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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
Friday May 31, 2024
Friday May 31, 2024
There are so many luxury cruise options that travel advisors can book for their clients—from small ships to mid-size vessels to large ships, expeditions and river ships. This panel examines how several segment of the luxury cruise market offer and what support and training they provide to advisors. Moderated by James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, the panel includes Rebecca Stacey, area sales director-West for Quark Expeditions; Elizabeth Fettes, vice president-sales for Scenic Group; and Tricia Wolf, vice president-field sales for Oceania Cruises. To watch the entire Virtual Roadshow on demand, RSVP for free at www.taconnect.travel/2024-agent-reg-lux-vrs.
Friday May 31, 2024
Friday May 31, 2024
Paige Blunt, senior manager of Direct Connect and One Order at Airlines Reporting Corp., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how ARC is working to put New Distribution Capability (NDC) in place at airlines and travel agencies. NDC has been a hot button issue for years, but it will eventually become the standard for airline distribution. And surprisingly ARC believes it could be resolved by the end of this year. For more information, visit www.arccorp.com.
Friday May 31, 2024
Friday May 31, 2024
Andrew Donaldson, owner of Comrie Croft in Scotland, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his Highlands farmhouse, hostel and eco-camping experience on a 230 acre estate. Guests can watch for wildlife, camp, bike, eat, walk and even get married if you like. It was one stop on a recent fam trip of top tour operators staged by VisitScotland For more information, www.comriecroft.com or www.visitscotland.com.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
John Diorio, vice president of North American sales for Virgin Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady, her brand new regions and more. Diorio showcases the voyages your Sailors will love in the Caribbean (especially in July) all while being Brilliant For You. For more information, visit www.FirstMates.com.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
Fiona Cona, curator of the Black Watch Museum and Castle in Perth, Scotland, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Black Watch, a Scottish regiment that has fought for three centuries for Britain in conflicts around the world—and brought its inspirational bagpipes along. Interviewed during a fam trip organized by VisitScotland, Cona describes how her museum tells the story of this famed military unit in a unique and stirring way. For more information, visit https://theblackwatch.co.uk or www.visitscotland.com.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
Aida Al Busaidy, associate vice president-consumer advocacy for the Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the evolution of tourism in Dubai. Speaking last week at the Virtuoso Symposium, Al Busaidy describes the growing number of luxury hotels, the cultural attractions and the marketing strategy that Dubai has used to become one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. For more information, visit www.visitdubai.com.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
Many destinations cater to the luxury market because it can be the most lucrative for their tourism. This second Virtual Roadshows-Selling Luxury panel showcases top destinations around the world that actively market to luxury travelers and the travel advisors who book their vacations. You’ll learn what luxury products each destination wants to highlight, including top accommodations, attractions and activities. This panel, moderated by Alan Fine of Inside Travel Report, includes Melanie Schinkel, Aussie Specialist Program team leader for Tourism Australia, and Robyn Basso, senior director of travel industry partnerships for the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau. To watch the entire Virtual Roadshow on demand, RSVP for free at www.taconnect.travel/2024-agent-reg-lux-vrs.
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Tom Roelens, managing director at Atlantis-the Royal talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his year-old uber-luxury resort on Palm Island in Dubai. Roelens details the luxurious suites, the multitude of restaurants, the spa, the pools and the innovative architecture that has quickly made this property into one of the world’s best. Indeed, Atlantis-the Royal just hosted travel network Virtuoso’s annual Symposium. For more information, visit www.atlantistheroyal.com.
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Chris Wattle, learning manager at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a tour of the birth home and museum dedicated to the great 18th century Scottish poet Robert Burns. Wattle relates the history and the key poems that are so integral to Scottish history and lore. For more information, click on Robert Burns Birthplace Museum or www.visitscotland.com.
