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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

Jan 22, 2026
Jan 22, 2026
8 min
Anne Vanneste, co-owner of De Halve Maan (Half Moon), Bruges' oldest continuous brewery, talks with James Shillinglaw about her family-owned company, which offers a wonderful tour, restaurant and beer store showcasing Flanders’ top beverage. Vanneste also tells us about the only beer pipeline in the world stretching from downtown Bruges to the bottling plant just outside town. For more information, visit www.halvemaan.be/en.

Jan 22, 2026
Jan 22, 2026
9 min
Janet Bava, chief commercial officer for Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report in PortMiami just before the christening of Star Seeker, her line’s newest small ship. Bava details how you should sell this new vessel, which is starting in the Caribbean before heading through the Panama Canal and up to Alaska and then on to Japan over the next year. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

Jan 21, 2026
Jan 21, 2026
7 min
Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the day the brand’s new Star Seeker was christened in Miami. Prelog describes the 224-guest ship, the first newbuild for his line, giving it a fleet of seven ships with an eighth on the way. Sun Seeker is beginning with cruises to the Caribbean and will sail through the Panama Canal before heading up to Alaska and then Japan. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

Jan 21, 2026
Jan 21, 2026
11 min
Tom Pieters, our private guide from Visit Flanders, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of the medieval town of Bruges, with its classic Belfry Tower overlooking the main square, its canals, picturesque buildings, churches and cloistered hidden garden. Pieters also takes to the town’s De Halve Maan (Half Moon) brewery, which we’ll feature in a separate Insider Video later this week. For more information, www.visitflanders.com.

Jan 20, 2026
Jan 20, 2026
10 min
Lindsey Pearlman, president of Travel Leaders Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the group and its advisors did last year and the outlook for this year. Pearlman, who was named president last June, also details the programs and services that Travel Leaders advisors can use to develop profitable businesses at a time when it’s great to be an advisor. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.

Jan 20, 2026
Jan 20, 2026
20 min
Marco Frank, trade and partnerships manager-North America for Visit Flanders, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about our brief tour of Flanders, which has a completely different culture, history and cuisine from the rest of Belgium. In Part II of the interview, we explore Ypres and Ghent. For more information, visit www.visitflanders.com.

Jan 19, 2026
Jan 19, 2026
22 min
Marco Frank, trade and partnerships manager-North America for Visit Flanders, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about our all too brief tour of Flanders, which has a completely different culture, history and cuisine from the rest of Belgium. In this Part 1 segment, we explore Brussel and Bruges. In Part 2, we’ll tour Ypres and Ghent. For more information, visit www.visitflanders.com.

Jan 19, 2026
Jan 19, 2026
18 min
Taylor Ahlsmith Ruecking, the brand-new president of The Travel Institute, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his plans for the non-profit group, which educates travel advisors about the travel profession and supports all their training needs. Ruecking, the son of long-time Travel Institute supporter, the late Scott Ahlsmith, also comes to the job with 11 years of experience at the educational group. For more information, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com.

Jan 18, 2026
Jan 18, 2026
10 min
Laurent Grima, director of operations at Cour de Loges, A Radisson Collection Hotel in Lyon talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this wonderful hideaway in the medieval old town combining Renaissance charm with a five-star property. The hotel is surrounded by great restaurants and attractions, but it also has its own soon-to-be Michelin Star restaurant helmed by Chef Anthony Bonnet. For more information, visit https://courdesloges.com/en or www.radissoncollection.com.

Jan 18, 2026
Jan 18, 2026
26 min
Nicola Butler, founder of Noteworthy, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury destination management company offering tour programs in London, England, Scotland, Ireland, Paris and Normandy. Butler also tells us how Noteworthy will celebrate 40 years of providing unique experiences to its upscale clientele and travel advisor partners. For more information, visit www.noteworthy.co.uk.

