The Insider Travel Report Podcast

The View of Travel From Vacation Express

Rene Jongmans, president of Vacation Express, talks with James Shillinglaw about his Atlanta-based tour wholesaler focused on the Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica, including its major products and services, resorts, how the company has survived the coronavirus crisis, and how he sees travel emerging in late 2020 and into 2021. For more information, visit www.vacationexpress.com.

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

 

Travel Quest Network’s New Agency Hosting Program

Jason Block, CEO of Travel Quest Network and Bonnie Lee, president, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their host agency’s new Associate Agency Program, which aims to recruit small agencies to become members of the network so they can benefit from its services and run their businesses better. For more information, visit www.travelquestnetwork.com.

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

What AAA Diamonds Is Doing During the Crisis

Scott Hammerle, AAA Diamonds program director, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the updated hotel and restaurant program, how AAA is handling the coronavirus crisis as hotels have been closed, and when the next Diamonds program ratings will be released. For more information, visit www.aaa.com/diamonds.

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

 

Discover Kensington Tours’ New Resort Collection

Alison Hickey, president of Kensington Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her company’s new Resort Collection programs available at top hotels and resorts in several different regions of the world. For more information, visit www.kensingtontours.com.

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

 

How to Work Better From Home in the Age of COVID

Karen Mangia, vice president-customer and market insights for Salesforce, who has just written a book on “Working From Home: Making the New Normal Work for You,” talks with  James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how travel advisors, many of whom have been working from home for years, can find new ways to  more effectively operate their home-based businesses during the pandemic. To get the book, visit www.wiley.com/en-us/Working+From+Home:+Making+the+New+Normal+Work+for+You-p-9781119758921

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

How One Host Agency Is Finding New Sources of Income

Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner for Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his next wave host travel agency is developing new programs, such as Embark World Academy and Embark Longer, to generate new sources of income. Embark World Academy helps younger travelers virtually experience unique educational programs developed by luxury resorts around the world. For more information, visit www.embarkbeyond.com.

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

 

Why Marriott Is Backing the New “Let’s Go There” Campaign

Brian King, global officer for Marriott International, and co-chair of the U.S. Travel Association’s new “Let’s Go There” campaign, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report  about why now is the right time to get Americans thinking about traveling again, how the campaign will roll out and how travel advisors can use it to get their own clients to book. For more information,  visit www.letsgothere.travel.

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

 

How the Borgata is Back in Business in Atlantic City

Melonie Johnson, president and chief operating officer for The Borgata, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her marquee Atlantic City casino resort, owned by MGM Resorts, is coming back from the COVID-19 crisis, what facilities are open, and how business has been so far. Johnson also talks about her role breaking barriers as the first African-American woman to head up a major casino resort. For more information, visit www.theborgata.com.

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

 

What Seatrade Has Planned for Its Virtual and Live Cruise Conferences

Chiara Giorgi, global brand director for Seatrade Cruise, talks with  Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the initial failure of cruising to start up in the U.S., the sputtering yet more successful start in Europe, as well as the new Seatrade Cruise Virtual conference scheduled for Oct. 5-8, 2020, which will include a panel of CEOs from Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises. Giorgi also previews the 35th edition of the Seatrade Cruise Global Conference, now scheduled for April 12-15, 2021 in Miami. For more information, visit www.seatradecruiseevents.com and www.seatradecruiseglobal.com. 

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

Learn All About the ATMEX Adventure Travel Mexico Virtual Show

Antonio del Rosal, coordinator of ATMEX (Adventure Travel Mexico) 2020, talks with James Shillinglaw about this virtual event, set for Oct. 25-28, which is being “hosted” by Loreto in Baha California Sur. Del Rosal details the adventure travel operators and destinations exhibiting, seminars and speakers, special activities, and how U.S. travel advisors can sign up to attend. For more information, visit www.atmex.org/en.

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

Why The Travel Corporation Is Reorganizing Its Sales Team

Jon Grutzner, president of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, talks with James Shillinglaw about why The Travel Corporation is reorganizing its travel agency sales team to sell its premium and luxury brands. Dubbed The Velvet Collection, these brands include African Travel., Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Red Carnation Hotels, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and U by Uniworld.  

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

Meet the Man Behind Silversea’s S.A.L.T. and S.A.L.T. Podcasts

Adam Sachs, a three-time James Beard Award-winning food, travel and lifestyle writer and editor, and former editor in chief of Saveur magazine, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Silversea Cruises, the new ship Silver Moon, the culinary adventure called S.A.L.T. for Sea and Land Taste, and the new S.A.L.T. podcast series on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.

