The Insider Travel Report Podcast

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.

How TAP Air Portugal’s New Stopover Program Can Benefit Your Clients

Carlos Alberto Mascarenhas Antunes, TAP Air Portugal's director for the Americas, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report at the TAP awards in Lisbon, Portugal. Antunes discusses the TAP Air Portugal Stopover Program, focusing on recent offers and updates, including how TAP passengers can get 25 percent off hotels, experiences and domestic flights.  For more information, visit 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.

How Los Cabos Is Growing Tourism Today

Lilzi Orci, president of the Los Cabos Hotel Association, representing the Los Cabos Tourism Board, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the current developments in Los Cabos. New luxury hotels, premier events and a new marketing campaign are helping Los Cabos emerge as a premier destination. Orci discusses improved flight connectivity and how visitors, predominantly from the U.S., are increasingly coming from Europe and other countries as well. For more information, visit www.VisitLosCabos.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.

Why Saint Lucia Is Focusing on Adventure and Event Tourism

Richard Moss, St. Lucia's senior sales manager for the U.S., talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the 42nd annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) conference about the island's focus on adventure and event tourism. Moss says the island nation is seeing a steady recovery and growth along with its promotion of authentic local experiences. He highlights underwater adventure tourism along with new flight routes, upcoming luxury accommodations, and the return of cruise tourism. For more information, email tic@STLucia.org  or visit www.stlucia.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.

How the New President of Silversea Just Launched Another New Ship

Bert Hernandez, just named president of Silversea, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about  his career path at Royal Caribbean Group, his excitement about leading Silversea, and plans for the brand's growth. That will include leveraging Royal Caribbean's resources, expanding the Nova class of ships, and enhancing culinary and service experiences. Hernandez emphasizes Silversea's commitment to personalized service and innovative itineraries, and expresses gratitude to travel advisors for their support. For more information, visit 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.

What’s New in Marketing at Travel Leaders Network

Steve McGillivray, chief partner marketing officer for Travel Leaders Network parent Internova Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the EDGE conference, held June 8-11 at the Gaylord National Mall in Maryland, about the newest marketing programs that Travel Leaders agency members can use to sell more travel. McGillivray details updates to Travel Leaders Network’s Agent Profiler lead generation program, new social media marketing tools, new booking tools and much more. For more information, visit www.internova.com, www.travelleaders.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.

How Grand Velas Now Offers a Second Boutique Resort in Los Cabos

Andreas Schmidt, general manager of the Grand Velas Los Cabos and the Grand Velas Boutique Hotel in Los Cabos, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at Pleasant Holidays' 10th Elite Experiences conference. Schmidt highlights the differences between the two adjoining five-star luxury all-inclusive properties, including the larger Grand Velas Los Cabos and the adults-only Grand Velas Boutique Hotel. Guests of the boutique hotel can access amenities at the larger property, including, at no extra charge, the only Michelin-starred restaurant at an all-inclusive hotel in the area. For more information, visit www.grandvelas.com, www.PleasantAgent.com or www.PleasantHolidays.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 Jamaica's Big Tourism Boom

Donovan White, director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's annual conference about Jamaica's "Trip Five" strategy aimed at achieving five million visitors and $5 billion in tourism earnings within five years. White highlights the record-breaking tourism numbers for 2023, infrastructure improvements, the focus on new markets and the importance of the tourism workforce. For more information, visit www.VisitJamaica.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 from Explora Journeys with Chris Austin

Chris Austin, president-North America for Explora Journeys, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the newest fleet arrival, EXPLORA II, how supporting Explora Journeys brings results for you, and how to power your business with Explora Journeys’ easy co-branding opportunities. For more information, click on https://explorajourneys.com/int/en/travel-advisors.

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 Barbados Fueled Its Tourism Growth With New Air Service, Hotels and More

Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's 42nd annual conference about efforts to increase Barbados airlift and hotel rooms, and attract major sports events and more. For more information, visit www.VisitBarbados.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.

Insider Video: How to Be a Top Producer With Pleasant Holidays

Lynette Calleros, a travel advisor with the Travel Gals, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how she became one of the top producers honored at Pleasant Holiday's 10th Elite Experiences conference at the Grand Velas Boutique Hotel in Los Cabos. Calleros highlights her success with corporate incentive groups and praises Pleasant Holidays for its supportive group department and more. For more information, visit www.PleasantAgent.com and www.PleasantHolidays.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’ Roger Block Is Going Out on Top

Roger Block, president of Travel Leaders Network, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Travel Leaders Network’s EDGE conference, held earlier this week near Washington, D.C., about why his consortium’s agency members are seeing surging sales and why we are in a Golden Age for travel advisors. Block also tells us why he’s stepping down as president at the end of the year after 16 years and 44 years in the travel industry to take on a senior advisory role. For more information, visit www.travelleaders.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.