Jan 16, 2026
Jan 16, 2026
24 min
Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her cruise line’s plans to renovate all three of its ships, starting with Azamara Quest this year. Quest will even get a new deck that will feature 12 big suites, a new Atlas Bar and revamped restaurants and lounges. It’s all part of a major rebirth for the destination-immersion focused Azamara. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.

Jan 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2026
10 min
Greg Habeeb, chief development officer for WorldHotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about his growing group of independent luxury hotels and hotel brands. WorldHotels is on a hot streak, as we’ve been reporting recently, and it’s adding properties around the globe to suit your clients’ needs. For more information, visit www.worldhotels.com.

Jan 14, 2026
Jan 14, 2026
9 min
Spyros Kouris, CEO of Numo Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his collection of upscale beach resorts in Greece. From the Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort in Crete to the Numo Mykonos Boutique Resort, From the The Royal Senses Resort & Spa and The Royal Blue Resort & Spa in Crete to the Troulis Apart Hotel, Numo offers a wide range of luxury accommodations, And in 2026 it will open the Conrad Corfu. For more information, visit https://numohotels.com.

Jan 14, 2026
Jan 14, 2026
13 min
Jalsa Urubshurow, founder and CEO of Nomadic Expeditions and Three Camels Lodge, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about his thoroughly original company offering tours of Mongolia, India, Nepal and Tibet, as well as Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia. Born in the U.S. to Mongolian parents, Urubshurow offers a fascinating account Mongolian politics and culture and how to experience it with his luxury tour operator. For more information, visit www.nomadicexpeditions.com and www.threecamellodge.com.

Jan 13, 2026
Jan 13, 2026
7 min
Bridgette Bienvenu, director of sales and marketing for the Tampa Edition, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about her luxury property in the heart of Tampa, which opened in the fall of 2022. Beinvenu makes a case that the hotel is the most luxurious in the city, with designer rooms, top restaurants and hip lounges befitting the Edition brand. For more information, visit www.editionhotels.com.

Jan 13, 2026
Jan 13, 2026
8 min
Stuart Campbell, a luxury hotel and resort developer representing Eagle Creek Hospitality talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about the still-to-open Viceroy Resort Sun Valley in Ketchum, Idaho. Campbell details the plans for a property, including rooms, dining, access to the slopes and much more, which is on track to open in June 2026. For more information visit www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.

Jan 13, 2026
Jan 13, 2026
8 min
Lisa O’Conner, group director of sales & marketing for Carlisle Bay Antigua, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about her resort, an old sugar plantation that opened in 2004. O’Connor details updates to the accommodations, dining, guest programs and more of this quintessential Antigua luxury property. For more information, visit www.carlisle-bay.com.

Jan 13, 2026
Jan 13, 2026
9 min
Robin Stangroom, CEO of The Set Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about how his group of luxury hotels has grown from three properties in 2021 to 12 hotels in the U.K., Netherland, Mexico, Greece, Israel, Philippines, Jamaica, Thailand and China. Indeed, it’s a whole new Set for the upscale collection of unique hotels and resorts. For more information, visit www.thesetcollection.com.

Jan 12, 2026
Jan 12, 2026
15 min
Join Dominique Meyer, resident manager of JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, for an exclusive sponsored Insider Access tour of this breathtaking property located right on Eagle Beach. JOIA Aruba by Iberostar offers an all-suite escape where contemporary island design, ocean views, and personalized butler service create effortless relaxation, all guided by its Wave of Change commitment to sustainability. Guests enjoy exceptional dining across three restaurants and five bars—including a rooftop venue—featuring responsibly sourced seafood, premium drinks, and thoughtful touches like reef-safe practices. Rejuvenate at the serene spa with ocean-view cabanas and island-inspired treatments, knowing each stay supports a more sustainable future for Aruba and beyond. For more information, visit www.Iberostaragents.com.

