Episodes

Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Brad Tolkin, co-chairman and CEO of World Travel Holdings, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his company's record-breaking momentum in both cruise and non-cruise sectors during Dream Vacations and CruiseOne's annual conference aboard Celebrity Ascent. Tolkin emphasizes the importance of professional travel advisors, the growth potential fueled by demographic trends like the "silver tsunami," and the role of social media and AI in evolving travel products. Tolkin advises travel advisors to focus on specialization and customer service, highlighting the fact that a loyal, well-serviced client base is key to long-term success. For more information, visit www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com.

Sunday Dec 01, 2024
How Luxury and Culture Meet at Corinthia Hotel Lisbon
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Cesar Silva, general manager of the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the property’s extensive renovations, which highlight Portuguese culture and history. The hotel features uniquely themed suites, three diverse restaurants, a luxury spa and a chocolatier, offering guests a comprehensive sense of place. It also provides personalized guest services, including suite check-ins, airport transfers and a shuttle service to downtown Lisbon. For more information, visit www.corinthia.com/lisbon.

Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Discover Halloween’s Origins on the Very Spot Where It Began
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Ireland isn’t just about Saint Patrick’s Day, it’s also the birthplace of Halloween, or Samhain, as it was originally known. Siobhan De Paor, a shaman or spiritual leader of the community, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the true origins of Halloween at the very site historians believe where it all began. That site is on a privately owned farm on the Hill of Ward, near the towns of Trim and Athboy, where the Puka Festival is celebrated (“Puka” means ghost in Gaelic). For more information, visit www.PucaFestival.com and www.Ireland.com.

Thursday Nov 28, 2024
How to Grow Your Luxury Travel Options with Classic Vacations
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Marilyn Cairo, vice president of sales for Classic Vacations, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the recent Signature Travel Network conference in Las Vegas about her transition to Classic Vacations after 32 years in the hotel and resort industry. Cairo highlights Classic’s growth into more than 100 global destinations with a focus on luxury and details new technology and strategic initiatives. She also discusses partnerships with agencies and agency groups like Signature. For more information, visit www.classicvacations.com.

Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
How Secret Atlas Micro Expedition Cruises Provide the Perfect Small Ship Adventure
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Michele D'Agostino, co-founder of Secret Atlas expedition micro cruises, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about micro cruises, intimate journeys aboard small ships designed to explore remote and pristine destinations with minimal environmental impact. D'Agostino explains why micro cruises offer a more personal and immersive experience compared to larger expedition ships, enabling closer encounters with nature and local cultures. These small-scale voyages with fewer guests emphasize sustainability, reduce ecological footprints, and provide exclusive access to areas inaccessible to larger vessels. For more information, visit www.secretatlas.com.

Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Experience the All-Inclusive Luxury of Heritage Aarah in the Maldives
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Manujaya Fernando, deputy general manager, sales and marketing for the Heritance Aarah Maldives, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about the resort's appeal to multi-generational families, honeymooners and destination weddings. Fernando details the resort's luxury service, including butlers for all guests, with family-friendly and adults-only amenities that attract visitors from Europe, Asia and increasingly the U.S. For more information, visit www.heritancehotels.com/aarah.

Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Discover the Irish Festival that Celebrates Halloween’s Celtic Origins
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
David Gilroy, sustainability manager for the Puca Festival in Trim and Athboy, Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Puca festival’s connection to the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain, which later became Halloween in the U.S. Gilroy explains the historical significance of the Hill of Ward and Trim Castle, highlighting archaeological findings that support the area's mythological ties. For more information, visit www.pucafestival.com.

Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
The Ned Offers Everything Your Clients Need in New York’s NoMad
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Karin Kopano, general manager of The Ned, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her two-year-old boutique hotel located in one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Manhattan. Set in the former NoMad Hotel, The Ned offers multiple restaurants, bars, Ned’s Club and a rooftop bar, meaning you never really have to leave the property. The luxurious rooms and suites are comfortable, spacious and feature classic period décor. For more information, visit www.thened.com/nomad.

Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
How to Achieve Sales Excellence with Signature Travel Network
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Nathan Parr, a travel advisor from the Travel and Cruise Desk in Oregon, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the Signature Travel Network’s 2024 conference in Las Vegas. Parr discusses winning Signature's sales excellence award and shares his passion for travel in Thailand, emphasizing its broad appeal. Parr explains how Signature's robust resources, including preferred suppliers and AI-powered marketing tools, support his ability to sell Thailand effectively and provide tailored travel options to clients. For more information, visit http://join.sigtn.com.

Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Everything About Disney Treasure You Wanted to Ask
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Mike, a Disney imagineer responsible for many of the interiors on Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Treasure, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what this family focused cruise ship features in an interview just a day after last week’s christening. Disney Treasure offers signature rotational dining, great kids clubs, family-oriented accommodations, fantastic entertainment and so much more. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com.

Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Discover a Boutique Wellness Retreat in Sri Lanka
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Muwas Siddeek, facilities manager for Underneath the Mango Tree in Dickwella, Sri Lanka, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about what makes the 22-room boutique hotel special and how the beach resort’s wellness program includes Ayurvedic treatments. For more information, visit Under the Mango Tree. For more information, visit www.crazyhollmann.com/en/sri-lanka-utmt.

Sunday Nov 24, 2024
How Ireland Hosts One of the World’s Largest Halloween Celebrations
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Odhran Dunne, chief executive of Visit Derry, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Derry Halloween, Europe’s largest Halloween festival held in Derry, Northern Ireland. Dunne discuss the city’s historic roots, the festival's origins as a community event, and its evolution into a major celebration attracting more than 100,000 attendees annually. The four-day event features illuminations, parades, performances, and cultural showcases, culminating in a grand street parade and fireworks. For more information, visit www.DerryHalloween.com and www.Ireland.com.

Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Why You Need to Visit the Titanic Belfast
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Emma Kearney of Titanic Belfast talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why her museum remains a must-visit, even for returning guests. The latest updates to Titanic Belfast focus on the story after the Titanic’s sinking, including new galleries that explore personal stories of passengers, shipbuilders and Robert Ballard, the ocean explorer who discovered the wreck. The refreshed experience combines authentic artifacts with immersive technology to offer a deeper understanding of Titanic’s legacy. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Thursday Nov 21, 2024
How Embark Beyond Is Marketing Luxury Travel in a Whole New Way
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Annie Fitzsimmons, Embark Beyond’s editor in chief in charge of content, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new role developing content for the clients and prospective clients of the host agency’s travel advisors. Using video and engaging social media and more, Fitzsimmons is creating a whole new way to market luxury travel and boost sales for Embark advisors and preferred partners. For more information, visit www.embarkbeyond.com.

Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
How Signature Supports Advisors and Inspires Community Giving
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Jamie Jones, owner of WhirlAway Travel and a member of the Signature Travel Network board, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her insights into her role on the board, the advantages of Signature’s marketing, technology and training support, and her enthusiasm for its nonprofit initiative, Travel Elevates. Jones emphasizes her agency’s focus on luxury travel, her expertise in Africa, and the value of integrating philanthropic opportunities into client experiences. For more information, visit https://join.sigtn.com.

Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
How Embark Beyond Stages Its Innovative Immersion for Advisors
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Jack Ezon, managing partner of Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his innovative Virtuoso host agency and its equally out of box annual conference, held last week in Los Cabos, Mexico. Ezon has his advisors and preferred partners engage in a series of games, contests and networking exercises to collectively turn them into power sellers of luxury travel. For more information, visit www.embarkbeyond.com.

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
How Signature is Transforming Adventure Travel Training
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Karl Kannstadter, vice president of content strategy for exploration at the Signature Travel Network (STN), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his efforts to elevate the profile of adventure travel, including expedition cruises, safaris and active travel experiences for STN travel advisors. By creating tools and resources for advisors and developing personalized connections between advisors and preferred partners, Kannstadter is working to help advisors stay informed and better serve their clients. For more information, visit https://join.sigtn.com.

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
How AREA15 Keeps Delivering Immersive Entertainment in Vegas
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Jim Heilman, vice president-product development for AREA15, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his four-year-old immersive entertainment attraction, which features experiences, art, restaurants and stores, as well as event spaces. Since we interviewed AREA15 back in 2020, it’s grown substantially and now is about to welcome a Universal Studios’ Horror Unleashed next year. For more information, visit www.AREA15.com.

Monday Nov 18, 2024
Discover the Hilarious and Outrageous Shows of SpiegelWorld in Vegas
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Ross Mollison, founder and impresario of SpiegelWorld, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his “alternative” shows now playing in Las Vegas and other venues. From the Absinthe circus to the theater where Atomic Saloon is performed, SpiegelWorld specializes in funny, raunchy performances with circus acts that are almost the antithesis of Cirque de Soleil—and many of your clients will thank you for recommending them. Other shows include DiscoShow and The Hook (in Atlantic City) plus restaurants and bars. For more information, visit www.spiegelworld.com.

