The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Discover Modern River Ship Luxury on Riverside Ravel

Fernando Rodriguez, hotel manager for Riverside Ravel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the sumptuous accommodations, gourmet dining and magnificent service onboard this luxury ship sailing the Rhone River. Riverside is a relatively new brand, but it’s now delivering some of the highest levels of service on the rivers of Europe. For more information, visit www.riverside-cruises.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Why Rental Escapes Is Now Much "More Than Villas"

Willie Fernandez, chief marketing officer for Rental Escapes, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the company's rebranding, which includes a new catchphrase, a redesigned website, a new travel advisor portal, updated marketing materials, and an enhanced mobile app. Fernandez discusses his role in vetting villas worldwide, shares details about his current inspection trip in Turks and Caicos, and explains the company's rewards program for travel advisors. For more information, email marketing@RentalEscapes.com or visit www.RentalEscapes.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Discover Three Kinds of Safaris in Zambia

Angela Chikumbi Chimpinde, first secretary for tourism to the embassy of the Republic of Zambia, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Zambia's three kinds of safaris—on foot, by car or by boat. Chimpinde describes the country's easy accessibility via several international airlines, its national parks, its famous Victoria Falls, and a diverse culture where more than 70 languages are spoken. She also emphasizes Zambia's sustainability efforts and calls on travel advisors to help promote Zambia, noting that visas are now waived for American travelers. For more information, visit www.Zambia.Travel or www.ZambiaEmbassy.org.  

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Explore the Five-Star Kareiga Game Reserve in South Africa

Wayne Howarth, head guide at Kariega Game Reserve at Eastern Cape, South Africa, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about its location along the coast and near the Garden Route, noted for being a malaria-free area, particularly attractive for families and tourists. Howarth describes the lodge's various accommodations, including a five-star product and family-friendly options. He also highlights the region's conservation efforts, including the rewilding of farmland and the establishment of breeding programs for animals like cheetahs. For more information, visit www.kariega.co.za. 

No time to watch this video? Listen to the audio podcast with the same title, available 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.  

What’s the State of the Host Agency Business Today

Anita Pagliasso, CTIE, president of PATH (Professional Association of Travel Hosts) and vice president-industry relations for KHM Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the host agency business after the 15thannual PATH Symposium last month. Pagliasso details the growth the association, how the meeting has become crucial to identifying key issues affecting hosts and suppliers, and how it has helped come up with solutions to those problems. For more information, visit www.path4hosts.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How You Can Become a Wellness Travel Expert

Bev Maloney-Fischback CEO & founder of Wellness Media Company, which includes Organic Spa Media and Wellness Travel University, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her group’s groundbreaking course that gives travel advisors the chance to become wellness travel experts. Maloney-Fischback also details the rise of wellness travel as category unto itself as more people want to explore wellness as a lifestyle. For more information, visit www.wellnesstraveluniversity.com or www.organicspamagazine.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How Dan Bagby Has Turned His Agency Into a Honeymoon-Selling Powerhouse

Dan Bagby, owner of Honeymoon Always, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Travel Leaders Network EDGE conference about how he founded and has grown his travel agency, which is hosted by 58 Stars a member of Travel Leaders Network. Honeymoon Always focuses on the romance, honeymoon and destination wedding market, which has made it one of the top sellers of Sandals Resorts. For more information, visit www.HoneymoonAlways.com or www.travelleaders.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

What’s to Come From Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the growth of the collection, including the opening of 50 new hotels last year. Ueberroth describes the differences between the Legend, LVX, Lifestyle, Residences and Beyond Green brands and highlights the trend of ultra-personalization in luxury travel. She also emphasizes the importance of travel advisors in helping clients choose destinations and introduces a new travel advisor portal launching this fall. For more information, visit www.PreferredHotels.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

 

How Travel Leaders Network Trains the Travel Advisors of Tomorrow

Lea Diele, CTIE, VTA, vice president of education for Travel Leaders Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Travel Leaders EDGE conference about all the training and education her agency consortium provides to help existing travel advisors and new advisors coming from outside the industry. Diele, who received The Travel Institute’s Educational Excellence award at the Travel Leaders conference,  details the full range of training currently available to Travel Leaders’ advisors and their agencies. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Discover a Quiet Boutique Hotel in the Heart of All the Action in Lisbon