Jan 11, 2026
Jan 11, 2026
12 min
Claudio Meli, general manager of The Place Firenze, part of The Hospitality Experience, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his very upscale boutique hotel in Florence and more. Belli, selected as the hotelier of the year at last year’s Virtuoso Travel Week, also reveals what it takes to be the consummate general manager and what it takes to get in the Hospitality Experience collection. For more information, visit www.theplacefirenze.com or www.thehospitalityexperience.it.

Jan 11, 2026
Jan 11, 2026
8 min
Francois Delahaye, chief operating officer for Dorchester Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show, about his famed group of luxury hotels in the U.K., France, Italy, the U.S. and Dubai. Known as the consummate hotelier, Delahaye tells us what’s new at Dorchester Collection and the company’s plans for the future. For more information, visit www.dorchestercollection.com.

Jan 9, 2026
Jan 9, 2026
11 min
Jeanette Ho, global head of brand and commercial for Banyan Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about her famed Bayan Tree Asian resort and spa brand, which just reached resorts around the world, including its first property in Singapore. Ho details Banyan’s growth and its plans for hospitality in the future. For more information, visit www.banyantree.com.

Jan 9, 2026
Jan 9, 2026
9 min
Gregor Wateler, general manager of Jing An Shangri-La Shanghai, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about his tenure overseeing the brand’s flagship property. A veteran Shangri-La general manager, Wateler previously managed the Pudong Shangri-La and other properties in the brand, which is well-known as one of the most luxurious hotel companies in Asia and the rest of the world. For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com.

Jan 7, 2026
Jan 7, 2026
6 min
Vangelis Daktylides, one of four Greek brothers who owner Myconian Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his collection of 14 boutique properties on the island of Mykonos. Daktylides details how his resort company has grown on the island and the authentic experiences it delivers. For more information, visit www.myconiancollection.gr.

Jan 7, 2026
Jan 7, 2026
9 min
Kalia Konstantinidou, co-founder and group executive officer of Empiria Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her collection of boutique luxury resorts in Greece on the islands of Santorini, Paros and Peloponnese. Konstantinidou describes these properties and how her company works to create the best Greek experience for your clients. For more information, visit www.empiriagroup.gr.

Jan 7, 2026
Jan 7, 2026
10 min
Wolfgang Greiner, senior vice president for Althoff Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his company’s newest property, The Florentin, located in Frankfurt, Germany. The former Villa Kennedy, The Florentin offers guests an urban retreat in the middle of the bustling city of Frankfurt. For more information, visit www.althoffhotels.com or https://taj-hessischer-hof.com.

Jan 7, 2026
Jan 7, 2026
4 min
Albert Mayr, general manager of the upcoming Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about his brand-new Taj property in the heart of Frankfurt. The Taj Hessischer Hof, set to open in February as the first Taj property in mainland Europe, transforms the historic Hessischer Hof hotel near the Messe (trade fair) into a luxury destination featuring Indian heritage, the Bombay Brasserie and the iconic Jimmy's Bar. For more information, visit https://taj-hessischer-hof.com.

Jan 5, 2026
Jan 5, 2026
7 min
Andrea Grisdale, founder and CEO of IC Bellagio, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about what’s hot, what’s new and what’s luxury in Italy for 2022. Grisdale talks about what regions of Italy are growing increasingly popular, where to find off-the-beaten path destinations, and what experiences IC Bellagio can provide to your high-end clients. For more information, visit www.icbellagio.com.

Jan 5, 2026
Jan 5, 2026
7 min
David Tobin, founder of DreamEscape U.K., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his bespoke destination management company offering designed trips to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Using a team of experienced travel design planners, dedicated guides and expert curators, DreamEscape can handle every aspect of a client’s journey from concept to completion, as well as private access to attractions, sights and activities usually off-limits to the public. For more information, visit https://dreamescape.co.uk.

Jan 4, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
15 min
Ler Medina, general manager of UNICO Riviera Maya, and Ash Tembe, vice president of sales and marketing for North America at AIC Hotel Group, talk with Olivia Fleming of Insider Travel Report about the adults-only all-inclusive resort, its emphasis on local culture, art and gastronomy, and what distinguishes UNICO in the luxury all-inclusive market. For more information, visit www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com and www.allinagents.com.

