The Insider Travel Report Podcast

In just the last five years, a new slate of luxury expedition ships has come to dominate the market. These ships combine the comforts of a luxury cruise ship with an expedition cruise ship experience, both in polar cruises and other regions of the world. This panel examines how this new category has evolved and where it’s heading in the future. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates...

Countries, cities and regions are increasingly working to target luxury travelers. How are they working with travel advisors and luxury suppliers to better define themselves as true luxury destinations? How are they marketing themselves as luxury destinations? Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report moderates this panel of experts, including Shana Whyte, senior sales manager, U.S. Virgin Islands and Mi...

Countries, cities and regions are increasingly working to target luxury travelers. How are they working with travel advisors and luxury suppliers to better define themselves as true luxury destinations? How are they marketing themselves as luxury destinations? Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report moderates this panel of experts, including Jonathan Heasman, Visit Britain; Tafari Burns, Saudi Tourism...

John Hamilton, director of marketing for the Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Viet Nam, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about how the resort integrates sustainability into its luxury experience, from rainforest conservation and endangered monkey protection to energy-saving design and community education. Hamilton discusses the property's architecture inspired by Vi...

Jan Mindermann, senior vice president-operations for Almanac Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury boutique chain of properties located in Barcelona, Vienna, Prague and Zagreb. Interviewed on the rooftop of Almanac Barcelona, Minderman emphasizes to refined dining, mixology, luxurious rooms and suites and more that make Almanac a great option for high-end c...

Mateu Hernández, CEO of Barcelona Tourism, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his city is once again see a surge in tourism from the U.S., which remains a key market. Hernández, who spoke with us just before the Virtuoso Symposium on Crystal Serenity, describes Barcelona’s unique attractions and luxury hotels. He also says concerns about overtourism, and the resulting...

Alberto Selas, general manager of Nobu Hotel Barcelona, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about how his hotel combines personalized luxury with sustainable practices, including local sourcing and wellness programs. He also shares updates on Nobu’s global growth and how its restaurant roots continue to guide the brand’s hospitality. For more information, visit www.nobuhotels.com/bar...

Jason Holland, founder of Travel Simplicity and a charter member of Serandipians by Traveller Made, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why he chose this global, supplier-funded luxury network, which is free to qualified advisors. Holland explains how the collaborative community of boutique travel designers, curated suppliers and global training resources supportx his growth and br...

Angie Pineda, sales and marketing manager for Hotel Casa San Agustín and Hotel Casa Pestagua, talks with Michela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about Cartagena’s UNESCO-protected old town and the unique appeal of these sister properties just blocks apart. San Agustín is the only Leading Hotels of the World member in Colombia, while Pestagua is part of Relais & Châteaux. Both offer full-service...

Natalie Galvis, assistant director of sales for Four Seasons, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the brand’s two boutique properties in Bogotá. She explains how Casa Medina offers a historic retreat in the financial district, while Four Seasons Bogotá is set in the city’s lively shopping and nightlife zone. Galvis also shares highlights in dining, spa, and cultural experiences...

Justin Heckman, National Director of Sales Strategy at Club Med, joins James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report to discuss Club Med’s rich history and its 75th anniversary celebration this year. Their conversation highlights the brand’s distinctive resort portfolio, extensive range of activities, dedicated travel advisor programs, and major brand-wide developments — including renovations at Club...

Dana White, founder of Lead Explorers, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how joining Traveller Made in 2018 transformed her business by connecting her with a global network of vetted DMCs, hoteliers and fellow travel designers. She explains how the supplier-funded, no-cost luxury network supports creativity, collaboration and international reach for boutique creators of travel. B...

Zach Rabinor, founder and CEO of Journey Mexico, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how Traveller Made—a supplier-funded luxury travel network that is free to qualified travel advisors—helped his business grow into a leading DMC. A charter member since 2013, Rabinor explains how the Traveller Made network’s artisan focus and selective membership make it a top source of high-end cl...

Pascal Visintainer, global chief sales officer for Accor Luxury and Lifestyle, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Accor’s long-term strategy, focusing on partnerships with top travel advisor networks like Traveller Made. He shares how Accor is growing its luxury and lifestyle division, with more than 100 new properties in development and continued investment in iconic brands and e...

Pascal Visintainer, global chief sales officer for Accor Luxury and Lifestyle, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Accor’s long-term strategy, focusing on partnerships with top travel advisor networks like Traveller Made. He shares how Accor is growing its luxury and lifestyle division, with more than 100 new properties in development and continued investment in iconic brands and e...

Quentin Desurmont, founder and president of Traveller Made, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how the luxury network supports elite travel designers at no cost to them since Traveller Made is entirely supplier funded. He explains how the network emphasizes branding, creativity and personalization over sales volume, and discusses its growing embrace of artificial intelligence as a...

David Herrera, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the evolution of the Prima-class experience with Norwegian Aqua, from its expanded spaces and innovative Glow Court to the Aqua Slidecoaster replacing the Prima Speedway racetrack. Herrera also shares upcoming enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay, the brand’s resilience amid global uncertai...

Garret Corcoran, general manager of the Abbey Inn & Spa, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his property, located in a historic convent overlooking the Hudson River in Peekskill, N.Y. With renovated accommodations, a great restaurant and bar, and a fabulous spa, this is truly a five-star retreat just an hour from Manhattan. For more information, visit www.theabbeyinn.c...

Henley Vazquez, co-founder of New York-based Fora Travel, talks with Amy Tate of Insider Travel about her innovative host agency, which this month opened s pop-up store at 433 West Broadway in New York to get more people interested in buying and selling travel. Vazquez tells us how her Virtuoso-affiliated agency has grown dramatically in sales and number of advisors, even as it introduces new prog...

David Kolner, executive vice president of luxury travel network Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Virtuoso Symposium onboard Crystal Serenity about what the numbers say about luxury travel today. Kolner reveals Virtuoso sales numbers this year and into next year, what’s selling well, and how Virtuoso’s agencies are dealing with chaotic times. He also de...

James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Nik Patel, co-founder of 42 Hotel, and Chef Eric LeVine of the Blackbird Gastro Pub and brand-new Evolution restaurant about their hideaway in Williamsburg, N.Y. With a luxury boutique hotel and two dining outlets this just might be Brooklyn's best best-kept secret—for now. Chef Levigne has created a Brooklyn-themed tasting menu that is both in...

Top destinations around the world can help you plan and execute the perfect destination wedding or honeymoon experience for your clients. Discover the resources these destinations can provide to help you create the ultimate destination wedding or honeymoon. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel including Shana Whyte, senior sales manager for the U.S. Virgin Islands; Nathalie...

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....