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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
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Ray Snisky, group president of Apple Leisure Group Vacations, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report during Ascend 2025 in Cancun about the company’s continued investment in travel advisors through its three core pillars—product, progress and partnership. Snisky highlights the global expansion of the all-inclusive model, new brand alliances with Bahia Principe and Playa Hotels & Resorts, technology upgrades, and his ongoing commitment to protect advisor commissions. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Erica Totora, director of marketing for JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this relatively new luxury hotel located in downtown Tampa. The property comes complete with large rooms and suites, new restaurants and a rooftop bar, all within easy access to the city’s key attractions and entertaining neighborhoods. For more information, visit https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tpajd-jw-marriott-tampa-water-street/overview.
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her cruise line’s plans introduce Destination Immersion cruising to Alaska on Azamara Pursuit next summer. Ritzenthaler also reveals how she is working to add more AzaMazing evenings, overnights, longer stays in port to all cruises on Azamara’s four-ship fleet. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Hazel McGuire, chief marketing officer for Intrepid Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about a new product line from her adventure travel operator. Short Breaks are four- to six-day adventures for time-pressed travelers seeking immersive travel experiences. The range includes 10 new itineraries across Latin America and Europe and 45 refreshed trips worldwide, curated to fit a condensed timeframe. For more information, visit www.intrepidtravel.com/short-breaks.
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Gerald Glennon, general manager of Espacio, Jewel of Waikiki, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM North America in the Bahamas about his uber luxury boutique property in Oahu. With just nine full floor suites, Espacio delivers the essence of luxury and high-end cuisine with a dedicated staff catering to guests’ every need. For more information about this very special resort, visit www.espaciowaikiki.com.
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
David Hu, president of Pleasant Holidays, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the company is changing its brand structure to better serve travel advisors. A | T Holdings is the new holding company that will feature four brands: Pleasant Holidays for all travel advisors, Members First for AAA advisors (AAA owns Pleasant), Evoke | Inspire for luxury advisors, replacing luxury travel brand Journese, and Pleasant Activities. Hu explains how this new structure will make it easier for advisors to sell more travel. The company is developing new websites for all its brands but for now advisors can continue to use www.pleasantagent.com and www.journese.com.
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Michael Tibetts, founder and CEO of Salterra in Turks & Caicos, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand new resort on South Caicos offering great beaches, sumptuous accommodations, and gourmet dining, For more information, visit www.salterra.com.
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Sarah Sundstedt, chief marketing officer for Eterniti Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America about her company’s collection of luxury and commissionable villa rentals at sun and snow resorts around France and beyond. For more information, visit www.eterniti.com
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Gisele Abrahao, CEO of Global Vision Access, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Brasil DNA, a multi-media tourism campaign, including a Virtual Roadshow, Nov. 4-6, produced by Insider Travel Report and TAConnect. Brasil DNA connects North American travel professionals with the authenticity, culture and natural beauty that make Brazil an unforgettable destination. In partnership with Embratur (Visit Brasil) and leading destinations and travel partners, this campaign invites travel professionals to go beyond brochures and immerse themselves in what truly defines this extraordinary country. Learn more about Discover Brasil DNA and register at https://bureaumundo.com/brasil-dna. To register and attend the Virtual Roadshow for free, visit www.taconnect.travel/2025agentregbrasildna-vrs.
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Liz Fettes, chief commercial officer for Cunard, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Queen Elizabeth’s Caribbean season and where the ship will be for the rest of the year. Queen Elizabeth just starting to homeport in Miami offering a series of sailings to a diverse group of Caribbean islands. Then next year she will be doing a series of cruises to Alaska. For more information, visit www.cunard.com or www.onesourcecruises.com.
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Jason Stafford, managing director of Manoir Hovey in Quebec, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America, held earlier this month, about his iconic lakeside luxury retreat just over the New York State border. With individually designed accommodations, gourmet restaurants and a large spa, this property is the perfect getaway for couples. For more information, visit www.manoirhovey.com.
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Piangduan Kloyarun, vice president-sales & marketing for Lebua Bangkok, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America earlier this month about this extraordinary urban resort depicted in movies like “The Hangover Part 2.” Lebua Bangkok features sumptuous accommodations, multiple restaurants, shopping and more in the heart of Thailand capital city. For more information, visit www.lebua.com.
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Joy Jibrilu, CEO of Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America, held earlier this month at Baha Mar in Nassau, the Bahamas. Jibrilu tells us how the destination continues to grow with new resort sand new resort features, anchored by the two mega-resorts in the region, Baha Mar and Atlantis Bahamas. For more information, visit www.nassauparadiseisland.com.