Jan 4, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
14 min
Milena Milic, sales and marketing director for Casa del Mar, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about her boutique hotel’s casa-style approach in Montenegro, its focus on local gastronomy, and how it serves as a base for exploring the Bay of Kotor. She also discusses working with local partners and supporting artists and community programs. For more information, visit https://casadelmare.me.

Jan 1, 2026
Jan 1, 2026
10 min
Francine Carter, representative of the Jamaica Tourist Board, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica’s recovery two months after a Category five hurricane, including which resort regions and attractions are open, cruise and air access, and the pace of rebuilding across the island. She also discusses reliable sources for real-time updates and the role of tourism in supporting communities and workers. For more information, visit www.visitjamaica.com.

Jan 1, 2026
Jan 1, 2026
14 min
Kyle Mais, managing director of the Jamaica Inn, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the property’s recovery in Ocho Rios two months after Hurricane Melissa, its location on Jamaica’s north coast, and why the inn was able to reopen quickly. He also discusses nearby attractions that have opened, including Dunn’s River Falls, nature and cultural experiences, and community tourism initiatives. For more information, visit www.jamaicainn.com.

Dec 29, 2025
Dec 29, 2025
13 min
Danesha Clarke, director of sales and marketing for Ocean Eden Bay and Ocean Coral Spring, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica after Melissa, the Category 5 hurricane, including the state of power, water and connectivity at the resorts and what travelers can expect today. Clarke also discusses giveback efforts, support for employees and communities, family and adults-only resort options, and what attractions are accessible today. For more information, visit www.oceanhotels.com.

Dec 29, 2025
Dec 29, 2025
9 min
How different types of accommodations cater to the family market today with even more features. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report talks with Jhenelle Clarke, leisure sales coordinator for Princess Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica about how an all-inclusive can fulfill the needs of your family clients.

Dec 29, 2025
Dec 29, 2025
10 min
How different types of accommodations cater to the family market today with even more features. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report talks with Tina Lee-Anderson, director-leisure sales for Atlantis Bahamas, about how a large, full-service luxury resort can meet the needs of your family clients.

Dec 29, 2025
Dec 29, 2025
14 min
Andrés Cope, general manager of S Hotels Jamaica, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about visiting Jamaica today, the island’s recovery after Hurricane Melissa, and how S Hotels has supported relief efforts while welcoming guests back to Montego Bay. Cope also discusses meaningful travel, ways visitors can give to local communities, and what makes the Jamaican-owned S Hotels special. For more information, visit www.shotelsjamaica.com.

Dec 25, 2025
Dec 25, 2025
17 min
How can you work with destination management companies (DMCs) and destination specialists to customize the perfect family vacation? This interview examines how one of these companies, ANZCRO, a DMC for Australia and New Zealand, organizes a trip that includes hotels and resorts, transfers, sightseeing and activities suitable for family travel. James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, interviews Nick Guthrey, CEO of ANZCRO.

Dec 25, 2025
Dec 25, 2025
11 min
Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his group’s dramatic expansion in revenues and independent properties and hotel chains around the world. Hartley details how travel advisors can work with GHA to find the perfect hotel for their clients. For more information, visit www.globalhotelalliance.com.

Dec 24, 2025
Dec 24, 2025
6 min
Chris Walker, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about how travel advisors remain one of LHW’s most strategic partners, representing 40 percent of global revenue and driving double-digit growth. LHW also is deepening its investment in the travel trade through expanded resources, targeted tools, and personalized support, and rewarding advisor loyalty. For more information, visit www.lhw.com.

Dec 24, 2025
Dec 24, 2025
12 min
Can an expedition cruise to a remote destination be the perfect family vacation? We talk to an expedition cruise specialist about how they organize a family vacation, including what ages they cater to, what accommodations they offer, what dining options they have and what experiences they provide that make an expedition cruise a truly unifying experience for families. James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, interviews Nazli Rodriguez, marketing and sales manager for Australis.

