The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Fernando Gonzalez, CEO of First in Service T (F1S), and Gina Gabbard, chief strategy officer, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the third annual conference for the nearly 35-year-old, Virtuoso-affiliated host agency. Gonzalez and Gabbard reveal new programs, new hires and new strategies aimed at making travel advisor members more profitable than ever. For more information, vi...

Cherrye Moore, founder and president of My Bella Vita, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her family-run tour operator, which specializes in programs to Calabria, the region of Italy at the bottom of the “boot.” Moore’s company, which she started with her husband, a native Calabrian, explores a destination that just could be the next big thing in Italy. My Bella Vita also...

Sebastian Gurevich, hotel manager for The Chatwal New York, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his hotel has evolved since it became part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection. One of our favorite properties in the Broadway district, The Chatwal has kept its sumptuous art-deco suites, public rooms, restaurant and bar—and added a special new suite paying tribute to “The Outside...

Sebastian Gurevich, hotel manager for The Chatwal New York, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his hotel has evolved since it became part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection. One of our favorite properties in the Broadway district, The Chatwal has kept its sumptuous art-deco suites, public rooms, restaurant and bar—and added a special new suite paying tribute to “The Outside...

Darcio Henriques, executive chef of Octant Douro Valley, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the hotel's culinary philosophy and sustainability efforts. Henriques highlights the focus on locally sourced ingredients, diverse dining experiences, and the upcoming addition of 20 new villas in May. He also discusses regional wine pairings, signature dishes and the hotel's eco-friend...

Mark Steadman, general manager of Macdonald Linden Hall Golf and Spa, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his full-service resort located on a country estate near Newcastle, England. Guests staying at the property can explore the many attractions in Northumberland and then retreat to the hotel’s spa or play golf at its country club. For more information, www.macdonaldhotels...

Kama Winters, president of Delta Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her wholesale travel package company has grown but continues to support the travel agency trade. Winters details the new destinations served by Delta Vacations as its parent airline expands its route network. She also reveals the latest travel advisor support programs, including the return o...

Ian Thomas, chief operating officer for Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the many charms and attractions of this city in the North East of England. Formerly known for coal and industry, Newcastle has emerged as a center of education, culture, history and innovative architecture—and yes, it has a pretty good football (soccer) team, too. For...

Cat, our guide at the Beamish Museum, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, this open-air museum, which brings the history of North East England to life at its 1820s Pockerley, 1900s Town, 1900s Pit Village, 1940s Farm, 1950s Town and 1950s Spain’s Field Farm exhibit areas. For more information, visit www.beamish.org.uk. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived...

Mohamad El-Algoury, general manager of Sheraton Jumeirah Beach, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his property has renovated and revamped to keep up with the wave of new resorts in Dubai. Located on Jumeirah Beach, this property offers new accommodations, multiple restaurants and a renovated pool and spa. For more information, visit www.marriott.com. All our Insider T...

Catherine Hodgeson, head of marketing and communications for the Auckland Project, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this historic attraction in North East England that includes Auckland Palace, former home of the Archbishop of Auckland, and the Faith Museum. Discover a historic town, palace and fascinating museum that has been the heart of the Anglican religion for hundr...

Andy Stuart, former president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and now co-chairman of host agency Trevello Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what he’s been up to since he left NCL in 2019. Now Stuart, long known as a supporter of the travel agency business, has ended up as co-chairman and investor in Trevello, a Canadian host travel agency that is now...

Jacques Varet, general manager of FCC Angkor by Avani in Cambodia, talks with Benjamin Bass of Insider Travel Report about how the property preserves its French colonial heritage while integrating modern amenities, sustainability initiatives, and locally sourced materials. Varet also highlights the hotel's dining experiences, wellness offerings, cultural programs, and its commitment to providing a...

Anna Unger, our guide from Newcastle Tour Company, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a tour of the city of Durham, with its magnificent cathedral, castle, medieval old town, and walking trails on the banks of the River Wear. A university town with lots of pubs and restaurants, Durham is also a great to explore the North East of England. For more information, visit www.thisisdurham.c...

Dr. Chris Ferguson, visitor experience director at Ad Gefrin, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his unique museum and whisky distillery in the heart of Northumberland in England. Ad Gefrin features a museum showcasing the history of the Anglo-Saxon people, but it also has a distillery that you can tour and taste some great single malt whisky, plus a wonderful restaurant w...

Michael, our guide from Brit Movie Tours, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, on a tour of the great movie locations of London, visiting the “sets” for “Mission Impossible,” “Harry Potter,” “Bridget Jones,” “Paddington” and a whole lot more. Visit Britain’s new “Starring Great Britain” campaign is focused on the movies, so this is just the right tour to take at the right time. For mo...

Camille Olivere, chief sales officer for the Globus family of brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the company’s tailored Italy experiences, how Globus can help you maximize efficiency, commissionable earnings and overall value. She also explains how Avalon Waterways can help you get more bookings through new river cruise offerings in France and Portugal. For more in...

Vincent Guironnet, general manager for the Apurva Kempinski Bali, talks with Benjamin Bass of Insider Travel Report about the property's Indonesian architectural influences, sustainability initiatives and commitment to delivering luxury experiences, including its hydroponic gardens, regenerative agriculture and cultural engagement programs. Guironnet also highlights the resort's dining options, we...

Nicola Andrews, palaces group director at Historic Royal Palaces, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Hampton Court Palace, famed as the residence of Henry VIII. Andrews explains how you can set up visits to Hampton Court and other royal palaces in Britain. For more information, visit www.hrp.org.uk or www.visitbritain.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are...

James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his growing adventure tour operator. Intrepid just completed its largest acquisition to date by purchasing Swadee Reizen, which offers bike tours and more in the Netherlands. It also just moved its North American headquarters to Denver, and it now offers tour programs in nearly every country in the...

Malcolm Hendry, managing director of 100 Princes Street hotel, talks with James Shillinglaw about his intimate luxury boutique property located on Princes Street with spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle. With just 30 luxurious rooms, this Red Carnation hotel delivers personalized service, with its sumptuous lounge and bar open for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. And yes, we enjoyed a single ma...

Claire Watson Armstrong, owner of Bamburgh Castle, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her family’s medieval fort on the coast of Northumberland in the North East of England. Armstrong details the history of the castle, how her family came to own it, and yes, there have been a few great movies filmed here—and you can even stay in the castle. For more information, visit www....

Allison Metcalf, executive vice president for North America for Tourism Ireland, and Siobhan McManany, director of markets and partnerships, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Tourism Ireland’s marketing initiatives for 2025. They discuss Ireland's tourism growth, increased flight access, expanded hotel options, and new travel experiences, including food tours, outdoor adventures,...

Peter Greenberg, travel editor for CBS News among other travel-related ventures, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about his new “Hidden Uganda” travel documentary, which premiers this weekend on many PBS stations across the country. Part of a series of TV programs exploring new and off-the-beaten-track destinations, “Hidden Uganda” provides a look at the culture, the food, th...

Jill Wheelan, brand ambassador for Princess Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the new Love by Britto restaurant on Sun Princess and Star Princess. Wheelan, the actress who played Vicki Stubing, the daughter of Captain Merrill Stubing, on “The Love Boat” TV series, set on a Princess ship, was at last week’s Princess event, a pop-up Love by Britto restaurant on New...