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Feisal Jaffer, global head of LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Brooke Thomas, brand leader of Curio Collection by Hilton, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM North America, held at Baha Mar in the Bahamas. Jaffer details the latest developments in LXR’s luxury resort brand, while Thoms reveals new members of the Curio Collection. For more information, visit www.hilton.com.
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Jacqueline Leibl-Cote, president and CEO of Collette, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her family-owned tour company has introduced a new tagline, a new video and even a new song—along with a whole new slate of tours for 2026. Leible-Cote tells us how Collette is making big changes to its branding and product mix. For more information, visit www.gocollette.com.
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Richard Fain, chairman and former CEO for Royal Caribbean Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Fain’s new book “Delivering the WOW.” The book delivers both a running account of Fain’s time at Royal Caribbean and the lessons he and his team learned in how to develop innovative, even revolutionary cruise ships and products that “wow” guests. To buy the book, click on Amazon “Delivering the WOW.”
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
John McEnroe, a legend in tennis and in broadcasting tennis, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the John MacEnroe Tennis Center at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, the Bahamas. McEnroe tells us about his youth tennis centers in New York and the Bahamas and what he hopes to accomplish. For more information, visit www.bahamar.com. To set up a group at the tennis center, email Derron Donaldson, director of racquets at derron.donaldson@bahamar.com.
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Tawnee Sons and Julie Irovando, top-producing travel advisors with Cruise Planners, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Wonder of the Seas during Cruise Planners’ annual conference about how they built a thriving family business around group travel. The two share how Cruise Planners’ technology, training and supportive community have helped them grow from selling small escorted church trips to handling groups of up to 600 guests. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Adam Martindale, a Cruise Planners travel advisor, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Wonder of the Seas during Cruise Planners’ annual conference about how he turned decades in food and beverage management into a thriving travel business specializing in luxury, food and wine cruises. With Cruise Planners’ support and technology, Martindale was able to find his niche, build strong supplier relationships and embrace innovation to triple his business since 2019. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar Resort, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report during ILTM North America, held earlier this month, about what’s new and what’s planned at his signature property in Nassau, the Bahamas. The Jazz Club at Baha Mar is now featuring a full schedule of performances and Leola, Celebrity Chef Scott Connant’s new Italian restaurant, is in previews getting ready to open later this fall. There’s also a new Podcast studio opening at Baha Mar and a fourth hotel—being added to the Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood in the complex—is under construction just down the beach. For more information, visit www.bahamar.com.
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Simon Mayle, event director for ILTM North America and PROUD Gathering, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about last week’s luxury travel event at the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, the Bahamas. This 13th annual event, co-located with the PROUD LGBTQ+ conference, attracted well over 1,000 luxury travel advisors and luxury vendors. For more information, visit www.iltm.com/northamerica.
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Brian Shultz, chief information officer of Cruise Planners, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Wonder of the Seas during the company’s annual conference about the newest technology innovations transforming how travel advisors work. Shultz explains how Cruise Planners’ AI confirmation import tool, Trip Summary 3.0, Flight Checker and Max Media streamline marketing, reduce errors and save advisors valuable time. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Captain Sverre Andreas Rod, master of HX Expeditions’ MS Spitsbergen, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report in East Greenland about navigating some of the world’s most remote waters and what sets HX apart after more than 130 years of polar exploration. Angela also interviews expedition guides Lois Fleming and Rubio Carmona (pictured above) about wildlife encounters, the contrasts between East and West Greenland, and the variety of activities available for travelers of all ages. For more information, visit www.travelhx.com.
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Scott Koepf, chief strategy officer for Cruise Planners, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Wonder of the Seas during the company’s annual convention about the franchise’s education and training philosophy. Koepf explains how Cruise Planners integrates online learning with in-person programs like Star University, Boot Camp and Tech Days to help advisors master marketing, sales and technology while building their businesses. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Theresa Salzitti, chief operations officer for Cruise Planners, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard Wonder of the Seas during the company’s annual conference about new marketing tools for travel advisors. Salzitti explains how Cruise Planners’ “full surround sound” strategy—combining direct mail, digital campaigns, social media automation and AI-driven insights—helps member travel advisors reach the right clients more efficiently and grow their business. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with his tour guide Tom from Lip Smacking Foodie Tours about one of the company’s patented food tours in Las Vegas, this one featuring three restaurants—Sushi Samba, Sugarcane and Milos—in the Venetian and Palazzo resorts. As Tom explains, that’s only one of Lip Smacking’s food tours of Vegas. For more information, visit www.lipsmackingfoodietours.com.