Dec 24, 2025
Dec 24, 2025
24 min
How top destinations cater to the family travel market with suggested tours, itineraries, hotels, activities and more. This panel examines in depth what these destinations offer for family travel and how travel advisors can sell them. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel that includes: Fernanda Rosas, account director, Baja California for the U.S. and Canada Tourism; Francisco Blanch, director-leisure sales for Discover Puerto Rico; and Melanie Schinkel, Aussie Specialist program manager-the Americas for Tourism Australia.

Dec 23, 2025
Dec 23, 2025
8 min
Lindsey Ueberroth, president and CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about the many new properties that have joined Preferred over the last year. Ueberroth also details how travel advisors can profit from booking Preferred hotels as well as its grown “green” hotels group, Beyond Green. For more information, visit www.preferredhotels.com and www.beyondgreen.com.

Dec 22, 2025
Dec 22, 2025
25 min
John Diorio, vice president and managing director for Celestyal, talks with James Shillinglaw about his destination-focused cruise line, which is basing two ships in the Gulf of Arabia right now, offering immersive sailings of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oatar, Oman, Bahrain and more. Diorio also details the relaunch of Celestyal’s training program, now called Celestyal Stars, and other programs to help travel advisor sell more Celestyal. For more information, visit www.celestyalcompass.com.

Dec 22, 2025
Dec 22, 2025
39 min
What can stimulate more togetherness than experiencing a tour program to a top destination and visiting historic sites, great scenery and great destinations as a family. This panel examines how top tour operators cater to the family market with special programs and activities. Moderated by James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, the panel includes Kathy Writer, president of Celtic Tours; Simon Jones, business development director-Central Region & Africa for Ultimate Jet Vacations; Shauna Sullivan Reilly, director of sales & trade marketing for Tauck; and Cory McGillivray, vice president, of sales operations and channel marketing for the Globus family of brands.

Dec 21, 2025
Dec 21, 2025
11 min
Shawn Tubman, senior vice president of sales, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about the future for the ultra-luxury cruise line as gets ready for the first of a whole new class of ships next year when Seven Seas Prestige makes its eagerly awaited debut. Tubman also details all the programs Regent has for travel advisors to help them sell even more of its cruises. For more information, visit www.rssc.com.

Dec 21, 2025
Dec 21, 2025
28 min
How can you work with destination management companies (DMCs) and destination specialists to customize the perfect family vacation? This panel examines what these companies provide and how they can organize a family trip. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel that includes: Mina Agnos, president or Travelive; Émilie de Vigan, senior experience designer for Decouvertes DMC France; and Jane Behrend, president of Emerging Destinations.

Dec 19, 2025
Dec 19, 2025
7 min
Nikheel Advani, chief operating officer and co-founder of Grace Bay Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his collection of spacious, luxury resorts in Turks and Caicos. Advani gives us an update on his flagship property, Grace Bay Club located on the famed Grace Bay Beach, and tells us about his newest resort, South Bank. For more information, visit www.gracebayresorts.com.

Dec 19, 2025
Dec 19, 2025
12 min
Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys and Chris Austin, president-North America, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes, about their luxury lifestyle brand at sea. Nash and Austin reveal the latest plans for their growing fleet of designer ships, as well as new itineraries, new features and amenities, and new programs and support for travel advisors to help them better sell this unique luxury experience. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.

Dec 17, 2025
Dec 17, 2025
10 min
Nikola Piric, representative of Forza Group, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about luxury hotels, restaurants and experiences along Montenegro’s coast, including Porto Montenegro, boat tours, and a cable car linking the seaside with mountain views. He also discusses locally sourced dining and how travelers can combine coastal, cultural and nightlife experiences in one trip. For more information, visit https://forzagroup.me and https://www.montenegro.travel.
