The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Mihaela Rupnik Cek, director general at TourSlove/TourismSlovenia, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about what makes Slovenia a standout European destination—from Lake Bled and Ljubljana to the country’s commitment to sustainability and authentic local experiences. Cek highlights Slovenia’s unique blend of alpine and Mediterranean landscapes, immersive cultural activities, and div...

Alan Henman, assistant commissioner of tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about record-breaking growth driven by strong airlift and increased cruise calls. He shares updates on new hotel openings and renovations across St. Thomas and St. Croix, plus refreshed marketing campaigns. Henman also highlights tools available to travel advisors to help them...

Paul Pennicook, interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the destination’s new DMO structure and how it supports sustainability, inclusiveness and competitiveness. He outlines developments including new hotels in South Caicos, high ADRs on Grace Bay, expanded outreach to consortia like Virtuoso, and a renewed focus on travel advisor education...

Lewis Louis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why Saint Lucia is gaining traction with travel advisors. He outlines new development incentives, regenerative tourism initiatives, and how the island is channeling qualified travel leads directly to advisors through its Saint Lucia Expert program. For more information, visit www.stlucia.org...

Fiona Ashton, event manager for the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how this niche, B2B event connects top golf tour operators with resorts, courses and tourism boards from 45 countries. Ashton explains how hosted buyers are vetted and supported—with hotel and flight subsidies—and outlines the 2024 show format, which includes a g...

Marva Williams, CEO and director of tourism for Discover Dominica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how new nonstop flights from Newark and Miami are driving interest from North American travelers. She highlights Dominica’s eco-luxury appeal, including upscale resorts, natural wonders and the upcoming Valley of Desolation cable car. Williams also discusses cultural draws like Ca...

What’s new, what’s next, and why NOW is the perfect time to take another look at Celestyal.

Ray Gonsalves, restaurant manager for Celestyal Journey, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the cruise line’s rotating menus, fresh Greek-sourced ingredients and onboard culinary production. He highlights the ship’s specialty dining options, entertainment-style service and strong accommodations for dietary needs including gluten-free and allergy-friendly meals. For more inform...

Gary Hendrick Dominguez, deputy director of international marketing and promotions for the Cayman Islands, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the island’s eight-day summer campaign, growth in U.S. airlift, and record-breaking visitor numbers. He highlights new hotel developments, culinary festivals, and a 40 percent repeat visitation rate that makes the Caymans an easy sell. For m...

Stephanie McDonald, trade training and development manager for Celestyal Cruises, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the line’s destination-focused approach, with longer port times, fewer sea days and access to lesser-known stops in Greece, Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. McDonald explains how Celestyal supports advisors with training modules, webinars, customized excursion pla...

Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about record-breaking visitor numbers, extended season strategies like Culinary Month, and sustainable tourism practices. He outlines new investments including Nobu, Nikki Beach and Moon Gate resorts, plus cruise homeporting and seamless airport arrival technology. James also previews the c...

Sharon Law, shore excursion manager for Celestyal Journey, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about how the cruise line’s midsize ships allow access to hidden gems in Greece, Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. Laure outlines five distinct itineraries, including the new Heavenly itinerary, and highlights immersive excursions such as olive oil tastings, cooking classes and hands-on mosaic...

Jameel Rochester, director; Shantell Richardson, deputy director; and the Hon. Cardigan Connor, minister of tourism, health and sports for Anguilla, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why Anguilla is gaining momentum with the travel trade. They outline record-breaking visitor growth, new festival-driven marketing initiatives, and how Anguilla’s luxury resorts, locally owned inns an...

Kristin Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the increased interest in river cruising, evolving guest preferences and authentic cultural experiences in Colombia and beyond. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.    All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our  Youtube channel  (youtu...

Dean Sivley, president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his company, with famous owner Warren Buffet, is seeking to become a major played in the travel industry market. Later this year Berkshire Hathaway will debut a series of revolutionary travel insurance products that will make it a viable of option for your travel clients....

Jodi Bainter, vice president of domestic leisure sales for Disney Destinations, talks with Jennifer Jones of Insider Travel Report about limited time offers and room specials celebrating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary through summer 2026. Bainter highlights new shows, character encounters, and the $100 per day anniversary ticket Offer. She also invites travel advisors to visit the Disney Appreciati...

Melinda Fortunato, owner of Best Travel in Washington, D.C., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her experience as an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor. Fortunato, a member of ASTA’s board, describes the VTA program, what it includes, and why she recommends that every ASTA advisor become a VTA. For more information, click on ASTA Verified Travel Advisor or visit www.verivacation...

Antonio Bignoni, chief operating officer for the Serras Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Serras Barcelona, a hideaway boutique hotel close to the port and the city’s top attractions. With a rooftop bar and restaurant, and a signature main restaurant, plus sumptuous accommodations, Serra Barcelona ticks all the boxes for a luxury stay. Bonus point: Picasso...

Robin Lawther, vice president of Expedia TAAP (Travel Agent Affiliate Program), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his dedicated unit helps all travel advisors with bookable and commissionable hotel content (the same as Expedia’s) as well as new technology and other products designed to boost profits. We interviewed Lawther after Expedia TAAP released a survey showing...

Nga Ding, sustainability manager for Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about how the resort integrates environmental stewardship across departments, engaging guests with eco-education, local partnerships and 16 hands-on sustainability experiences. Ding explains how the property tracks and audits its impact, funds conservation, and supports guest...

Sandra Jimenez, general manager of Almanac Barcelona, talks with James Shillinglaw about her wonderful boutique property in the heart of the city. The hotel features comfortable, spacious and modern rooms; Varens, a signature plant-forward restaurant; and the Azimuth rooftop bar, complete with a small pool, overlooking Gaudi’s famed La Sagreda Familia. For more information, visit www.almanachotels...

What do luxury river cruises offer that sets them apart today? What kind innovative itineraries and destinations are they offering? What dining options do they need to have? What tours and excursions do they need to offer. This panel examines how luxury river cruising has changed and what makes it different. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report moderates this panel of experts, including Kelly Ross,...

When developing a great luxury trip, it’s essential to turn to the experts—the destination management companies and tour operators who can help you create the perfect trip for your clients. The companies on this panel are specialists in helping you choose the right destinations, accommodations, transportation and sightseeing to satisfy your high-end clients. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Rep...

You can book luxury hotels and resorts or you can find alternative accommodations when selling luxury. The right place for your clients just might be a villa, a luxury all-inclusive or a boutique resort. We have representatives of all three categories on this panel. They explain the advantages of each type of accommodation and tell you how to sell it. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report mod...

Tour operators and guided vacation companies often have the ideal programs for high-end clients, offering a range of luxury experiences across global destinations. This panel features top operators specializing in luxury travel worldwide. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates this panel of experts, including Kiran Nambiar, senior vice president-sales, ANZCRO; Ashish Sanghrajka, pres...