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Michelle Fee, founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report during the company’s annual convention aboard Wonder of the Seas about record sales, advisor success stories and new business tools. Fee explains how Cruise Planners supports its network through hands-on coaching, tiered incentives and AI-powered technology designed to save time and boost productivity. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report interviews representatives of Les Trois Vallees French ski resorts about why they have one of the largest combined ski areas you can book in the French Alps. Those representatives include Gilles Leonard, director general and CEO, for Meribel Tourism; Justine Taglang, press officer for Val Thorens; and Anne-Laure Deves, press officer for Val Thorens. For more information, visit www.les3vallees.com/en.
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Massimo Baldo, vice president for Europe and the Maldives–Asia area at Palace Resorts, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report at Baglioni Hotel Luna in Venice about Palace’s expansion into Europe through its acquisition of Baglioni Hotels & Resorts. He outlines the brand’s luxury repositioning, new culinary partnerships, the Baglioni tours program connecting its hotels in Venice, Rome, Florence and Milan, and plans to invest $1 billion in new properties across France and Greece. For more information, visit www.baglionihotels.com.
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Kelvin Murray, director of expedition operations for HX Expeditions, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his new role guiding the company’s next chapter after 130 years of exploration. Murray shares how HX combines comfort with authentic science-based expeditions and continues to lead responsibly in some of the world’s most remote regions. For more information, visit www.travelhx.com.
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Jamie Henson, founder and director of the Shongwe brand, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, about the growth of his boutique lodges—Shongwe Lookout, Shongwe Oasis and the soon-to-open Shongwe Simbisa. Henson shares how the brand supports the local community through preschool education, a program employing single mothers to collect and repurpose waste, and a refillable water bottle initiative that has cut plastic use by 20,000 bottles a year. For more information, visit https://shongwelookout.com.
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Mariano Dima, chairman of Civitatis, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Skift Global Forum in New York, about how his company works with travel advisors to help their clients explore the world. Civitatis is a leading online platform for booking activities, day trips and guided tours in the most visited tourist destinations in the Spanish-speaking market. For more information, visit www.civitatis.com.
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Hayley Beer-Gamage, CEO of Experience Oxfordshire, talks with Jeanie Fang of Insider Travel Report at Destination Britain in Playa del Carmen, Mexico about why Oxfordshire is the perfect base for travelers seeking both English heritage and modern comfort. Beer-Gamage highlights must-see attractions like Oxford University, Blenheim Palace and its literary landmarks, as well as new hotels, countryside resorts and resources for travel advisors. For more information, visit www.experienceoxfordshire.org.
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report talks with Maui hotel executives about how visiting the island helps support recovery efforts after the wildfires, as well as what travel advisors need to know about sending clients there now. This video was shot during a recent Apple Leisure Group Vacations trip in support of Maui called "Pros in Paradise." Featured hoteliers include Kathleen Tabbilos, leisure sales manager at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort; Susan Farkas, director of wholesale sales at Aqua-Aston Hospitality representing Aston Ka'anapali Shores, and Wilmont Kahaialii, Hawaiian cultural consultant; Michael Pye, regional vice president and general manager of Fairmont Hawaii; Sara Bill, assistant director of sales-leisure, at Grand Wailea Maui; Emily Endres, regional sales and marketing manager for Hyatt Resorts Hawaii; Amber Tesoro, director of leisure sales at Outrigger Ka'anapali Beach Resort; Joanna Nakihei, senior transient sales executive at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa; and Nate Ugale, senior transient sales executive at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Rob Jones, media relations executive for Visit Wales, talks with Jeanie Fang of Insider Travel Report at Destination Britain in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, about why Wales should be on every traveler’s U.K. itinerary. Jones highlights new accommodations, castle restorations, cultural festivals dating back to 1176, and resources for travel advisors available at www.visitwales.com and traveltrade.visitwales.com.
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Hannah Demaio, vice president of Women Leading Travel, now a Skift brand, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Skift Global Forum in New York about her group’s goals to put more women at the highest levels of travel and tourism. Demaio showcases the meetings scheduled for her group, the annual listing of powerful women executives in travel and the networking events designed to empower more women in the business. For more information, visit www.womenleadingtravelandhospitality.com or www.skift.com.
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Chris Austin, president of North America at Explora Journeys, speaks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the upcoming debut of EXPLORA III, the brand’s newly announced Asia and Alaska itineraries, and why these expansions are resonating with luxury travelers. For more information, visit www.ExploraJourneys.com.