Bernardo Trindade, shareholder for PortoBay Group, and Silvia Rio, general manager of PortoBay Liberdade and PortoBay Marques in Lisbon, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about their hotels in Portugal and Brazil. Trindade discusses PortoBay's history, starting in 1988 in Madeira and expanding to 15 hotels in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve and Brazil. Rio describes Portobay Liberdade, a restored palace that now has a resort-like feel. For more information, visit www.Portobay.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

What This Luxury Host Agency Values About Travel Leaders Network

Mike Saladore, owner and co-president of 58 Stars Travel in Seattle, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Travel Leaders Network’s EDGE conference about how his host agency has grown and how his luxury travel business is booming. He also details the services and programs gets from Travel Leaders that help his agency  boost sales. For more information, visit www.58starstravel.com or www.travelleaders.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Discover the Altis Avenida Hotel Dead Center in Lisbon

Ricardo Furtado, sales director for Altis Group, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his company’s five-star hotel in Lisbon, emphasizing its luxurious amenities, central location, and scenic views. Furtado highlights the hotel's historical significance, recent expansions and its inclusion in the Preferred Hotels group. For more information, visit www.PreferredHotels.com, www.altishotels.com or www.altishotels.com/altis-avenida-hotel.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How Travel Advisor Angela Hughes Sees Luxury Travel Today

Angela Hughes, owner of Trips & Ships in Winter Garden, Fla., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury agency, how she sees the luxury travel market today, and why she is a member of Travel Leaders Network. We spoke with Hughes, a contributor to Insider Travel Report and a frequent speaker at luxury travel events, at last month’s Travel Leaders EDGE conference. For more information, visit https://tripsandships.com or www.travelleaders.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Discover Two of the Newest Cutting-Edge Boutique Hotel Brands

Alastair Thomann, CEO of Generator & Freehand Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his growing boutique hotel brands, which have locations in Europe and North America, and are entering the New York and Berlin markets. Generator, which began as a chain of hostels, now offers “affordable luxury” with properties featuring a range of room types from shared to private bedrooms, chill-out areas, bars and cafes. Freehand is a collection of boutique hotels that combine innovative design and award-winning food and beverage. For more information, visit https://staygenerator.com or https://freehandhotels.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How This Mother-Daughter Team Found Success with Travel Leaders Network

Pam Edwartoski and Tricia Bischoff of the Travel Exchange in Troy, Mich., talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Travel Leaders Network EDGE conference about their successful full service travel agency and how they see the future for travel and travel advisors. They also detail how they use Travel Leaders’ services, technology and training to grow their business. For more information, visit www.travelexchangemi.com or www.travelleadersnetwork.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

What is Excellence in Jamaica Except an Adults Only All-Inclusive in Oyster Bay

Nadisha Whyte, assistant general manager at Excellence Oyster Bay, Jamaica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her upscale adults-only all-inclusive resort’s features, and sister properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Whyte describes the various suites, pools, 10 restaurants, 11 bars, spa, gym and entertainment options. For more information, visit www.TheExcellenceCollection.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Where to Be Immersed in Nature and Hospitality in Portugal

Toni Coelho, manager of Quintãs Farm Houses in Arouca, Portugal, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about why his luxury bed and breakfast is so special. A small, six-apartment hideaway, Quintãs Farm Houses includes a private zoo and an equestrian club. It offers privacy for guests, including families, honeymooners and famous football (soccer) players. For more information, visit www.quintasfarmhouses.com or www.visitportugal.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How to Explore the Tourism Riches of New York State

Ross Levi, executive director of the New York State Division of Tourism (I Love NY), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the state’s top attractions this summer, including state parks, the Chautauqua Institution, new museums and resorts. Levi also explains why New York State is working to attract travelers to every corner of the state.  For more information, visit www.iloveny.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

What’s Behind Disney World’s New Tiana's Bayou Adventure

Jillian Rothman, senior show set designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, talks with Sherman Dejohn of Insider Travel Report about how she helped design and storyboard Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the newest attraction in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Previously known as Splash Mountain, the new ride has been completely rethemed around Tiana, Disney’s newest “princess” to reflect New Orleans and Louisiana. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Behind the Scenes at Disney Cruise Line’s New Lookout Cay

