Katie Thompson, senior vice president of marketing at Abercrombie & Kent, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about the rebranding of Abercrombie & Kent, whose holding company A&K Group now includes Sanctuary Retreats and Crystal Cruises, in addition to a full range of tours, trips and experiences around the globe. Thompson explains why new logo and imagery reflects that combination. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.

All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Lauren Alba, vice president-global marketing & communications for The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about what properties the group is adding to its collection. Alba also details all the new programs LHW has developed to support its luxury hotel partners and the travel advisors who sell them. For more information, visit www.lhw.com.

All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Barbara Muckermann, CEO of Kempinski Hotels, and Anna Nash, president-global for Explora Journeys, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about how they each just made the switch from luxury cruises to luxury hotels—and vice versa. Muckermann, a longtime luxury cruise executive with Silversea, is taking on a new challenge heading up Kempinski, while Nash, who had been with Aman for over 10 years, has now moved to head up Explora Journeys. For more information, visit www.kempinski.com or www.explorajourneys.com. 

Scott Koepf, chief strategy officer for Cruise Planners (CP), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the comprehensive training and education CP offers to turn newbies and experienced advisors into top-selling pros. At last month’s CP World, CP unveiled even more programs such as a River Cruise Academy, a CP Learning Genie and more than 25 training events every year. Using his extensive experience with host agencies, Koepf also reflects on why CP has been so successful with over $1 billion is sales. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

Brian Shultz, chief technology officer of Cruise Planners (CP), the billion-dollar host agency and franchisor, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the latest technology being launch by CP for its member agencies. Shultz reveals CP’s new artificial intelligence solution, a dedicated version of AI called Maxx Intelligence which AP advisors can use to generate business. He also unveils other time-saving tech solutions that seek to save time and boost sales. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales, guest services and TK of Royal Caribbean International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her cruise line’s new private destination, Perfect Day Mexico, set to debut on the coast near Costa Maya in 2027. Freed tells you how you can sell this new dedicated destination. It will feature “chill” and “thrill zones like Perfect Day in Coco Cay in the Bahamas, plus restaurants, bars, pools and beaches, all with a distinctly Mexican flare. For more information, visit www.cruisingpower.com or www.royalcaribbean.com.

All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google,Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Joe Leon, vice president-sales, Americas at Silversea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Silversea's latest news, the World Cruise 2027, Venetian Society and more. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.

Jacki Marks, global head of trade brands for ALG Vacations (ALGV), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Ascend conference in Cancun about ALGV’s campaign to promote the value of travel advisors, the new ALGV Active Pro program and Luxe by ALGV, the growing luxury program. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.

Ray Snisky, group president of ALG Vacations (ALGV) talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Ascend conference in Cancun about the benefits of being owned by Hyatt and new branding for ALGV. He also reveals the new destinations served by ALGV, including Europe, the Middle East, Maldives and more. Even more important Snisky talks about how ALGV is much more that a transactional company as it looks to develop a caring relationship with travel advisors and suppliers, most evident in ALGV’s “kindness” campaign. For more information, visit www.algvacations.com.

Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the foundation’s many programs in Jamaica and around the Caribbean. During the recent Jamaica Love event on the island, travel advisors and journalists got the chance to see a program where Sandals helps teach Jamaican school children about the importance of coastal mangroves. For more information, visit www.sandalsfoundation.org.

All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google,Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Theresa Scalzitti, chief operating officer for Cruise Planners (CP), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the recently concluded CP World, the host agency franchisor’s annual conference. Scalzitti also describes some of the major new marketing initiatives launched by CP this year, reveals new training and education programs, and highlights other benefits offered by CP. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

Gebhard Rainer, the new CEO of HX (formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions) talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new brand from a veteran provider of expedition cruises sailing to the polar regions and beyond. Rainer talks about the reasons behind splitting HX from Hurtigruten, which continues to offer Norwegian coastal voyages and what HX is planning in the future. For more information, visit www.travelhx.com.

Jeff Anderson, co-president of Avoya Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about three new initiatives that will dramatically change his host agency. These gamechangers include a higher premium commission program for its well-known Live Leads program, an expansion of its Elite 100 program for its top advisors which pays 100 percent commission, and a new consumer booking website where Avoya members get the clients and a percentage of the commission. For more information, visit www.avoyanetwork.com.

Mario Del Duca, managing director of NUBA in the U.S., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his Spain- and Mexico-based luxury travel agency and DMC is working to grow in the United States to target the Spanish-speaking market. NUBA, a member of Virtuoso, just opened an office in Miami is seeking to add travel advisors and sell its travel products here too. For more information, visit www.NUBA.com.