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Many destinations cater to the luxury market because it can be the most lucrative for their tourism. This Virtual Roadshows-Selling Luxury panel showcases top destinations around the world that actively market to luxury travelers and the travel advisors who book their vacations. You’ll learn what luxury products each destination wants to highlight, including top accommodations, attractions and activities. This panel, moderated by James Shillinglaw of Inside Travel Report, includes Belaj Santic, director of Hvar Tourist Board; Mette Ejlskov, project manager-leisure tourism for Visit Denmark; and Juana Ortiz Basso, commercial deputy director for Visit Los Cabos. To watch the entire show on demand, RSVP for free at www.taconnect.travel/2024-agent-reg-lux-vrs.
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Jennifer Pintaluba, vice president of trade marketing & sales engagement for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about wrapping up Travel Partner Appreciation Month with a plethora of advisor incentives, as well as providing the easiest way to share Regent’s Unrivaled Experience with clients and capturing leads in real time, for no additional cost! For more information, visit www.inspires.to/regent/experiences, www.rssc.com/agent, www.rssc.com/regent-elevate and www.rssc.com/travel-advisor-specials.
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Malcolm Simpson, founder of SimpsInn, talks with James Shillinglaw of insider Report about his Gailes Hotel & Spa during a VisitScotland fam trip around the country. The luxury family owned hotel in Ayrshire on Scotland's west coast features a spa, leisure, wellness and golf training facilities, surrounded by championship golf and major attractions, making it the perfect base for a trip to the region. For more information, visit www.gaileshotel.com or www.visitscotland.com.
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report an update on his luxury travel network, why Virtuoso selected Dubai to host its Symposium, and the state of the luxury travel today. At a conference where the host hotels included such icons as the Burj El Arab and the brand new Atlantis-The Royal, Virtuoso members were able to experience the state of the art in luxury accommodations. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Bar'el Wachtel, co-founder of Cloud 9, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his floating entertainment platform on the Malilla Barrier Reef in Fiji. It features various water activities and a full bar and a specialized food menu including wood-fired pizzas. This commissionable vacation add-on can be reached by boats from surrounding island resorts or by a large ferry operated by Cloud9 from the Port of Denarau. For more information, email book@cloud9.com.fj or visit www.cloud9.com.fj.
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
Lucas Johansson, general manager of D’Angleterre Copenhagen, the first five-star hotel in the city dating from 1755. Johansson details the history of the property, the sumptuous and recently renovated accommodations, fine dining options and much more. For your clients, this is the place to stay in Denmark’s capital. For more information, visit www.dangleterre.com.
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
Simon Douglas Houison Craufurd, laird and owner of Craufurdland Castle in Scotland, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a tour of his family owned castle, which has been passed down through generations. The castle, dating from the 16 century, was even bequeathed to his ancestors by Scottish royalty. And yes, you can stay on the castle grounds to get a true experience of what it’s like to own a castle. It’s all part of a Visit Scotland fam trip for tour operators and one journalist in April. For information, visit www.visitscotland or https://craufurdland.co.uk.
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
Allison Hayworth, executive chair of Captain Cook Cruises in Fiji, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the history and recent transformation of Captain Cook Cruises, highlighting the introduction of luxury expedition cruising with a new ship, Caledonian Sky. Originally founded by her parents, Hayworth's company offers various itineraries, including visits to remote villages and unique experiences in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. For more information, email fiji@captaincookcruisesfiji.com or visit www.CaptainCookCruisesFiji.com.
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
Derrick Mallon, owner of Mharsanta in Glasgow, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his restaurant and bar featuring local fare sourced from local farms around the city. If you’re looking to dine like a local and enjoy some great Scottish specialties, Mharsanta (which means merchant in Gaelic) is the place to book. For more information, visit www.mharsanta.co.uk.
Thursday May 23, 2024
Thursday May 23, 2024
Jennifer Williamson, deputy general manager of AC Hotel Glasgow, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her brand new 245-room hotel in the heart of the city. The property features a new wing and restored building that formerly served the Parish Halls during the Victoria era. The hotel, which offers a casual restaurant and an already popular bar, was the first stop on a five-day fam trip of Scotland hosted by VisitScotland. For more information, click on AC Hotel Glasgow.
