The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Melissa Terry, experience manager for Chukka Caribbean Adventures at the Ocean Outpost in Sandy Bay, Jamaica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Chukka’s sustainable adventure parks in Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Grand Turk and Saint Thomas. The Jamaica facility offers horseback riding, ATV tours, ziplining, ocean bamboo rafting and catamaran cruises. Terry suggests that travel adv...

Shari Munroe, director of sales and marketing for Aristo Kat Tours Limited of Montego Bay, Jamaica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his private yacht cruises, with a fleet of five yachts, and  how his company can entertain groups of 10 to 40 people. Aristo Kat Tours'  customizable packages include private chefs, mixologists, snorkeling, DJs and more. For more information, email...

Andres Mocny, general manager of the all-inclusive Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the resort's rapid recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl. Macny also details his resort’s 50-year history, its location near the airport, room types, amenities, diverse dining options, pools, beaches, kids club, spa and fitness center. Man...

Ray Snisky, group president at ALG Vacations®, along with several travel advisors talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about ALGV's 2024 Kindness Conference, hosting around 100 ALGVPro-certified travel advisors for workshops focusing on spreading kindness—to ourselves, to others and in travel. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com . If interested, the original video of this podc...

Julian Somerville, sales and marketing executive for Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the inn's resilience post-hurricane. She also details its 65-year history hosting celebrities and its amenities, highlighting the beach, spa, suites, cottages, and food and beverage offerings. For more information, visit www. JamaicaInn.com.  If interested, the origina...

Finn Ackermann, chief commercial officer at Iberostar, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the new JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, the exciting evolution of Iberostar's new brand identity and the company's firm commitment to sustainability. For more information, visit www.iberostaragents.com/us .   The alliance between Iberostar and IHG excludes Iberostar’s interests in Cuba.  If interest...

Francisco Betancourt, head of sales for Juliana Hotel Paris, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his very quiet and out-of-the-way property that is just steps from the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, among other Paris attractions. We stayed at this hotel right before the Olympics and found it to be the perfect getaway from the bustle of Paris. For more information, visit...

Robin Russell, president of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica's recovery after Hurricane Beryl. Russell highlights how his association’s year-round emergency manual and effective communication using Whatsapp and Starlink helped prepare and coordinate recovery efforts. He praises the Jamaican people for their community spirit an...

Giorgio Rusconi, director of resort operations for Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica. talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his 400-acre resort's efficient recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl, and its division into the traditional Founder's Cove and contemporary Eclipse areas. Rusconi highlights the resort's multi-generational appeal and extensive amenities, including restaurants,...

Donovan White, director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourism Board, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica's tourism resilience and recovery from Hurricane Beryl. White discusses the country's preparedness and response strategies. He also addresses U.S. travel advisories, noting improvements in Jamaica's safety perceptions. For more information, visit www. VisitJamaica.com . If...

Steve Odell, senior vice president & chief sales officer, for Regent Seven Seas Cruises talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about where his luxury line will take guests in 2026-27, including sailings in Africa & Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, South Pacific, Canada & New England, Caribbean & Panama Canal, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South Am...

Michelle Lardizabal, chief sales officer at Azamara, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about The Azamara Difference and the benefits for you and your clients. Lardizabal details Azamara’s competitive advantages, the programs that help you sell the company’s cruises  and the unique destinations visited. For more information, visit www.connect.azamara.com . If interested, the ori...

Linken D’Souza, senior vice president of food and beverage for Royal Caribbean International, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the new Oasis-class Utopia of the Seas. He highlights the ship's innovative dining options, including grab-and-go choices and themed dining designed for a ship with short itineraries. D'Souza also discusses crew training and advanced food prep technology...

Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer for Royal Caribbean Group, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the new features and experiences on the Utopia of the Seas. Schneider details some of the changes on this Oasis-class ship, including the introduction of the Royal Railway, an immersive multimedia dining experience, and the Pesky Parrot tiki bar featuring an obnoxious anim...

Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales, trade support and service for Royal Caribbean International, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Royal's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, which offers shorter three- and four-day voyages. Freed reveals the strategy behind introducing a brand new ship for shorter cruises, and the difference between a vacation and a getaway. She also talks...

Stefani Vasileva, shore excursions manager on Riverside Ravel, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a day-by-day description of all the tours and excursions she organizes on the Rhone River for guests on ship. From iconic Roman aqueducts like the Pont du Gard to castles to visits to some of the great Cote du Rhone wineries to truffle hunting, there’s much to see and do on this great ri...

Captain Philippe Stypa, master of the Riverside Ravel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why the Rhone River just might be the best river to start with for your clients interested in river cruising. Captain Stypa has sailed almost his entire career on the Rhone, joining Riverside Luxury Cruises three years ago to take over the Riverside Ravel where guests can explore hist...

Fernando Rodriguez, hotel manager for Riverside Ravel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the sumptuous accommodations, gourmet dining and magnificent service onboard this luxury ship sailing the Rhone River. Riverside is a relatively new brand, but it’s now delivering some of the highest levels of service on the rivers of Europe. For more information, visit www.riverside-...

Willie Fernandez, chief marketing officer for Rental Escapes, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the company's rebranding, which includes a new catchphrase, a redesigned website, a new travel advisor portal, updated marketing materials, and an enhanced mobile app. Fernandez discusses his role in vetting villas worldwide, shares details about his current inspection trip in Turks an...

Angela Chikumbi Chimpinde, first secretary for tourism to the embassy of the Republic of Zambia, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Zambia's three kinds of safaris—on foot, by car or by boat. Chimpinde describes the country's easy accessibility via several international airlines, its national parks, its famous Victoria Falls, and a diverse culture where more than 70 languages are...

Wayne Howarth, head guide at Kariega Game Reserve at Eastern Cape, South Africa, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about its location along the coast and near the Garden Route, noted for being a malaria-free area, particularly attractive for families and tourists. Howarth describes the lodge's various accommodations, including a five-star product and family-friendly options. He al...

Anita Pagliasso, CTIE, president of PATH (Professional Association of Travel Hosts) and vice president-industry relations for KHM Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the host agency business after the 15thannual PATH Symposium last month. Pagliasso details the growth the association, how the meeting has become crucial to identifying key issues affecting hosts...

Bev Maloney-Fischback CEO & founder of Wellness Media Company, which includes Organic Spa Media and Wellness Travel University, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her group’s groundbreaking course that gives travel advisors the chance to become wellness travel experts. Maloney-Fischback also details the rise of wellness travel as category unto itself as more people wan...

Dan Bagby, owner of Honeymoon Always, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Travel Leaders Network EDGE conference about how he founded and has grown his travel agency, which is hosted by 58 Stars a member of Travel Leaders Network. Honeymoon Always focuses on the romance, honeymoon and destination wedding market, which has made it one of the top sellers of Sandals...

Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the growth of the collection, including the opening of 50 new hotels last year. Ueberroth describes the differences between the Legend, LVX, Lifestyle, Residences and Beyond Green brands and highlights the trend of ultra-personalization in luxury travel. She also emphasizes the importance...