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

 

Meet the New CEO of Youth Tour Operator Contiki

Adam Armstrong, the new CEO of Contiki, talks with James Shillinglaw about his mission to evolve the famed youth travel brand designed for travelers age 18-35, how the company has dealt with the coronavirus crisis, what a Contiki tour is today, new programs planned for 2021, and how the company plans to work with travel advisors here in the U.S. For more information, visit www.contiki.com.

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

Getting Americans Traveling Again with “Let’s Go There”

Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new “Let’s Go There” campaign, backed by 75 major U.S. travel companies and organizations. The campaign aims to get Americans to start thinking about traveling again as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic and is based on consumer research that shows travelers are ready to make travel plans. For more information, visit www.letsgothere.travel. 

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

Meet the New Apple Leisure Group Vacations President

Ray Snisky, the new president of Apple Leisure Group Vacations (ALGV), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his transition from Funjet president to his current position, the mission he has been given, what ALGV has done to help travel advisors through the pandemic, what destinations are coming back, as well as Ascend, ALGV’s upcoming virtual conference in October. For more information, visit www.appleleisuregroup.com. 

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

 

Discover Long Island for That Great Getaway Trip

Kristen Jarnagin, president and CEO of Discover Long Island, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why  Long Island is so special for a domestic getaway for New Yorkers or other visitors coming from nearby states. She reviews top accommodations, natural and historic attractions, activities and events, and top dining. Plus Jarnagin describes Discover Long Islands moves to hire a new health and wellness ambassador and launch a new Downtown Deals pass for visitors. For more information, visit www.discoverlongisland.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast -- with supplemental pictures and video -- can be found on Youtube by searching for the podcast's title.

Discover Kimpton’s Resort Empire in Key West

Cheryl Martin, general manager for Kimpton Key West, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new resort complex, which includes not just one but five separate properties catering to slightly different markets but reflect the laid-back ambience of Key West. For more information, visit www.kimptonkeywest.com. 

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

What’s the New Strategy for Omni Hotels

Peter Strebel, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s new strategic plan for growth in the leisure, corporate and meetings markets, even as it seeks to sell five properties and refocus on its core business. For more information, visit www.omnihotels.com.

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

What Seabourn’s New President Has Planned for the Luxury Line

Josh Leibowitz, who was named president of Seabourn earlier this year, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about when the luxury cruise line will begin cruising again, how the delay in launching the Seabourn Venture expedition ship has impacted itineraries around the world, how Seabourn is supporting its valued travel advisors during the crisis and more. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.

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

Meet the Host of Travel TV's "All the Best with Zita Keeley"

Zita Keeley is a cook, author, world traveler, specialist in fine wines and a travel advisor, who just happens to have a "foodie" travel TV show currently available worldwide on Amazon Prime. She talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how she developed her TV show and the plans she has for it during an unsure future for travel. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/All-Best-Zita-Keeley/dp/B089FKDW42 and www.allthebestwithzita.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast -- with supplemental pictures and video -- can be found on Youtube by searching for the podcast's title.

How to Combine Two of the Largest Travel Agencies in the U.S.

Angie Licea, president of the Protravel International/Tzell Travel Group division of Internova Travel Group,  talks with James Shillinglaw about her company’s strategy to mesh two of the largest luxury travel agencies in the country, including the choice of  a single consortium partner, a new combined marketing department, common supplier relationships, new technology support and how to keep top travel advisors on the team.

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

How Las Vegas is Coming Back Big Time!

Kelly Messina, senior director of leisure sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Las Vegas is back in business as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis, how LVCVA is already running travel advisor fam trips, and how it's staging the Only Vegas Virtual Expo for advisors on Wednesday, Sept. 9. To sign up for the show, visit https://attendee.onlyvegasvirtualxpo.com/count-down.

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

How Globus Is Supporting Travel Advisors Through the Crisis

Scott Nisbet, CEO of the Globus Family of Brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how Globus has navigated through the coronavirus crisis, how it’s worked with travel advisors, particularly by implementing a new commission program, and how it’s refocused its tour brands on domestic U.S. vacations, including the Undiscovered U.S.A. For more information, visit www.globusfamilypartner.com.

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

 

How to Get Treasure Boxes From Family Twist, French Luxury Family Travel Specialist

Magali Dechelette, founder and CEO of Paris-based Family Twist, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her luxury  family travel specialist operator is marketing to customers and travel advisors using Treasure Boxes. No it’s not buried treasure, but a box with games, activities and more promoting Paris or Italy. It’s designed to get families excited about traveling in Europe again for 2021. For more information, visit www.family-twist.com.