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Seth Borko, head of research at Skift, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Skift Global Forum in New York about the group’s survey on how different types of AI are impacting travel and another survey on how travel companies are facing a challenge hiring great talent. For more information, visit www.skift.com.
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sarah Kopit, editor in chief of Skift, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Skift Global Forum in New York about Skift’s new version of its “power” list of travel executives, which this year focuses on those it considers to be risk takers. Skift also published a separate list of women travel executive risk takers. Beyond that, Kopit provides us with her highlights of this year’s Skift Global Forum. For more information, visit www.skift.com.
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report interviews Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, and John Lovell, special advisor and board member for Virgin Voyages, about the cruise line’s new VoyagerFair Choices. Saverimuttu and Lovell explain the reasons behind the new tiered fare system, which goes into effect tomorrow (Oct. 7), and why they believe it will result in greater value for their guests (Sailors) and travel advisors (First Mates). For more information, visit www.firstmates.com and www.virginvoyages.com.
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Tom Valley, director-travel agency sales for Universal Destinations & Experiences, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the new Epic Universe theme park is making Universal Orlando a week-long vacation for guests. Valley describes the park’s many rides, attractions and shows; more hotels where your clients can stay; and special package options. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Paul Gauger, executive vice president of the Americas, Australia and New Zealand for VisitBritain, talks with Jeanie Fang of Insider Travel Report about driving tourism growth across key markets. Gauger discusses screen tourism trends, regional exploration beyond London, and working with travel advisors to promote Britain through webinars, educational trips and face-to-face training. For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com.
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Dillip Rajakarier. CEO of Bangkok-based Minor Hotels Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the incredible expansion of Minor franchise hotel brands around the world. From a company with nine brands—Anantara. Avani, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH Hotels, Elewana, Minor Reserve Collection, nHow and Oaks Hotels—Minor has now added four more brands—The Wolseley Hotels, Minor Reserve Collection, Colbert Collection and iStay. And it all began when Minor founder Bill Heinecke began selling restaurant franchises in Bangkok when he was 16 years old—when he was indeed a minor. For more information, visit www.minorhotels.com.
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, talks with Jeanie Fang of Insider Travel Report at Destination Britain in Playa del Carmen about rising U.S. visitor spending, year-round travel trends and the growing role of film tourism. Yates also previews the 2026 royal and cultural events, highlights commissionable experiences tied to TV and movie locations, and points travel advisors to VisitBritain’s trade website for marketing tools and training. For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com.
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Grant Cummings, founder of Chiawa Safaris, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi about his four luxury camps, the distinct landscapes of South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, and the critical role guides play in delivering meaningful safari experiences. Cummings explains how Chiawa blends barefoot luxury with deep conservation, supports community projects and ethical tourism, and why travel advisors are essential for planning high-touch, once-in-a-lifetime safaris. For more information, visit www.chiawa.com.
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Alex Miza, the new CEO of Carey, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Skift Global Forum about what his transportation solutions company can offer your clients in cities around the world. Miza also details how you can work with Carey to get your clients where they want to go, whether that’s by chauffeur in a classic black car or other vehicles. For more information, visit www.carey.com.
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Kirk Demeter, president and CEO of Travel Answers Group, speaks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his growing company, which has evolved from one that designs bespoke trips to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, into one that provides travel to the Middle East, Africa. Asia and now Europe. For more information, visit www.travelanswersgroup.com.
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Ruben Gutierrez, president of GoNexus Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the transfer, tour and travel solutions his Cancun-based company can provide in destinations around the world. GoNexus recently expanded to Las Vegas and it already serves New York City and more. For more information, visit www.gonexusgroup.com.
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and president of Aqua Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at New York’s Explorers Club about the latest destinations for his luxury adventure cruise line—the Arctic. With backing from his new partner and investor Ponant Explorations, Galli Zugaro is launching the 30-guest Aqua Lares, a Polar-class vessel that will begin by cruising off the coast of East Africa (Seychelles, Zanzibar and Tanzania) before moving up to Svalbard and the Arctic Circle starting in 2026. For more information, visit www.aquaexpeditions.com.
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Ian Borg, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and tourism for Malta, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the opening of the new Malta Tourism Office for North America in New York City. The new office’s debut came during a week when Peter Greenberg premiered his new travel documentary “Hidden Malta” and after Delta Air Lines said it will launch nonstop service from New York JFK to Malta next June. For more information, visit www.visitmalta.com.