Monday Nov 18, 2024
How Signature Is Using AI to Empower Travel Advisors
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Gina Weyer, vice president of training, and Nolan Burris, talent development consultant, both with the Signature Travel Network, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how Signature is using AI to streamline tasks, improve communication and support travel advisors. They emphasize the importance of combining technology with human expertise to enhance client experiences, encourage specialization and drive business growth. This approach highlights AI as a tool to complement, not replace, travel advisors. For more information, visit https://join.sigtn.com.

Sunday Nov 17, 2024
How Signature Travel Network Is Using AI to Revolutionize Travel
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Karen Yates, executive vice president of information technologies for Signature Travel Network, a member-owned travel agency cooperative, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the group's latest technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI). She explains how Signature is helping travel advisors adopt AI to boost efficiency, starting with education and progressively rolling out customizable solutions for cruise and hotel bookings, marketing, and advisor profile creation. For more information, visit http://join.sigtn.com.

Saturday Nov 16, 2024
How Caesars Is Redefining Luxury Villas Once Again in Vegas
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Terrence O’Donnell, senior vice president and general manager of Caesars Palace, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Caesars Palace’s completely renovated luxury villas and suites, which comes as Caesars itself is reinventing itself with new restaurants, new gaming, new accommodations and new suites in Nobu. For more information, visit www.caesars.com/caesars-palace/hotel.

Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Unpack Once and Explore Ireland on This CIE Tour
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Phillip Duffy, tour director for CIE Tours, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Ireland South Daytripper, which allows guests to stay in one hotel in Adare while taking daily excursions across Ireland. Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, Cork, and the port of Cobh. Flying into Shannon Airport, the all-inclusive tour includes most meals and a day and night in Dublin. For more information, visit www.CIETours.com.

Thursday Nov 14, 2024
How Vegas Reinvented Itself Again as the Sports & Entertainment Capital
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Kelly Messina, senior director of leisure travel for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the eve of the second Formula 1 Grand Prix, an event that was a major success for the entertainment capital Messina details how Vegas has become a center for sports, previews new and updated resorts coming online and new forms of entertainment and shows opening around the city. For more information, visit www.TrackMyLasVegasBookings.com, www.visitlasvegas.com, www.lasvegasmeansbusiness.com or www.taconnect.net/rewards/lvcva.

Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Sponsored Interview: How Celtic Tours Has Something for Everyone in 2025
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Alissa Blair, senior reservation coordinator for Celtic Tours, talks about the new tour programs featured by Celtic Tours for 2025 and how Celtic Tours has something for everyone. Blair details new escorted tours as well as new independent tours and also how easy it is to customize with Celtic Tours. For more information, visit www.celtictours.com.

Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Where You Clients Stay with CIE Tours-The Dunraven
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Louis Murphy, proprietor of the Dunraven in Adare, Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the appeal of CIE Tours’ “Day Tripper” experience, allowing travelers to stay at the Dunraven while exploring attractions like the Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry. Murphy shares the Dunraven’s rich history, Irish charm and popular offerings like tableside-carved beef, making it a key feature of CIE Tours’ program. For more information, visit www.dunravenhotel.com or www.cietours.com.
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google,Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
How Family Bonds Is Going Industry Wide
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Jackie Friedman, president of Family Bonds Foundation, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how this travel industry charitable group is moving beyond Internova to get contributions to select those in need and get contributions from the entire industry. With Nov. 13 celebrating Kindness Day, Friedman, who also is president of Nexion Travel Group and chair of ASTA, talks about how Family Bonds fills a need that truly is industrywide. For more information, visit www.familybondsfoundation.com
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google,Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Monday Nov 11, 2024
Discover the Newest and Largest Luxury Resort in Cancun
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Ash Tembe, vice president of global field sales at AIC Hotel Group, talks with Amanda Carlow of Insider Travel Report about his company’s brand-new AVA Resort Cancun, a 1,600-room complex with multiple restaurants, a 66,000-square-foot spa, a massive AVA Bay pool area, a nightclub and even a bowling alley. AVA is perfect for large groups, but also families, couples and more—and it’s only 10 minutes from Cancun Airport. For more information, visit www.avaresortcancun.com.

Sunday Nov 10, 2024
How CIE Tours Features Authentic Irish Craftsmanship
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Denis Moriarty, owner of Moriarty’s, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his family business near Killarney, Ireland, which has operated for over 60 years. The shop offers Irish heritage items, including wool products, tweeds, hand-woven garments, traditional crafts and a unique 60th-anniversary jewelry collection. Located along the Ring of Kerry, Moriarty’s caters to locals and tourists alike, with CIE Tours taking guests there since the 1970s. For more information, visit www.CIETours.com and www.moriartys.ie.

Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Discover the Newest & Most Luxurious Hotel on New York’s Upper East Side
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Pradeep Raman, managing director of The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his newly refurbished property, which quite literally was rebuilt from the ground up. The newest addition to Corinthia’s hotel group, The Surrey offers 100 completed renovated rooms and suites; Casa Tua, an already trendy restaurant and bar; and a dedicated spa and fitness center. It’s Upper East elegance at its finest. For more information, visit www.corinthia.com/en-gb/the-surrey.

Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Discover 300 Years of Irish Sheepdog Farming in Ireland
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Sean Davoren, co-founder of Caherconnell Stone Fort in County Clare’s Burren region, speaks with Alan Fine about his family’s 300-year-old sheep farm and partnership with CIE Tours. Since 2012, Caherconnell has hosted sheepdog demonstrations where trained dogs skillfully herd sheep across rugged terrain, showcasing traditional Irish farming. The site also hosts archaeological digs, revealing artifacts up to 5,000 years old. For more information, visit www.caherconnell.com or www.cietours.com.

Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Discover a New All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun Designed for Gen Z
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Christian Porcayo, social media manager for Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this new Cancun property, the first of the new Hyatt Vivid brand, which is designed for Generation Z and a younger group of adult guests. Hyatt Vivid has great food, an innovative design, extensive pools and a beach club on one of the best beaches in in Cancun. For more information, click on Hyatt Vivid Grand Island.

Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
How Rockhouse Hotel Is Celebrating 50 Years in Negril
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Paul Salmon, owner of Rockhouse Hotel & Spa, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the history of his celebrated resort, which is celebrating 50 years. To commemorate that anniversary, Rockhouse has published a book detailing the celebrity guests, the evolution of the property and why it’s become such an iconic resort in Negril. For more information, visit www.rockhouse.com.

Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
How WorldVIA Became One of the Most Successful Host Agencies
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Jason Block, CEO of Atlanta-based WorldVIA, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his growing travel business, which includes a large host agency that is part of Travel Leaders Network. Block, who is the son of former Travel Leaders President Roger Block, talks about how he got into the industry and what services WorldVIA offers to its hosted advisors. He details some the latest travel trends and how they affect travel agency businesses. For more information, visit www.worldvia.com.

Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Discover a New Way to Book the World’s Top Luxury Hotels
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Adam Deflorian, CEO of AZDS Interactive, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his innovative company, which provides marketing solutions and B-to-C booking engines for top luxury hotels. The big news now is AZDS will develop booking engines that travel advisors can use to book those same hotels as it develops a B-to-B solution—one that it will officially launch at ILTM Cannes this December. For more information, visit www.azds.com.

Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
How American Cruise Lines Became No. 1 on America’s Waterways
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Charlie Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines (ACL), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s dramatic growth on America’s rivers, lakes and coastal waterways. ACL has launched a series of innovative new ships that have helped it become the dominant player in domestic cruising—and Robertson says it will keep growing. For more information, visit www.americancruiselines.com.

Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Unpack Once and Explore Ireland’s Top Destinations with CIE Tours
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Stephen Cotter, managing director of CIE Tours International, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Ireland South Day Tripper, a unique “land cruise” experience that allows travelers to stay in a single hotel in Adare and take day trips to Ireland’s iconic destinations. This all-inclusive tour covers most expenses, letting guests enjoy their journey without additional costs. Cotter also shares information about new Day Tripper options in other countries and an upcoming travel advisor portal designed to streamline bookings. For more information, visit www.CIETours.com. .

Monday Nov 04, 2024
How Cruise Planners Turns Travel Advisors Into Top-Selling Pros
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Scott Koepf, chief strategy officer for Cruise Planners (CP), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the comprehensive training and education CP offers to turn newbies and experienced advisors into top-selling pros. At last month’s CP World, CP unveiled even more programs such as a River Cruise Academy, a CP Learning Genie and more than 25 training events every year. Using his extensive experience with host agencies, Koepf also reflects on why CP has been so successful with over $1 billion is sales. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

Monday Nov 04, 2024
What Will Cruise Planners Think of Next?
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Brian Shultz, chief technology officer of Cruise Planners (CP), the billion-dollar host agency and franchisor, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the latest technology being launch by CP for its member agencies. Shultz reveals CP’s new artificial intelligence solution, a dedicated version of AI called Maxx Intelligence which AP advisors can use to generate business. He also unveils other time-saving tech solutions that seek to save time and boost sales. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