How Pleasant Holidays Is Celebrating Growth and Brand New Destinations

Jack Richards, CEO of Pleasant Holidays, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report during the 10th Elite Experiences conference held at the Grand Villas Boutique Hotel in Los Cabos. Richards highlights Pleasant's expansion to 81 countries and 171 destinations; the launch of new destinations like Poland, Taiwan and South Korea; and the addition of 17 cruise lines. He also lists the benefits for travel advisors of working with Pleasant Holidays, including award-winning service, loyalty points and high commissions. For more information, visit www.PleasantAgent.com or www.PleasantHolidays.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.

Travel Leaders’ John Lovell on the Top Trends in the Market Today

John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Travel Leaders Network EDGE conference, held this month in National Harbor, Md., about the key issues affecting the travel market and travel agencies today. Lovell reveals what’s selling, why there’s a need for travel advisors more than ever, why is the Golden Age for advisors and more. For more information, visit www.travelleadersgroup.com, www.travelleadersnetwork.com and 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.

How the Caribbean Is Growing with New Air Service, More Hotels and More Regional Tourism

Nicola Madden-Greig, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the 42nd Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay about how the Caribbean is growing with new air connectivity, new accommodations and regional tourism. Madden-Greig highlights the role of digital solutions and social media in promoting the Caribbean, noting a younger demographic's interest and new generational travel trends. For more information, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.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 Glasgow’s Newest and Coolest Boutique Hotel

Cathal McGettigan, director of The Address Glasgow, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new boutique hotel in the heart of the city. The Address, part of Irish-owned Address Collective, is a design-driven property with a brand new restaurant and pub, North; spacious rooms and suites; and service that reflects the great hospitality of this friendly city. For more information, visit www.theaddressglasgow.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 Rome’s Iconic Hassler Hotel Carries On Under the Wirth Family

Verushka Wirth, co-owner and co-manager of the Hassler Hotel with her twin brother Roberto Wirth Jr., talks with James Shillinglaw about her iconic Rome hotel located at the top of the Spanish Steps. Together the Wirths continue to deliver the same great  service and hospitality that their late father, Roberto Wirth, perfected as Rome’s legendary hotelier (click HERE for our interview with Roberto Wirth). Verushka details what’s new at the property and what’s to come. For more information, visit www.hotelhasslerroma.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.

Virtual Roadshows Panel: How to Sell Luxury Accommodations Around the World

The luxury accommodations market has exploded over the past few years, with more options for luxury clients than ever before. From luxury all-inclusive resorts to villas and luxury homes to lodges and boutique hotels, there is something for every one of your clients. This panel examines what luxury options are available for you to book and how to choose the right upscale accommodations to suit your client. This panel, moderated by Alan Fine, chief multimedia officer for Insider Travel Report, includes Willie Fernandez, chief marketing officer for Rental Escapes (www.rentalescapes.com);  Xavier Pineda, director of sales and marketing, Marriott All-inclusive by Bonvoy (all-inclusive.marriott.com); and Libby Cooke, CEO of Antipodal (www.antipodal.net) representing Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels in Chile. To watch the entire Virtual Roadshow on demand, RSVP for free at www.taconnect.travel/2024-agent-reg-lux-vrs.

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 “One” to Book in London’s Covent Garden

Janine Marshall, general manager of One Aldwych, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her historic London property, housed in the former headquarters of the Morning Post newspaper. With a unique exterior design, the hotel features large recently renovated opulent suites and a landmark lobby bar—plus it offers special experiences tied to the surrounding Covent Garden neighborhood. For more information, visit www.onealdwych.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 Story of the Stone of Destiny in Scotland

Mark Hall, collections officer at the Perth Museum in Perth Scotland, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the artifacts and historical objects at his museum, with the famed Stone of Destiny featured as the main attraction. The Stone of Destiny has been used in the coronation of Britain’s kings and queens for centuries. It’s all part of an extended fam trip hosted by VisitScotland this past April. For more information, visit www.perthmuseum.co.uk or www.visitscotland.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 ASTA Did in Dallas at the Renamed Travel Advisor Conference

Jackie Friedman, chair of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and president of Nexion Travel Group, sits down with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report to review what ASTA accomplished at its first Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas, which attracted roughly 1,500 advisor and suppliers. More to the point, ASTA used the event to celebrate its victory over American Airlines, which pulled back unilateral implementation of New Distribution Capability (NDC), and introduce a renewed Verified Travel Advisor certification program. For more information, visit www.asta.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.

