The Insider Travel Report Podcast

John Dennis, vice president of sales for Viva Cruises in the U.S., Canada and South America, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the brand’s growing U.S. presence and evolving product line. He details how Viva’s all-inclusive model delivers strong value with excursions, gratuities, minibar, wine pairings and multiple dining venues included. Dennis also introduces Viva Boutique, a n...

When you think of destination weddings and honeymoons, the first thing that might not come to mind is how a tour operator or destination management company can help you plan the perfect experience. These two top companies can help you and your clients create the top romantic experiences in the destinations they service. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel that includes Kir...

Andrea Kruse, CEO of Viva Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the all-inclusive upscale brand’s growth to eight ships since 2018. Kruse outlines updates in design, sustainability, and wellness across the fleet and introduces Viva Boutique, a new luxury concept launching in France with larger suites, regional cuisine, and themed itineraries. For more information, visit www....

You may consider yourself to be an expert in planning honeymoons and destination weddings, but there are always professional resources you can turn to when you need help. This panel features two companies that can inspire, create and develop your destination wedding or honeymoon plan for your clients. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel that includes Jodi Lubin, director o...

Carlos Antunes, director for the Americas for TAP Air Portugal, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about TAP’s new routes, including one from LAX opening this week, and other U.S. gateways. He also showcases TAP’s modern aircraft and Lisbon hub as a way to get to the rest of Europe and Africa. Plus TAP has regular sales that offer some of the best fares in the market. For more i...

For a destination wedding or honeymoon, the right choice for your clients often is an all-inclusive resort. In this panel, we feature representatives of two all-inclusive properties who give you the lowdown on why their resort is the perfect place to book based on location, facilities and programs. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report moderates this panel that includes Loreto Lazo, director of roman...

For a destination wedding or honeymoon, the right choice for your clients often is an all-inclusive resort. In this panel, we feature representatives of several all-inclusive properties who give you the lowdown on why their resort is the perfect place to book based on its location, facilities and programs. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report moderates this panel that includes Yanique Thomas, weddin...

Maria Elena Malpezzi-Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bike Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw about her bike touring company, which offers cycling adventures throughout Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Maria Elena also details how her bike tours are orchestrated, including where guests stay, where they eat, what they see, and what kind of bikes they ride. For more information, visit www...

Courtnie Nichols, CEO & founder of TravelBash, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how she got into the travel business, grew her group destination weddings niche (Travel Bash), formed a travel club for her best clients (Trvlb), and now is set to offer a new conference on luxury travel (The Biz Huddle) to help her fellow advisors, which will make its debut in July in Au...

Frédéric de Marcy Chelin, general manager at Shangri-La Le Touessrok, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his famed destination resort on Mauritius. It might seem a long way to go, but for your clients visiting Dubai or South Africa, it’s just a quick flight away to find great beaches, pools, fine dining and sumptuous accommodations at this destination resort. Mauritus nati...

Mark Suter, general manager of the Mandarin Oriental, Munich, speaks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the hotel’s 25th anniversary, new residential expansion, and upcoming pedestrian-friendly enhancements in its central location. Suter highlights the property’s boutique scale with just 73 rooms, its celebrated Matsuhisa restaurant and rooftop bar, and its blend of Bavarian culture...

Dan Hansen, head of Americas development and global head of Hyatt Studios, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the growing new Hyatt Studio brand and what it offers guests. Hyatt Studios is part of Hyatt Essentials Collection, which includes Caption by Hyatt, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House. Hansen explains the differences between those brands as well as where Hyatt is expandin...

Will Cairns, founder of Active England Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what his company offers and why increasingly Wales is emerging as a top destination in the U.K. From national parks to castles and other historic attractions, from great accommodations to inventive cuisine, Wales hits all the hot spots—and Active England has the programs to meet the demand. Fo...

Portia Hart, owner and manager of Blue Apple Beach, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her unique sustainable resort located on an island just minutes by boat from Cartagena, Colombia. Hart tells us how she founded the property and why it’s been recognized by readers of Conde Nast Travel and why she herself has been called a pioneer shaping the future of travel. For more i...

Simon Chapman, complex general manager of The Benjamin Royal Sonesta, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his historic and recently renovated hotel located in midtown New York on Lexington Avenue. With large, refurbished rooms and a brand-new spa, The Benjamin offers a luxurious experience for guests. And soon, it will get a new restaurant and bar. For more information, vi...

John Chernesky, senior vice president of North America sales for Norwegian Cruise Line, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Norwegian Aqua, the newest ship in the Prima Plus class. He explains how the design builds on previous ships with expanded public spaces, new dining concepts like Sukhothai and the Indulge Food Hall, and standout attractions including the Aqua Slidecoaster. Ch...

Shelly Hartfield, vice president of destinations for Victory Cruise Lines, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the brand’s curated shore excursions across the Great Lakes and how her team was able to quickly create new experiences during a recent repositioning cruise. She discusses immersive tours that go beyond the top 10 attractions, and shares how Victory’s itineraries cater to...

Stephanie Mirando, senior vice president of global marketing at Collette, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the modern traveler and how Collette's product is evolving to meet their needs. She also details the tools and support the company has to help travel advisors to sell confidently, as well as what's on tap for Collette's Travel Advisor Appreciation Month. For more in...

Kari Koskela, general manager of Shangri-La Toronto, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxurious designer hotel in the heart of the city. It comes complete with an Italian and Asia restaurant, a buzzing central hotel lobby and a spacious spa. It’s the perfect place to stay when visiting trendy Toronto. For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com/toronto .  All our...

Patrick Miller, president of Rio Las Vegas, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of this famed casino resort, which now features renovated rooms, new dining options, new lounges, new shows and a surprising villa complex. At the same time Rio Las Vegas has kept its famed Voodoo Lounge and its signature entertainment. For more information, visit www.riolasvegas.com .  All our I...

Kelly Messina, senior director of leisure sales for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the very first Spotlight Nevada, a new trade event designed to promote resorts and attractions in Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada. On April 13-15, nearly 80 travel advisors gathered with roughly 100 suppliers to meet and experience all...

Guillermo Ortega, general manager of Hotel Continental, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his newly refurbished art deco boutique property on the famed Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. With fully refurbished rooms, a classic pool area and innovative artwork, this hotel, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, is a great option for your clients. Plus, Ortega will be opening a...

Craig Richison, area director of sales for Hersha Hospitality Management, which manages the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club in Miami Beach, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this classic art-deco property, great for singles, couples and families. With a large pool area, pool bar and restaurant, a more formal Italian grill and direct access to the beach, the Cadillac, part...

Chef Luigi Iannuario, executive chef at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand-new restaurant, which features all the Italian classics and much more. Located in the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, this restaurant is one of those great finds that may soon become wildly popular—so book your clients now. For more information, visit www.donn...

Matteo Mancini, senior manager of kids and family entertainment for MSC Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report aboard the brand-new MSC World America to showcase the ship’s groundbreaking family programming. Mancini discusses the Family Aventura district, the Lego partnership, Guinness World Records events, and innovative attractions like the Cliffhanger swing and sky rail. He also...