospects for a return of business travel, the reintroduction of the 737MAX, a recent victory for airline consumers in a new DOT ruling, and much more. He also updates us on his own novel, "Half the Child," published nearly two years ago and now available as an audiobook. McGee also is author of a book on the airline industry, “Attention All Passengers.” For more information on “Half the Child” or to get in touch with Bill McGee, visit www.halfthechild.com.
Jan 19, 2021
Jan 19, 2021
37 min
Sean Hebert, regional vice president-Americas for Kensington Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury tour company’s eight travel trends and how Kensington has the right products to meet customers’ desires as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis. For more information, visit www.kensingtontours.com.
Jan 18, 2021
Jan 18, 2021
21 min
Lauren Volcheff Atlass, new regional director-Americas for Bedsonline, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what her company, which provides hotel, activities and transfer bookings to travel advisors, has gotten through the pandemic by becoming a leaner organization and providing even more programs and services for advisors. She also talks about how Bedsonline.com, owned by HotelBeds.com, is still transitioning from its former TravelBound brand. For more information, visit www.bedsonline.com.
Jan 15, 2021
Jan 15, 2021
16 min
Katina Athanasiou, chief sales officer for Norwegian Cruise Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about NCL's travel advisor outreach programs, which include "Week of You," CruiseFirst and PartnersFirst. She also talks about the progress of upcoming new Leonardo-class ships and whether NCL's SailSafe health protocols will change in light of the current climate for cruising in Europe. For more information, visit www.ncl.com.
Jan 14, 2021
Jan 14, 2021
28 min
Sabrina Cendral, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Club Med North America, talks to James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel about the all-inclusive resort pioneer’s upcoming ski property, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix; the status of its other resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe; how Club Med is getting through the pandemic; plus brand new travel advisor programs and much more. For more information, visit www.clubmed.us.
Jan 13, 2021
Jan 13, 2021
36 min
Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Project and a veteran hotel and resort executive, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Saudi Arabia’s plan to become a major tourism destination by 2030, including the massive resort, cultural and entertainment complex he oversees being developed around the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inzerillo, who has worked with such hotel and resort luminaries as Ian Schrager and Sol Kerzner, offers his perspective on how the country is emerging as a prime destination in the Middle East. For more information on Diriyah Gate, visit https://dgda.gov.sa.
Jan 12, 2021
Jan 12, 2021
21 min
Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Nexion Expo, the new virtual event taking place Jan. 13-14 designed to showcase Nexion and its programs to experienced and new-to-travel advisors interested in joining the network. Friedman also provides an update on Nexion, its advisors and programs as we emerge from the crisis. For more information on Nexion Expo, visit www.nexion.com.
Jan 11, 2021
Jan 11, 2021
23 min
Kelly Bergin, president of OASIS Travel Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her host travel agency has supported its affiliates through the crisis, what bookings like for this year and 2022, how new to travel advisors have been joining the group in greater numbers to take advantage of its New2Travel program. For more information, visit www.oasistravelnetwork.com.
Jan 8, 2021
Jan 8, 2021
27 min
Mark Adams, CEO of Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Serenity at Coconut Bay, talks with Greg Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the vacation experiences available at both properties. Adams also discusses the unique luxury offerings at Serenity, the all-inclusive, couples-only property suitable for honeymoons and more. For more information, visit www.cbayresort.com and www.serenityatcoconutbay.com.