Monday Nov 04, 2024
Vicki Freed Previews Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales, guest services and TK of Royal Caribbean International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her cruise line’s new private destination, Perfect Day Mexico, set to debut on the coast near Costa Maya in 2027. Freed tells you how you can sell this new dedicated destination. It will feature “chill” and “thrill zones like Perfect Day in Coco Cay in the Bahamas, plus restaurants, bars, pools and beaches, all with a distinctly Mexican flare. For more information, visit www.cruisingpower.com or www.royalcaribbean.com.
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google,Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Joe Leon, vice president-sales, Americas at Silversea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Silversea's latest news, the World Cruise 2027, Venetian Society and more. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.

Thursday Oct 31, 2024
How ALG Vacations Promotes the Value of Travel Advisors and More
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Jacki Marks, global head of trade brands for ALG Vacations (ALGV), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Ascend conference in Cancun about ALGV’s campaign to promote the value of travel advisors, the new ALGV Active Pro program and Luxe by ALGV, the growing luxury program. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.

Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Where ALG Vacations Stands Three Years After Being Bought by Hyatt
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Ray Snisky, group president of ALG Vacations (ALGV) talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Ascend conference in Cancun about the benefits of being owned by Hyatt and new branding for ALGV. He also reveals the new destinations served by ALGV, including Europe, the Middle East, Maldives and more. Even more important Snisky talks about how ALGV is much more that a transactional company as it looks to develop a caring relationship with travel advisors and suppliers, most evident in ALGV’s “kindness” campaign. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
How Sandals Helps Support the People of the Caribbean
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the foundation’s many programs in Jamaica and around the Caribbean. During the recent Jamaica Love event on the island, travel advisors and journalists got the chance to see a program where Sandals helps teach Jamaican school children about the importance of coastal mangroves. For more information, visit www.sandalsfoundation.org.
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google,Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Monday Oct 28, 2024
How Cruise Planners Markets Travel and Trains Advisors
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Theresa Scalzitti, chief operating officer for Cruise Planners (CP), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the recently concluded CP World, the host agency franchisor’s annual conference. Scalzitti also describes some of the major new marketing initiatives launched by CP this year, reveals new training and education programs, and highlights other benefits offered by CP. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Who’s Behind the New HX Expedition Cruise Brand
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Gebhard Rainer, the new CEO of HX (formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions) talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new brand from a veteran provider of expedition cruises sailing to the polar regions and beyond. Rainer talks about the reasons behind splitting HX from Hurtigruten, which continues to offer Norwegian coastal voyages and what HX is planning in the future. For more information, visit www.travelhx.com.

Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Three Gamechangers Changing Host Agency Avoya Travel
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Jeff Anderson, co-president of Avoya Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about three new initiatives that will dramatically change his host agency. These gamechangers include a higher premium commission program for its well-known Live Leads program, an expansion of its Elite 100 program for its top advisors which pays 100 percent commission, and a new consumer booking website where Avoya members get the clients and a percentage of the commission. For more information, visit www.avoyanetwork.com.

Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
How Cruise Planners Added AI and More to Help Its Advisors
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Michele Fee, founder and CEO for Cruise Planners, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the myriad tools and programs her host agency has developed to help its advisors, including a revolutionary artificial intelligence (AI) app that offers dedicated Cruise Planners content. Fee also provides an update on sales across all segments. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
How a New Tour Offers the Chance to Experience Pan Am’s Iconic Luxury Brand
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Gary Barteling, managing director of Bartelings' Private Jet Tours, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how he is delivering a luxury travel experience once synonymous with Pan Am World Airways, which ceased operations in 1991. Bartelings is offering two trans-Atlantic tours priced at nearly $60,000 per seat and fully commissionable.To register and for more information, visit https://criteriontravel.com/panam.

Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Sponsored Interview: How Travel Experts Is Celebrating 35 Years as Host
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Travel Experts’ executive team, consisting of Sharon Fake, executive director; Claire Canady, director-NC operations; and Heather McIntyre, director of technology and finance, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Travel Experts’ history, vision and culture going back to its start in 1989. That’s when Susan Ferrell, Travel Experts’ founder and president Susan, launched the firm to enable independent travel advisors to become entrepreneurs with unlimited earnings potential. Thirty-five years later, the company continues to maintain those lofty goals. For more information, call 800-274-2544, email info@travelxperts.com or visit www.travel-xperts.com.