Thursday May 23, 2024
Thursday May 23, 2024
Grant Seylhouwer, director of sales and marketing for the Royal Davui, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his boutique luxury property in Fiji with just 16 villas, each with their own plunge pool. A tranquil, adults-only experience with a strong emphasis on privacy and personalized service, culinary experiences and a full-day spa, the Royal Davui caters to honeymooners and high-net-worth individuals seeking a low-key, romantic getaway. For more information, visit www.RoyalDavuiFiji.com.
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Lindsay Hamilton, owner and head tour guide of Glasgow Football Tour, talks with James Shillinglaw after taking him on a tour of the origins of football in Scotland—and Hamilton asserts that football was actually invented in the country. She takes us on a walking tour of the three Hampdens, showcasing the most important and historic football fields of Glasgow, culminating in a tour of the Scottish Football Museum. Hamilton shows why she knows football as well as anyone in Scotland. For more information, visit www.glasgowfootballtour.com.
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Neeraj Chadha, multi-property vice president Pacific Islands Marriott International, and Javed Shameem, market director of sales and distribution, Fiji and Samoa, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about all the Marriott hotels in Fiji, especially the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort, it history, facilities, and recent renovations, and emphasis on multi-generational travelers, business meetings, and events. Detailed are the resort's golf course, a farm-to-table initiative, diverse dining options, and strong ties with Fiji Airways. For more information, visit www.Marriott.com.
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Jamie Paiko, vice president of sales-North America for Cunard, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Cunard as the staple of luxury travel, new roundtrip ports from Seattle and Miami and the celebration of the line’s newest ship, Queen Anne. For more information, visit www.onesourcecruises.com/onesource/ext-pages/nam/cunard-partnership.
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Patrick Katzenburg, the new general manager for The Londoner, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his big “boutique” hotel in the heart of London, which we first visited when it first opened back in September 2021. Katzenberg describes the accommodations, the restaurants and bars, and the large spa located several levels below street. Most important he talks about the benefits of being one of the most centrally located properties in the city. For more information, visit www.thelondoner.com.
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Lauren Mossop, the director of sales and marketing for Waya Island Resort, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her adults-only boutique resort in Fiji with only 17 rooms and a capacity of 34 guests. The resort features cultural experiences, with a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement, training and employing the local islanders. In development for 16 years, its New Zealand philanthropist-owner did not allow it to produce revenue until all the ivy had grown into place. For more information, email Sales@WayaIsland.com or visit www.WayaIslandResort.com.
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Rhona Young, our guide at The Clydeside Distillery, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this very first distillery experience in Glasgow. While there are plenty of distilleries around Scotland, this is one your clients can tour in the city itelf. Young details the history of the distillery, the origins of whiskey, and the process of making Scotland’s finest. It’s the very first day of our VisitScotland fam trip Enchanting Scotland. For more information, visit www.theclydeside.com or www.visitscotland.com
Monday May 20, 2024
Monday May 20, 2024
William Drabble, executive chef at Althoff St. James Hotel & Club, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new restaurant, Francatelli’s, with cuisine inspired by Charles Elme Francatelli, the chef at the St. James Hotel in the 1840s, who ended up becoming Queen Victoria’s head chef. Francatelli also wrote “The Modern Cook,” an essential cookbook of English cuisine, which Drabble uses as a base for his modernized reinterpretations of London food in the 19th century. For more information, visit www.stjameshotelandclub.com.
Monday May 20, 2024
Monday May 20, 2024
Samantha Muspratt, director of sales and marketing for Ahura Resorts, and Bradley Calder, general manager of Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the adults-only Likuliku Lagoon Resort, featuring overwater bungalows and traditional Fijian decor, as well as the neighboring family-friendly property, Malolo Island Resort. Muspratt and Calder emphasize how Fijan family ownership influences the authentic experiences and warm atmosphere that infuses service, culinary offerings, spa and cultural activities at both resorts. For more information, visit www.LikulikuLagoon.com.