Kevin Thomas, senior graphic designer and part of the Disney Imagineering team, talks with Sherman Dejohn of Insider Travel Report about all the intricate design, theming and storyboarding that went into the construction of Disney Cruise Line’s new Lookout Cay. Given a mission to create their own island paradise, that’s what Disney Imagineers did with this new destination in the Bahamas. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Discover the Waterfalls of Portugal's Peneda-Gerês National Park

Marco Ivan, a tour guide with Detours in Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about what visitors can expect with Detours, including both group and private tours of the park. Ivan also highlights the park’s many waterfalls (some for swimming), thermal baths, landscape views, rock climbing and small towns that follow a traditional way of life. For more information, visit www.detours.pt, www.visitportugal.com or www.flytap.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Sponsored Interview: Discover the Latest Unique Offerings from Scenic and Emerald Cruises

Elizabeth Fettes, vice president of sales at Scenic Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new Emerald Kaia luxury superyacht, unique gourmet experiences, wellness retreats, newly released deployments and more. For more information, visit the Travel Advisor Resource Guide. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How EAST Hotels Is Introducing a New Definition of Luxury

Dean Winter, managing director of Hong Kong-based Swire Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the rebranding and growth of the company’s EAST Hotels boutique brand. Winter is banking on a new definition of what luxury is to drive guests to EAST hotels, which currently has properties in Miami, Hong Kong and Beijing with more to come. For more information, visit www.easthotels.com or www.swirehotels.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Get a First Look at Disney Cruise Line’s New Lookout Cay

Jodi Bainter, vice president of domestic leisure sales at The Walt Disney Company, talks with Sherman Dejon of Insider Travel Report about Disney Cruise Line’s new Lookout Cay, the new private island in the Bahamas. Bainter details the attractions and unique features of this island, which can be enjoyed exclusively by Disney Cruise Line guests. For more information, visit www.disneycruiseline.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Why It’s All About the Port in Porto

Ana Margarida Morgado, PR manager for Taylor’s Winery in Porto, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the unique attributes of port, one of the most famous type of wine in the world and one that is only produced in Portugal. Morgado details the different types of port, the vintages and how to enjoy it. For more information, visit www.taylor.pt or www.visitportugal.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Find Out What’s All New at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT

Javier Moreno, senior vice president of Disney Destinations sales solutions, talks with Sherman Dejon of Insider Travel Report about all the new attractions and innovations that have just opened at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT. Disney has been busy over the past year completely renovating the center of the theme park—and now it’s ready for guests to visit. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

What Cruise Line Won Big at the TAP Awards in Portugal

Angelo Impoco, head of air services and strategic partnerships for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which encompasses Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Inside Travel Report about winning the Top Cruise Line North America award at the TAP Air Portugal Awards. Impoco outlines his role in ensuring a seamless experience for guests from their homes to their cruises and highlights the partnership with TAP Air Portugal that offers North American guests extended vacations in Portugal. For more information, visit www.nclhltd.com or www.flytap.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

 

Rediscover South Africa’s Classic Luxury Hotel

Joanne Hayes, head of public relations and marketing for The Oyster Box, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about one of South Africa’s most distinguished and luxurious hotels. Hayes discusses the Oyster Box's history, refurbishment, beachfront location, legacy, and unique features such as a historic lighthouse and Ocean Terrace restaurant. For more information, visit www.OysterBoxHotel.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How Bedsonline Is Evolving Into a Critical Tool for Travel Advisors

Bertrand Sava, general manager for Bedsonline.com, part of HBX Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at HBX Group’s MarketHub in Las Vegas about how this bed-booking technology has become a vital tool for travel advisors who want to be competitive with online travel agencies. Sava talks about how Bedsonline’s growth and how it can help advisors around the world. For more information, visit www.bedsonline.com or www.hbxgroup.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How the Mexican Caribbean Just Keeps Growing as a Major Vacation Destination

Andrés Martínez Reynoso, director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how his region of Mexico, known as the Mexican Caribbean, has grown its infrastructure, number of resorts and attractions. The region, which includes everything from Cancun to the Riviera Maya to Tulum, is now one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. For more information, visit www.mexicancaribbean.travel.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How Celestyal Is Doubling Down on Popular Cruise Itineraries

Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer for Celestyal, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his Greek and Mediterranean specialist cruise lines expansion of existing itineraries, include the “Idyllic Aegean” and “Heavenly Adriatic” made possible by the acquisition of two newly refurbished ships, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery. Haslett also details why Celestyal will launch year-round cruising in the Arabian Gulf with new “Desert Days” itinerary, which both ships will focus this winter starting in November. For more information, visit www.celestyal.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How Bedsonline.com Has Evolved Under HBX Group

Lauren Atlass, vice president-commercial, North America for HBX Group talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at MarketHub, held earlier this month in Las Vegas. Atlass talks about the Bedsonline.com product, the one most familiar to travel advisor, who may even remember its predecessor Travelbound. She offers an update on what advisors can expect from HBX Group in the future. For more information, visit www.bedsonline.com or www.hbxgroup.som.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Why Visit South Africa as it Celebrates Two Anniversaries

Justin Barnette, head of marketing and communications for South African Tourism-North America, speaks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about Africa's Travel Indaba and current tourism trends in South Africa. Barnette discusses a variety of attractions, including wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, adventure tourism and wine tastings. He also highlights two significant anniversaries: 30 years of democracy in South Africa and 365 years of winemaking in the country. For more information, visit www.SouthAfrica.net. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How HBX Group Approaches the Market Today

Carlos Munoz, chief commercial officer for HBX Group (formerly Hotelbeds.com), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at his group’s MarketHub Americas conference , held earlier this month in Las Vegas. Munoz reveals how HBX Group has evolved in just the last few years (including the name change) into much more than just the biggest hotel bedbank in the world, serving the needs of travel advisors, suppliers and third-party websites with hotel and activity content. For more information, visit www.hbxgroup.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

 

How Silversea’s S.A.L.T. Program Has Evolved With Its New Nova Ships

Adam Sachs, director of Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about their experiences visiting a farm in Crete on Silver Moon and a nobleman's home in Sintra, Portugal on Silver Ray's inaugural. Sachs compares these events and the ships to illustrate the evolution of the S.A.L.T. program, which continues to focus on local culinary immersion. For more information, visit www.MySilverSea.com and www.Silversea.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Why Anguilla Is Seeing Record-Breaking Visitor Arrivals and More

Chantelle Richardson, deputy director of tourism for the Anguilla Tourism Board, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the 42nd Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Marketplace. Richardson discusses record-breaking visitor arrivals for 2023 and 2024, and increased direct flights from Miami. Infrastructure improvements include a new airport terminal with runway extensions, enhanced sports and cultural facilities, and the development of a luxury yacht marina. For more information, visit www.IVisitAngilla.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How HBX Group Approaches the Thorniest Issues in Travel Tech Today

Paula Feldstead, chief technology and operations officer at HBX Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at her group’s MarketHub Americas conference, held earlier this month in Las Vegas. Feldstead discusses how HBX Group (known previously as Hotelbeds.com) works to keep at the cutting edge of technology and data for her b-t-b hotel and activity booking tools. She also focuses on how such issues as AI and cybersecurity are affecting travel today. For more information, visit www.hbxgroup.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How HBX Group Is Positioned at the Cutting Edge of Booking Technology

Nicholas Huss, CEO or HBX Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the group’s MarketHub conference in Las Vegas earlier this month about how HBX, formerly known as HotelBeds.com, is finding solutions to b-to-b hotel and activity booking challenges through innovation that enhances the customer experience. HBX Group is most familiar to travel advisors in the U.S. for its bedsonline.com hotel booking system. For more information, visit www.HBXGroup.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How Silversea Celebrated Silver Ray's Inaugural with New Offers and More

Joe Leon, head of sales for Silversea Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report during the  inaugural for Silver Ray in Lisbon. Leon discusses Ray's extensive use of glass for unprecedented destination views, the flexibility in Silversea's door-to-door fares, and the bonus commission points awarded to travel advisors who sell Silversea's expedition product, as well as additional points for selling to new-to-brand customers. For more information, visit www.MySilverSea.com and www.Silversea.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Meet ASTA’s Entrepreneur of the Year-David Shull of Tern

David Shull, CEO and co-founder of Tern, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas, where he and his team won the 2024 ASTA Entrepreneur of the Year award, which was established in 2015 by the Dan and Gloria Bohan Foundation. The $10,000 award is made to businesses that demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit in developing technology and services that travel advisors can use. In this case, Shull developed Tern as an all-in-one platform for advisors that offers everything from  commission tracking and a CRM tool to itinerary building and even AI features. For more information, visit www.tern.travel.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