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

Matthew Upchurch on the Future of Travel Post-COVID

Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how COVID-19 pandemic has affected luxury travel, what kind of travel products and services Virtuoso clients want today, what’s going to happen to travel advisors as a result of the crisis, and the value of advisors in a post-coronavirus pandemic future. This is part two of a two-part interview. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.  

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

Matthew Upchurch on Virtuoso’s First Virtual Travel Week

Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the luxury travel network’s first virtual Virtuoso Week, how Virtuoso will stage events in the future, how he is working to restructure his luxury consortium, and what marketing and technology his group will focus on now and in the post-COVID-19 future. This is part one of a two-part interview. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com. 

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

Who’s Behind Those New Health & Safety Travel Protocols?

Remy Piazza, chief sales officer  for Bureau Veritas, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his company helps travel and hospitality companies develop health and safety protocols to protect guests from the COVID-19 virus, as well as what you need to know about the virus and how the crisis might play out in the future. For more information, visit www.bureauveritas.com. 

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

How Signature Is Supporting Agency Members During the Crisis

Alex Sharpe, president and CEO of Signature Travel Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, in part two of a two part interview, about how his travel agency cooperative is using new and upgraded marketing, technology and training programs to help its travel agency members meet the challenges of a COVID-19 plagued travel world. For more information, visit www.signaturetravelnetwork.com.

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

 

Top Travel Stories of the Week on “Travel in Ten” (8/24/20)

Join Insider Travel Report’s James Shillinglaw and Alan Fine as they review the top stories of the week on the fourth edition of ITR-TV’s “Travel in Ten” newscast. Top stories this week include look at travel warnings and policies required to visit the Caribbean and Mexico; a look at Signature Travel Network's Virtual Connections event; how resorts like Palmaïa on the Riviera Maya are developing long-stay "work away" programs; a tale of two MSC Cruises ships; resorts offering coronavirus pandemic travel insurance, how Americans are confused about restrictions imposed by cities, states and countries; Palace Resorts offering "go to school" on vacation programs for kids; why Delta and United are ramping up flights to China; WTTC's new dashboard tracking the recovery of travel; and a look at top roller coasters at sea and on land celebrating National Roller Coaster Day. Email james@insidertravelreport.com or alan@insidertravelreport.com with your comments and suggestions on future newscasts.

If interested, the original video of this podcast with supplemental pictures and video can be found on Youtube by searching for the podcast's title.

How Signature Is Taking a Virtual Road to Recovery

Alex Sharpe, president and CEO of Signature Travel Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report,  part one of a two part interview, about how his agency cooperative is using its virtual event, launched this week, as a way to help member agencies recover from the effects of the pandemic. Sharpe talks about how new commission programs developed with suppliers are helping Signature members get revenue now, how the group has experienced surprisingly little attrition so far, and how he believes Signature could be even stronger as we emerge from the crisis next year. For more information, visit www.signaturetravelnetwork.com. If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on Youtube by searching for the podcast's title.

 

How Travel Tech Has Evolved Over 25 Years with Passport Online

Greg White, senior vice president-technology and operations for Passport Online Inc., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the development of travel agency travel technology over the past 25 years that his company has been in business. White talks about the technology that Passport Online has developed and where travel technology might be heading in the future. For more information, visit www.passportonlineinc.com. 

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

How Iconic Luxury Hotels Is Growing in Europe & Beyond

Petra Deuter, executive director for Iconic Luxury Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about a collection of high-end hotels you may not have heard about before. Iconic began in the U.K. with some classic properties but is now expanded to Venice with plans to open up in other European countries and even the U.S. For more information, visit www.iconicluxuryhotels.com. 

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

How Crystal Is Celebrating 30 Years in Business

Carmen Roig, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Crystal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the luxury cruise company, which includes ocean, river, expedition and yacht experiences, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Roig details the history of Crystal going back to 1990, how Crystal has been working through the COVID-19 crisis, Crystal’s new health and safety standards, and how it’s working with travel advisors to celebrate its milestone. For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com. 

