The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Top destination executives tell you about the adventure travel opportunities they have that travel advisors can sell. They detail the places, the kinds of adventure travel experiences and how advisors can better understand what they have to offer. Alan Fine moderates the panel, which includes Ernst Flach, representative for MMGY Global (Visit Rwanda & Costa Rica Tourism Board); Stu Lukes, West...

Steve Spivak, vice president of sales and reservations for Tauck, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ASTA River Cruise Expo about his company’s growing roster of river cruise experiences. Spivak showcases new itineraries, new ships and more coming online as he reveals the “Tauck” difference on the rivers of Europe and beyond. For more information, visit www.tauck.com. All...

The adventure tour business is booming and top operators keep coming up with new ways to explore exotic destinations. This panel examines the products in the market today and how you can sell them to an increasingly diverse customer base. Alan Fine moderates the following panel: Kiran Nambiar, senior vice president-sales, ANZCRO; Danielle Martins, sales support manager, Collette; Wendy Mills, busi...

Ken Muscat, president of Scenic Group U.S.A & Latin America) talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about where his two river cruise brands, Scenic and Emerald, will sail in 2025 and beyond. Muscat reviews the new ships and itineraries on the horizon. He also updates us on his luxury yacht products for both Scenic and Emerald. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com and ww...

Kristen Karst, co-founder, co-owner and chief brand ambassador for AmaWaterways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury river cruise line’s plans for new ships, new itineraries and a whole new river. Karst details plans for a second AmaMagna class ship, named AmaRudi after her co-founder and husband, Rudi Schreiner, and provides an update on plans to start river cru...

Phil Hullah, CEO of U.K.-based Riviera Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s expansion into the U.S. market. Beginning with Riviera River Cruises six years ago as Riviera River Cruises, Riviera Travel has rebranded and named a president-North America as it seeks to sell more than just river cruises in the North American market. Hullah explains Riviera’s...

Zane Kerby, ASTA’s president and CEO, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about last week’s ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna. The event attracted roughly 1,300 ASTA member travel advisors and 300 river cruise suppliers, destinations and media. It also showcased more than 16 river ships and gave advisors a chance to compare the many products on the rivers of Europe. For more infor...

Teresa, our cruise director on Celestyal Journey earlier this month, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the wide array of entertainment available on the ship during a new cruise of the Gulf of Arabia. With nightly production shows staring an all-Cuban cast and lots of music and even magic in lounges throughout the ship, entertainment is a surprising highlight on Celestyal...

Felix Schlokat, general manager of the Hilton Cancun, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the resort’s modern design, offering 715 rooms and suites, oceanfront views, and a compact layout ideal for families, couples and social groups. Schlokat highlights the resort’s diverse dining options, including themed restaurants, surprise fitness activations like silent DJ spin classes and...

Anna Gregori, vice president-brand, marketing and customer experience for Celestyal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the ports and destinations visited by Celestyal Journey during its new Gulf of Arabia cruise. The ship departs Doha, Qatar and visits Bahrain, Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi with special experiences delivered in every port, including visits to mosques,...

Nicole Tilzer, vice president of all-inclusive resort strategy for Hilton, and Alejandro Larrondo, general manager of Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe, speak with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the brand’s distinct and passionate approach to all-inclusive hospitality. Larrondo describes the unique offerings at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe, its elevated Enclave rooms, curated dining experiences and v...

Stephan Interthal, general manager of Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what’s new at his property located in the heart of the city. With recently renovated rooms, two great restaurants, including a Nobu, and a trendy bar, the Kempinski continues to raise the bar for luxury hotels in the Hungarian capital. For more information, visit www...

Dina Nunes of Café Nunes, a family-run coffee shop and farm in São Jorge, Azores, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the island’s unique coffee-growing process. Nunes explains how São Jorge’s microclimate supports coffee cultivation at low altitudes, the farm’s sustainable, chemical-free methods, and its artisanal approach to harvesting and processing beans. She also highlight...