Monday May 20, 2024
Monday May 20, 2024
Akuila Batiweti, chief marketing and sales officer for Fiji Airways, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the airline’s award-winning premium lounge with an exclusive Chef's Table dining experience, the fully lie-flat seats and exceptional service in business class on A350s, and a program offering travel advisors discounts and familiarization options to better sell the luxury product. For more information, visit the dedicated Fiji Airways portal on the Insider Travel Report site at www.insidertravelreport.com/fijiairways.
Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
Akuila Batiweti, chief marketing and sales officer for Fiji Airways, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the airline's major role in supporting Fiji's tourism, how the airline integrates cultural experiences into its flights, and how it has increased its connectivity through its membership in the oneworld alliance. Fiji Airways also offers travel advisor programs to encourage selling Fiji as a destination. For more information, visit the dedicated Fiji Airways portal on the Insider Travel Report site at www.insidertravelreport.com/fijiairways.
Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
Stefano Squecco, the new general manager of the Althoff St. James Hotel & Club, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his classic English hotel in the posh Mayfair district of London. Squecco showcases his 60 rooms, including a wonderful Terrace Suite, as well as the hotel’s brand new Francatelli restaurant with cuisine echoing what was served to Queen Victoria. For more information, visit www.stjameshotelandclub.com.
Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the Fiji Tourism Exchange about the growth in tourism for Fiji, highlighting record numbers in 2023 and continued growth in 2024. He attributes tht growth due to the increasing number of American travelers arriving from direct flights from major U.S. cities. He also discusses the rise in solo and female travelers, the growing cruise sector, North America marketing efforts and new hotel development. For more information, visit www.Fiji.com.fj.
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Dondra Ritzenthaler, new CEO of Azamara Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on just her second day on the job at the premium cruise line. Ritzenthaler talks about her first experiences with Azamara back when it was a sister to her former company Celebrity Cruises, why she feels there is a tremendous opportunity for the brand, and her plans for the future of Azamara. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Andrea Grisdale, founder and CEO of IC Bellagio, the high-end Italy specialist, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why she’s partnering with the World Travel & Tourism Council on a new consumer campaign promoting the benefits of sustainable tourism. Grisdale, who has played an active role in WTTC in recent years, wants travelers to truly understand the benefits that travel and tourism brings to communities around the world. For more information, visit www.wttc.com or www.icbellagio.com.
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Eva Mount, general manager of The BoTree, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her brand new luxury hotel located just a block off Oxford Street in London. The newbuild property features a variety of modern accommodations, a classic bar and a new Lavo Italian restaurant. It’s the perfect property to book for those clients interested in high-end shopping and classic London sightseeing. For more information, visit www.thebotree.com.
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Jamie Paiko, vice president-sales, North America for Cunard, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the fourth Queen in the fleet, which offers a mix of classic Cunard luxury with a modern twist. With sumptuous suites, dining in the classic grills and specialty restaurants, West End theatrical shows and nightly entertainment, Queen Anne offers a Cunard experience for a new age. For more information, visit www.cunard.com.
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
Tristan Armstrong, newly named CEO of Rocky Mountaineer, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his famed luxury rail company offering rail tours in Canada and the U.S. Armstrong isn’t new to the brand: He’s the son of Rocky Mountaineer founder Peter Armstrong and grew up living and breathing his family’s trains—the ultimate model railroad. For more information, visit www.rockymountaineer.com.
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
Matt Gleaves, vice president-commercial for Cunard, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury cruise line’s new Queen Anne, the fourth Queen in Cunard’s fleet. Gleaves talks with Shillinglaw a day after both disembarked on a one-night preview in Southampton of the ship, which marries Cunard tradition with a thoroughly modern style and includes brand new dining venues, West End and Broadway caliber entertainment, magnificent suites and much more. For more information, visit www.cunard.com.