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

 

Top Travel Stories of the Week on “Travel in Ten” (8/17/20)

Join Insider Travel Report’s James Shillinglaw and Alan Fine as they review the top stories of the week on the third edition of ITR-TV’s “Travel in Ten” newscast. Top stories this week include UnCruise Adventures' cancellation of its season even though a guest ended up testing negative not positive for COVID-19, why major U.S. cruise lines are "pausing" operations well into December, how European cruise lines are restarting sailings this month, why the U.S. Virgin Islands is closing its borders once again because of spikes in the virus, why the travel industry and ASTA are pushing Congress to return from its recess to pass relief legislation, what top cruise and hotel companies posted major losses for the second quarter, a look at  the virtual version of Virtuoso Travel Week, why Barry Diller is buying a big stake in MGM Resorts, our memories of veteran travel executive Jim Smith who passed away last week, and why we are celebrating our own 1,000 Insider video. Email james@insidertravelreport.com or alan@insidertravelreport.com with your comments and suggestions on future newscasts. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast with pictures of many of the locations can be found on Youtube by searching for the podcast's title.

How Red Carnation Hotels Grows by Focusing on Its Roots

Vicki Tollman, executive director and owner of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her family-owned luxury hotels in the U.K., Switzerland, South Africa and the U.S.; how it selected the properties in the group; the unique design of each hotel; how the company is expanding in the near future; and how it’s dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. For more information, visit www.redcarnationhotels.com. 

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

 

Discover a Domestic Vacation Just North of New York City

Natasha Caputo, director of Westchester County Tourism & Film, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the vacation options, attractions and accommodations available in this diverse county just north of New York. She talks about the range of top hotels and resorts, including a new addition the key natural and historical attractions, activities  and events and fine dining that travelers can experience during what just might be the perfect drive getaway for New Yorkers and others in the Northeast. And spoiler alert, Insider Travel Report is based in Westchester and we grew up here, so we just might be a bit biased. For more information, visit www.visitwestchesterny.com.

If interested, the original video of this podcast with pictures of many of the locations can be found on Youtube by searching for the podcast's title.

How Tourism Cares Is Sticking to Its Mission

Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the mission of his non-profit organization has changed and hasn’t changed in the new age of COVID-19 travel as it promotes sustainable tourism around the world. He also details what virtual and live events Tourism Cares will stage this year and next, how his group is educating the travel industry about sustainable tourism and how it’s planning new membership categories to get more travel advisors and individual travel executives to join. For more information, visit www.tourismcares.org. 

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

How Dream Hotels Is Returning to Let Guests Dream Again

Jay Stein, CEO of Dream Hotel Group, talks with  James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how his company, which has multiple brands in the four- and five-star category has gotten through the crisis, reopening its first hotels this month, although it still has more to reopen. Stein also details how the crisis has affected Dream’s hotel development plan, how COVID-19 has hit the New York City hotel market in particular,  and how the pandemic has affected the hotel industry overall. For more information, visit www.dreamhotelgroup.com. 

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

Top Travel Stories of the Week on “Travel in Ten” (8/10/20)

Join Insider Travel Report’s James Shillinglaw and Alan Fine as they review the top stories of the week on the second edition of ITR-TV’s “Travel in Ten” newscast. Top stories this week include the U.S. State Department's lifting of the Global Level 4 Health Advisory on international travel, the challenge faced by small ship lines in restarting their business amid the pandemic, the breakdown in talks that could prevent more government relief from getting to thousands of travel advisors, the reimagining of the U by Uniworld river cruise brand, ABC Global Services’ purchase of CCRA, MSC Cruises’ new health and safety protocols as it gets ready to sail in the Mediterranean this month, Intrepid Travel's first tour back to Greece, the new Virgin supersonic space plane, Universal Orlando layoffs and the suspension of work on the Epic park, and new "working from home" packages developed by top resorts and destinations. Email james@insidertravelreport.com or alan@insidertravelreport.com with your comments and suggestions on future newscasts.

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

Michelle Fee on How Cruise Planners is Responding to the Crisis

Michelle Fee, founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, talks with James Shillinglaw about what Cruise Planners is doing help its travel advisor franchisees during this critical, including extensive training and education, supplier updates, and a schedule of virtual events and even one live one. Fee also details how Cruise Planners is preparing its advisors to sell cruises when the crisis has passed and what it will take to get cruising back in 2021. For more information, visit www.cruiseplanners.com.

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

 

Behind the Big ABC-CCRA Deal

James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Dic Marxen of CCRA and Eric Altschul of ABC Global Services about ABC’s purchase of CCRA and how the merged companies will help travel advisors, hotels and other suppliers. 

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

 

Can Top Hotels Deliver Luxury Service Amid the Pandemic

James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, about a new survey his luxury hotel guide service completed of top general managers around the world to discover if they could still deliver luxury service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Forbes Travel Guide found that even during the pandemic, these general managers were finding creative new ways to provide service as they dealt with staffing shortages, new protocols mandated by the COVID-19 crisis, and other operational challenges and budgetary limitations. For more information, visit www.forbestravelguide.com.