What Former ASTA Chair Marc Casto Is Up to Today

Marc Casto, former ASTA chair and now CEO of MVC Solutions and Casto Travel Philippines, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the state of ASTA today. Casto says ASTA in the best possible position it’s ever been in, with ASTA President Zane Kerby at the helm, and a successful series of conferences under its belt. What’s Casto up to today? He’s overseeing a company in the Philippines that operates fulfillment centers for large and small agencies, effectively offering a back office solution for virtually any kind of travel agency or travel advisor. For more information, visit www.mvcsolutions.biz or www.casto.com.ph.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How Allianz Is Improving the Travel Insurance Experience

Dan Durazo, director of external affairs at Allianz Partners, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas about Allianz’s new mobile app Allyz Travel Smart, which allows customers to take their travel insurance policy with them, file a claim through the app, find a hospital nearby and even plan flights Allianz also has updated its website for travel advisors at www.allianzAdvantage.com, revised its travel agency handbook and made it easier to file claims through its claims portal. A new Allianz survey also finds Americans will spend a record $221 billion on travel this summer. For more information, visit www.allianzadvantage.com or www.allianztravelinsurance.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How Sabre Is Providing New Content for Lodging and More

Chinmai Sharma, global head-lodging, ground and sea for Sabre Travel Solutions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month's ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas about how Sabre now features more content for hotels and keeps innovating in the lodging space. Sabre now features the best rates and availability for hundreds of thousands of hotels. Sharma also talks about now Sabre coming up with solutions for New Distribution Capability (NDC) for airlines and agencies. For more information, visit www.sabre.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Sponsored Interview: Why Hurtigruten Is the Best Way to See the Northern Lights and More

Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Norway, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her company's exciting new itineraries for 2025-26, highlighting unparalleled Northern Lights viewing, robust sustainability initiatives and the locally sourced cuisine of the Norwegian Coastal Kitchen program. Felin also describes Hurtigruten's industry-leading sustainability initiatives and the difference between the 132-year-old Norwegian Coastal Express and the company's new premium Signature sailings. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Why Goway Travel Rebranded and Launched a New Website

Mitchell Fawcett, vice president of marketing for Goway Travel, which offers tour experiences around the world, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s recent rebranding and introduction of a new website, including GowayPro.com, a completely new section for travel advisors. For more information, visit www.goway.com or www.gowaypro.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How Sabre Is Evolving to Better Serve Your Needs

Todd Arthur, managing director-North America Agency, Americas Delivery & Global Corporate Solutions for Sabre Travel Solutions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month's ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas about the new Sabre Red Launchpad solution for new travel advisors and how it's working to develop New Distribution Capability (NDC) solutions for airlines and agencies. Arthur notes how the GDS is expanding the market in the U.S. and aboard. For more information, visit www.sabre.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Why AmaWaterways Keeps Winning All Those Awards and More

Kristen Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas last month about the awards she and her river cruise line won from ASTA. She updates us about where AmaWaterways is cruising today, where it’s heading in the future and what ships it’s adding to the fleet. This interview took place before AmaWaterways announced it would build a twin mega-river ship to AmaMagna. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

Why Your Clients Should "Stay a Little Bit Longer" in Germany

Ricarda Lindner, regional manager-the Americas for the German National Tourist Office, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about the 50th German Travel Market held in Chemnitz, Germany, highlighting unique aspects of Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025, and the diverse attractions of Saxony. Lindner emphasizes Germany's commitment to sustainability and discusses Germany’s "Stay a Little Bit Longer" campaign encouraging extended stays for richer experiences. For more information, visit www.Germany.travel.

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How Anyone Can Whitewater Raft in Portugal

Pedro Teixeira, founder and operator of Just Come Country Tours and Adventures in Portugal, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about what guests can expect when they book a white-water rafting experience with his company. Teixeira explains why Just Come is the perfect tour for beginner rafters, especially those who may be a bit afraid. For more information, visit www.JustCome.pt. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.

How interCaribbean Airways Helps You Expand a Caribbean Trip

Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his fleet of 35 aircraft that servers 22 destinations in 16 countries. That means travel advisors can easily add and commission more pre- and post-Caribbean Island travel for their clients visiting the region. For more information, visit www.interCaribbean.com. 

 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.