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Insider Travel Report assists travel advisors by discussing the changing travel landscape with a line-up of special guests VIP guests, the movers and shakers...
Episodes
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Robert Young, sourcing manager for Britain, Spain, Italy, and Iceland for CIE Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about CIE's new guided vacations to Spain—plus the tour operator's two additional tours in Ireland and a Sicilian adventure, all new for 2025 travel. For more information, visit CIE Tours’ Best of Spain and Classic Sicily tour pages or click here to download a 2025 brochure.
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Steve Perillo, president and owner of Perillo Tours, and Keith Barron, chief operating officer, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Perillo’s 80th anniversary, recent successes and expansion plans. These include new tours that combine Italy with Greece, Spain and Portugal; a renewed commitment to travel advisors by offering customized trips; an enhanced travel advisor portal; increased social media engagement; and a brand new phone app. For more information, visit www.PerilloTours.com.
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Melissa Terry, experience manager for Chukka Caribbean Adventures at the Ocean Outpost in Sandy Bay, Jamaica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Chukka’s sustainable adventure parks in Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Grand Turk and Saint Thomas. The Jamaica facility offers horseback riding, ATV tours, ziplining, ocean bamboo rafting and catamaran cruises. Terry suggests that travel advisors join a pilot program to include Chukka's tours in their bookings for guests staying in nearby hotels, luxury villas or arriving by cruise ship. For more information, www.chukka.com.
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
Shari Munroe, director of sales and marketing for Aristo Kat Tours Limited of Montego Bay, Jamaica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his private yacht cruises, with a fleet of five yachts, and how his company can entertain groups of 10 to 40 people. Aristo Kat Tours' customizable packages include private chefs, mixologists, snorkeling, DJs and more. For more information, email reservations@AristoKatTours.com or visit www.AristoKatTours.com.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Andres Mocny, general manager of the all-inclusive Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the resort's rapid recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl. Macny also details his resort’s 50-year history, its location near the airport, room types, amenities, diverse dining options, pools, beaches, kids club, spa and fitness center. Managed by Playa Hotels under the Hilton flag, the resort caters to families from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. For more information, visit www.HiltonByPlaya.com/Rose-Hall.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Ray Snisky, group president at ALG Vacations®, along with several travel advisors talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about ALGV's 2024 Kindness Conference, hosting around 100 ALGVPro-certified travel advisors for workshops focusing on spreading kindness—to ourselves, to others and in travel. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Julian Somerville, sales and marketing executive for Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the inn's resilience post-hurricane. She also details its 65-year history hosting celebrities and its amenities, highlighting the beach, spa, suites, cottages, and food and beverage offerings. For more information, visit www.JamaicaInn.com.
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Finn Ackermann, chief commercial officer at Iberostar, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the new JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, the exciting evolution of Iberostar's new brand identity and the company's firm commitment to sustainability. For more information, visit www.iberostaragents.com/us.
The alliance between Iberostar and IHG excludes Iberostar’s interests in Cuba.
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Francisco Betancourt, head of sales for Juliana Hotel Paris, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his very quiet and out-of-the-way property that is just steps from the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, among other Paris attractions. We stayed at this hotel right before the Olympics and found it to be the perfect getaway from the bustle of Paris. For more information, visit www.juliana-paris.com.
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Robin Russell, president of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica's recovery after Hurricane Beryl. Russell highlights how his association’s year-round emergency manual and effective communication using Whatsapp and Starlink helped prepare and coordinate recovery efforts. He praises the Jamaican people for their community spirit and active participation in cleanup efforts. For more information, visit www.VisitJamaica.com and www.JHTA.org.
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Giorgio Rusconi, director of resort operations for Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica. talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his 400-acre resort's efficient recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl, and its division into the traditional Founder's Cove and contemporary Eclipse areas. Rusconi highlights the resort's multi-generational appeal and extensive amenities, including restaurants, bars, golf course, gym, tennis and pickleball courts, horseback riding and spa. For more information, visit www.HalfMoon.com.
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Donovan White, director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourism Board, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica's tourism resilience and recovery from Hurricane Beryl. White discusses the country's preparedness and response strategies. He also addresses U.S. travel advisories, noting improvements in Jamaica's safety perceptions. For more information, visit www.VisitJamaica.com.
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Steve Odell, senior vice president & chief sales officer, for Regent Seven Seas Cruises talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about where his luxury line will take guests in 2026-27, including sailings in Africa & Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, South Pacific, Canada & New England, Caribbean & Panama Canal, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America. Odell also details the new 140-night World Cruise, as well as more overnight stays and immersive voyages offered by Regent’s fleet. For more information, visit www.rssc.com/agent.
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Michelle Lardizabal, chief sales officer at Azamara, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about The Azamara Difference and the benefits for you and your clients. Lardizabal details Azamara’s competitive advantages, the programs that help you sell the company’s cruises and the unique destinations visited. For more information, visit www.connect.azamara.com.
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Linken D’Souza, senior vice president of food and beverage for Royal Caribbean International, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the new Oasis-class Utopia of the Seas. He highlights the ship's innovative dining options, including grab-and-go choices and themed dining designed for a ship with short itineraries. D'Souza also discusses crew training and advanced food prep technology, including a laser that cuts cakes into 100 slices in any shape in 45 seconds without waste. For more information, visit www.cruisingpower.com or www.RoyalCaribbean.com.
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer for Royal Caribbean Group, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the new features and experiences on the Utopia of the Seas. Schneider details some of the changes on this Oasis-class ship, including the introduction of the Royal Railway, an immersive multimedia dining experience, and the Pesky Parrot tiki bar featuring an obnoxious animatronic parrot. There is also an expanded Izumi restaurant with an omakase table, as well as an expanded Giovanni's Italian restaurant. For more information, visit www.cruisingpower.com or www.royalcaribbean.com.
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales, trade support and service for Royal Caribbean International, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Royal's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, which offers shorter three- and four-day voyages. Freed reveals the strategy behind introducing a brand new ship for shorter cruises, and the difference between a vacation and a getaway. She also talks about a new social media tool developed by Royal Caribbean to assist travel advisors. For more information, visit www.LoyalToYouAlways.com and www.CruisingPower.com.
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Stefani Vasileva, shore excursions manager on Riverside Ravel, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a day-by-day description of all the tours and excursions she organizes on the Rhone River for guests on ship. From iconic Roman aqueducts like the Pont du Gard to castles to visits to some of the great Cote du Rhone wineries to truffle hunting, there’s much to see and do on this great river journey from Riverside Luxury Cruises. For more information, visit www.riverside-cruises.com.
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Captain Philippe Stypa, master of the Riverside Ravel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why the Rhone River just might be the best river to start with for your clients interested in river cruising. Captain Stypa has sailed almost his entire career on the Rhone, joining Riverside Luxury Cruises three years ago to take over the Riverside Ravel where guests can explore history, wine and cuisine during their luxury voyage. For more information, visit www.riverside-cruises.com.
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
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.
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Friday Jul 19, 2024
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.
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
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.
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
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.
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
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.
Friday Jul 12, 2024
Friday Jul 12, 2024
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.
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
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.
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
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.
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
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.
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
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.
Friday Jul 05, 2024
Friday Jul 05, 2024
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.
Friday Jul 05, 2024
Friday Jul 05, 2024
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.
Friday Jul 05, 2024
Friday Jul 05, 2024
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.
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
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.
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
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.
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
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.
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
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.
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
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.
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
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.
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
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.
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
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.
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
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.
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
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.
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
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.