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

 

 

Why Norwegian Is Extending Its Peace of Mind Policy and Travel Advisor Support

Katina Athanasiou, chief sales officer for Norwegian Cruise Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about NCL's suspension of cruising to Oct. 31, beyond the CDC's "no sail" order ending now on Sept. 30; how the cruise line is protecting guests' money; and NCL's program of personal outreach to travel advisors in real time through so many virtual meetings. For more information, visit www.ncl.com. 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on Youtube by searching for "Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Suspension, Peace of Mind and Travel Advisor Support"

 

Top Travel Stories of the Week on “Travel in Ten”

Join Insider Travel Report’s James Shillinglaw and Alan Fine as they review the top stories of the week on ITR-TV’s first “Travel in Ten” newscast. Top stories this week include challenges to the restart of cruising, how Virgin Galactic’s new spacecraft is shaping for space tourism, and a new lobbying effort to get more government relief for travel advisors. Other stories featured include cruises that are actually sailing now, top travel leaders signing on to back COVID-19 prevention measures, Classic Vacations offering travel advisors a new way to book vacation rentals, Crystal Cruises celebrating a 30th birthday, a new VIP experience at the Empire State Building, Holland America giving the historic Rotterdam name to yet another ship, and Disney Cruise Line offering a complete musical performance virtually. Email james@insidertravelreport.com or alan@insidertravelreport.com with your comments and suggestions.

 

If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on Youtube by searching for:
ITR-TV: See the Top Travel Stories of the Week on “Travel in Ten”

 

Why ASTA’s Zane Kerby Is Defending Cruising and More

Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), talks with James Shillinglaw about why he wrote a column calling for an end to the demonization of cruise lines by the government, what ASTA hopes to get in another round of federal funding, and why travel advisors should sign up for ASTA Global Live, the new virtual conference taking place Aug. 25-28. For more information, visit www.asta.org. If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on Youtube by searching for the podcast's title. 

 

How COVID-19 Impacts Travel Law Part II

Jeff Miller, our Travel Law Insider and long-time travel law specialist, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report in Part II of their interview. In this segment, Miller examines how the coronavirus crisis has changed travel insurance in a variety of ways, how it has affected online travel agency bookings versus traditional agency bookings, as well as how the pandemic has affected travel law and travel in general. You can ontact Miller at Jrmiller486@gmail.com. 

 

The original video of this podcast can be found on Youtube if you search for the podcast's title there. 

How COVID-19 Impacts Travel Law Part I

Jeff Miller, our Travel Law Insider columnist and long-time travel law expert, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on about the legal implications of the coronavirus crisis. In this first of two interviews, Miller talks about whether travel advisors should seek COVID-19 waivers from clients, as well as how different industry segments are dealing with cancellations, refunds, rebookings, future credits and more. Contact Jeff Miller by emailing jrmiller486@gmail.com.

How eRoam Can Help You Sell More Domestic Travel

Bob Gilbert CTC, commercial director-North America for eRoam, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how this itinerary building and booking product can help travel advisors book more domestic vacations during these critical times when Americans are barred from traveling internationally. eRoam, recently named to Virtuoso’s Incubator program, can create itineraries for hotel, transportation, activities and tours for destinations throughout the U.S. For more information, visit www.eroam.com.

Is There a Life on TV for This Former Cruise Executive?

Denella Ri’chard left Holland America Line at the beginning of June after serving most recently as senior director-trade engagement and onboard sales. Caught up in the downsizing that all cruise lines are experiencing, she then had to figure out what to do next. In this interview, she talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the opportunity she was given to host her own TV show, “Travels with Denella” on the CJC Network and other outlets. Her goal with the show is to inspire travelers to dream about future trips. The show began this past Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET and and will run five more times with the possibility of a additional episodes.

A New DMC Makes Its Debut in the British Virgin Islands

Sharon Flax Brutus, founder of White Oleander Destinations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how she started her destination management company earlier this spring after resigning as director of tourism for the British Virgin Islands. A well-known Caribbean destination executive, Flax Brutus is now trying to start a company focused on selling travel programs to the B.V.I. even as the islands’ tourism industry has taken a major hit due to the coronavirus crisis. But she vows White Oleander will succeed eventually by focusing on the high-end traveler and working with luxury travel advisors. For more information, visit www.whiteoleanderdestinations.com.