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Renata Bacal, entertainment and engagement manager on Star Pride, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about all the performances, games, speakers, parties and other attractions offered on her Windstar Cruises ship, which can carry up 312 guests. Bacal details all the things guests can do onboard this small ship, in this case as it cruises the Canary Islands and Madeira. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why she named the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners in Australia as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit, the line’s newest purpose-built expedition ship, which has been sailing since late last year. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s June 22-July 2, 2024 voyage in the Kimberley region of Australia. The Wunambal Gaambera people are the Traditional Owners of a region in the Kimberley. Leahy also talks about how her twin luxury expedition ships—Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit have been received by the market. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
Andreas Pitsch, veteran hotel general manager on Star Pride, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what guests experience onboard the Windstar Cruises ship, which was stretched to two years ago accommodate more passengers, a bigger spa, revamped suites and two new restaurants. Pitsch details the accommodations, the dining and the service onboard. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
Belinda Hindmarsh, deputy CEO-global business for Ponant, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what’s to come for her French-owned luxury expedition cruise line. Hindmarsh describes Ponant’s growing fleet of sustainable ships, including the flagship Le Commandant Charcot, as well as plans for the “greenest” cruise ship ever, set to debut as early 2030. She also details some of the most innovative itineraries to off-the-beaten-path destinations in the cruise business. For more information, visit https://us.ponant.com.
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing, talks with Lark Gould of Insider Travel Report about Carnival Cruise Line's latest ship, Carnival Firenze, as it sets off on its inaugural voyage through the Mexican Riviera from Long Beach, Ca. Perez discusses what separates Firenze's "Fun, Italian Style" from sister ships and what's new for the popular cruise brand. For more information, visit www.goccl.com or www.carnival.com.
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report talks with tourists, shopkeepers, new citizens, hotel managers, students and the manager of Tel Aviv's LGBTQ Center to find out what they think about the prospects for the return of tourism. From Tel Aviv to Haifa to Jerusalem, Lutz discusses safety during the war, diversity throughout the country, and how Israel is moving forward. Highlights include how different cultures and religions live side by side, Israel's gay community and hospitality in times of struggle. For more information on Israel tourism, visit www.israel.travel.
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Janet Bava, chief commercial officer for Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the President’s Cruise on Star Pride about what the future holds for the small ship cruise line. Bava highlights the Windstar’s growth plans, with two new small ships joining the fleet in 2025 and 2026, as well as how the line has completely renovated its existing fleet of sailing and motorized yachts. She also details how Windstar is offering new itineraries, with two ships now sailing in Tahiti, a new Canary Islands cruise, and much more. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Bennet Caplan, owner of Thinkers Distillery in Jerusalem, speaks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about gin, vodka, cocktails and how better chemistry makes better drinks. Caplan discusses the various tours and tastings offered at Thinkers Distillery, including what visitors can expect to learn, drink and eat (with a longer tour). HE also shares how Thinkers supplied energy snacks to Israeli troops and worked as a community to support other Israelis during the war. Originally from New York, Caplan is a rabbi with various secondary degrees who loves to share knowledge and stories over the best drink you'll ever have. For more information, visit https://thinkersdistillery.com/en/ or www.israel.travel.
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Wolfgang Gartner, head of international marketing for Saxony Tourism in Germany, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about Saxony's tourism sector, highlighting its cultural richness, compact geography and unique attractions like Dresden and Görlitz. Gartner reviews recent initiatives, the integration of history into tourism, as well as Saxony's diverse landscapes, culinary offerings and future sustainability trends. For more information, visit www.visitsaxony.com.
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on board his President’s Cruise on Star Pride about Windstar’s new Canary Islands itinerary, two ships deployed in Tahiti, the line’s acquisition of two new vessels and much more. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Friday May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
Andrea Pier, commercial director of Chemnitz, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about the German city's cultural initiatives and attractions, including museums, nature activities, and its strategic location near major cities like Berlin and Dresden. With Chemnitz designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2025, Pier emphasizes the community's strength and ongoing projects for future tourism. For more information, visit www.chemnitz.travel.