What We Really Think About Seabourn and More

In a bit of a role reversal, Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn, interviews James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, and Steve Smotrys, vice president of sales and trade relations for Seabourn, about the luxury line’s new expedition ships, destinations, experiences and much more. Looks like Natalya wants our job! For more information, visit www.seabourn.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.

Time for a Wee Dram of Single Malt at Glen Garioch

Christina Wright, visitors center manager for Glen Garioch in Oldmeldrum, Scotland talks with James Shillinglaw about her comprehensive tour of one of the country’s oldest distilleries, which naturally culminates with a series of tastings of different whiskies, with an explanation of how to appreciate the famed drink. This was all part of a VisitScotland fam trip in April. For more information, visit www.glengarioch.com or www.visitscotland.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.

Virtual Roadshows Keynote: How Luxury Has Evolved on the Rivers of the World

Alex Pinelo, senior vice president of sales for AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury cruise line, how it evolved into an upscale product with accommodations, dining and experiences to match the market. Pinelo also details the rivers and destinations that make AmaWaterways the best way to explore the world in style, as well as who the river cruise line caters to today, what training it provides to travel advisors and more. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com. To watch the entire Virtual Roadshows-Selling Luxury Travel on demand, RSVP for free at www.taconnect.travel/2024-agent-reg-lux-vrs.

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 Book the Best Wellness Resort in Italy

Lorenzo Giannuzzi, managing director of Forte Village Resort and Palazzo Fiuggi, talks to James Shillinglaw about his unique Palazzo Fiuggi wellness resort, which offers all manner of spa, detox. exercise and medical treatments to help your clients live longer and transform into better versions of themselves (even Oprah has stayed there). Giannuzzi also gives us an update on his Forte Village on Sardinia, which we visited six years ago. Forte Village now has even more hotels and restaurants than before, as well as its own wellness experiences. For more information, visit www.palazzofiuggi.com or www.fortevillageresort.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 Experience Nature in the Highlands of Scotland

Jenny Sime, business development manager for Cairngorms National Park, talks to James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how your clients can experience the natural side of Scotland, the rolling hills, forests and mountains of the Highlands during a visit to the national park. It was all part of a VisitScotland fam trip we experienced earlier this year that covered much of Scotland. For more information, www.visitcairngorms.com  or www.visitscotland.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 the Perfect Hotel Base to Explore the Scottish Highlands

Marian Muller, general manager of the Grant Arms Hotel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her charming inn in the village of Grantown-on-Spey, which is just minutes from whisky distilleries and spectacular national parks. It’s the perfect location to base your clients during their Scottish Highlands sojourn. We visited this hotel during a fam trip hosted by VisitScotland. For more information, visit www.grantarmshotel.com or www.visitscotland.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 Regent Seven Seas Is Now Even More Inclusive Than Before

Shawn Tubman, senior vice president of sales for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Regent’s new plan to provide guests with even more inclusions on the cruise line’s luxury cruises, including new options on air and a chauffeured transfer. Find out more by seeing this video interview. For more information, visit www.rssc.com/agent. 

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 Dubai’s Newest Luxury Hotel-The Lana

Richard Alexander, general manager of The Lana Dubai-Dorchester Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand new luxury property in downtown Dubai, providing guests with spectacular suites, great restaurants and a rooftop pool and bar with amazing views of the Burj Khalifa and more. For an interview with Alexander more than a year ago when the resort was under construction, click Here. For more information, visit www.dorchestercollection.com/dubai/the-lana.

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 ASTA Celebrated a Great Victory and More in Dallas

Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about last week’s successful and newly renamed Travel Advisor Conference where ASTA heard that American Airlines had backed down from unilaterally implementing NDC and instituting restrictions on how passengers could earn AAdvantage frequent-flyer miles. ASTA also unveiled plans to expand its Verified Travel Advisor program for members. For more information, visit www.asta.org or www.traveladvisorconference.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.

What’s the State of Luxury Travel According to Virtuoso

David Kolner, executive vice president of Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Virtuoso Symposium, held in Dubai last month, about the latest trends in the luxury travel marke. Kolner reveals what Virtuoso members are seeing in sales for this year and beyond, what luxury travelers are booking, what factors are influencing the luxury market, and how Virtuoso agencies are looking to hire even more travel advisors. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.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 Discover the Scottish Highlands at a Unique Outdoor Museum

Jo Watkins, assistant operations manager of the Highland Folk Museum in Scotland, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her unique museum where visitors can step back in time and experience life in the Highlands from 1700s to the 1950s. The museum has more than 35 historical buildings onsite for visitors explore and discover how people in the Highlands lived, worked, went to school and enjoyed their leisure time. For more information, visit www.highlifehighland.com/highlandfolkmuseum or www.visitscotland.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.