Caroline Sicard, artistic director for Cirque du Soleil at Vidanta World Riviera Maya in Mexico, speaks with Sherman Dejon of Insider Travel Report about JOYÀ, the resort's immersive residency show. Sicard shares insights on the production’s evolving storyline, Mexican cultural influences, live music, intricate costumes and the purpose-built theater. She also highlights the VIP experience, pre-sho...

Pedro Fernande, of Magnolia Hotel in São Jorge, Azores, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the hotel's personalized hospitality, local culinary offerings, and commitment to sustainability. Fernandez highlights the property's tranquil setting, farm-to-table breakfasts, and immersive guest experiences, such as foraging for cocktail ingredients. For more details, visit www.magnol...

Alejandro Fuentes, operations manager for the Jungle Aqua Experience at Vidanta World Riviera Maya, talks with Sherman DeJon of Insider Travel Report about the luxury water park’s attractions for all ages. Fuentes highlights the park’s thrill slides, family-friendly raft rides, and interactive kids’ zones, including the Rain Fortress. He also discusses the park’s safety measures, cabana rentals, V...

Franco Pedone, cluster general manager at VidantaWorld Riviera Maya, talks with Sherman DeJon of Insider Travel Report about the 1,000-acre property’s diverse accommodations, including the new 52-suite Jungle Park Hotel, more than 40 dining options, multiple pools, an exclusive Cirque du Soleil theater and the Jungle Aqua Experience water park. Pedone also discusses the resort’s jungle setting, su...

Luis Capdeville, president and chairman of Visit Azores, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the islands’ sustainability efforts, its recognition as one of the world's best adventure destinations, and the exclusive experiences offered in the Azores. Capdeville also highlights the diversity of the nine islands, visitor trends and the region’s approach to maintaining responsible...

A lot of exciting things are happening this year at Princess Cruises and Carmen Roig, vice president of sales for Princess, can’t wait to share them.. From new sailings departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to new ships in Europe, to great sailings from the number one cruise line in Alaska, Princess has an exciting lineup of cruises that you can sell now. And, of course, there's a special offer th...

Jim Tedesco, vice president of sales for ALG Vacations® (ALGV), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how air-inclusive vacation packages can help travel advisors increase earnings through air commissions, WAVES® points, and bonus incentives while providing clients with better pricing and added value. He also talks about how packaging air and hotel enhances customer retention...

Bianca Bonaldi, art and arts & crafts expert at The Venice Venice Hotel, talks with Michela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the property's design, sustainability and guest experience. Bonaldi discusses the hotel's curated art and design collection, its commitment to supporting local artisans, and the immersive retail experience for guests. She also highlights the hotel's role in hosting fa...

Alfredo Bataller, owner and CEO of SHA Wellness Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw about his new group of luxury uber-wellness resorts, which has properties in Spain and Mexico, and soon in Dubai. Bataller details the customized week-long wellness programs that each of his resorts delivers to a high-end client base. For more information, visit www. SHAWellness.com. All our Insider Travel Report...

Jan Hundrieser, general manager of SLS Playa Mujeres talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new luxury resort just north of Cancun. The first luxury all-inclusive resort from SLS, this property is designed for families, couples and solo travelers. Hundrieser showcases the resort’s many restaurants with diverse cuisine, a large spa, and a great pool and beach area. For more...

Insider Travel Report’s James Shillinglaw talks with two top First in Service travel advisors, Melissa Wu and Yaron Yarimi, about why they joined the host agency and what programs and services have helped them become more profitable, and what of travel they specialize in. See both interviews back-to-back on Insider Travel Report. For more information, visit www.firstinservice.com. All our Insider...

Pascal Visintainer, senior vice president-global sales, luxury & lifestyle brands for Accor, sits down with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report to talk about his hotel conglomerate’s plans to reach into all segments of luxury and lifestyle with new hotels, new luxury trains and even a luxury yacht. From the upcoming Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, to La Dol...