Michele Fee, founder and CEO for Cruise Planners, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the myriad tools and programs her host agency has developed to help its advisors, including a revolutionary artificial intelligence (AI) app that offers dedicated Cruise Planners content. Fee also provides an update on sales across all segments. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

Gary Barteling, managing director of Bartelings' Private Jet Tours, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how he is delivering a luxury travel experience once synonymous with Pan Am World Airways, which ceased operations in 1991. Bartelings is offering two trans-Atlantic tours priced at nearly $60,000 per seat and fully commissionable.To register and for more information, visit https://criteriontravel.com/panam.

Travel Experts’ executive team, consisting of Sharon Fake, executive director; Claire Canady, director-NC operations; and Heather McIntyre, director of technology and finance, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Travel Experts’ history, vision and culture going back to its start in 1989. That’s when Susan Ferrell, Travel Experts’ founder and president Susan, launched the firm to enable independent travel advisors to become entrepreneurs with unlimited earnings potential. Thirty-five years later, the company continues to maintain those lofty goals. For more information, call 800-274-2544, email info@travelxperts.com or visit www.travel-xperts.com.

Ken Muskat, managing director-U.S.A. for Scenic Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the luxury expedition and river cruise line is doing in the U.S. market today. Interviewed onboard Scenic Eclipse in one of the ship’s rare visits to New York, Muskat talks about the success of the Scenic Eclipse ships, the very different luxury yachts from Emerald, and the river cruise fleets for Scenic and Emerald. For more information, visit www.scenicusa.com.

Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about last week’s “Jamaica Love” event in Montego Bay, where 1,000 top advisors, suppliers, government officials and Sandals staff gathered to celebrate the destination and the resort company. Stewart also discusses the legacy of the Sandals brand, which he inherited from his late father, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, and his own plans for Sandals 2.0. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.

John Waggoner, chairman and founder of Victory Cruise Lines, an all-inclusive small-ship coastal cruise line operating on the Great Lakes, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his two ships. Both had been casualties of Hornblower Group's restructuring, but are now back in service under the Victory Cruise Lines banner. Waggoner plans to build on his past successes to create a cruise product with great food, great destinations and more. For more information, visit www.victorycruiselines.com.

Natalie Muir, director of sales at Concorde Hotel New York, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a tour of this hidden gem on the Upper East Side. With great top floor suites, just four rooms per floor, great views and a snazzy small restaurant, Concorde is the perfect place for a Manhattan stay. For more information, visit www.concordehotelnewyork.com.

Jos Al Adwani, owner of Lagoonies Cafe, a part of Balance Water Sport in Kappalady, Sri Lanka, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about their adventure travel attractions, including luminescent kayak trips and a kite flying school. But the cafe also has some of the best steak and poke bowls in Sri Lanka. For more information, visit www.balancewatersports.com or www.srilanka.travel.

Mike Drever, founder of BranchUp, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his innovative service for travel advisors providing them with Facebook marketing and lead generation. Drever has now introduced BranchUp Pro, which adds Instagram and AI marketing features for advisors. Drever himself is known as the founder of CruiseShipCenters, the largest seller of cruises in Canada, before he sold the agency to Expedia. For more information, visit https://branchup.com.

Belinda Hindmarsh, deputy CEO of Ponant, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard Le Lyrial during a rare visit to New York City. Hindmarsh reveals the latest news about the French exploration cruise, its current fleet and what’s to come. For more information, visit www.ponant.us.

Frank Marrenbach, CEO and managing partner of Althoff Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show. Marrenbach unveils Althoff’s two newest properties in Cologne and Frankfurt as the latest hotels in this growing collection. For more information, visit www.althoffhotels.com.

Jessica Klement, vice president-advocacy for the American Society of Travel Advisors, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the big issues that travel advisors lobbied for at this year’s Legislative Day, held last month on Capitol Hill. This year ASTA focused on airline refunds, which advisors currently are liable for even though they don’t keep the fares themselves, as well as representation on DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC). For more information, visit www.asta.org.

TJ Abrams, vice president of wellbeing for Hyatt, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes in the Bahamas about Hyatt’s extensive wellness programing throughout its portfolio. Abrams reveals how Hyatt has evolved its offerings to enhance wellbeing for guests, as well as how it offers personalized wellbeing experiences. For more information, visit www.hyatt.com.

Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar Resort, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM)-North America, about the upcoming new features at his luxury property. These include a hot new jazz club, new dining options and much more as Baha Mar keeps innovating. For more information, visit www.bahamar.com.

Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar Resort, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM)-North America, about the upcoming new features at his luxury property. These include a hot new jazz club, new dining options and much more as Baha Mar keeps innovating. For more information, visit www.bahamar.com.

Leslie Tillem, of Eltee Travel, and Curtis Parris, of the Parris group, both members of the Global Travel Collection, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how they came to star in a television series on NBC called the "Extra Mile Club." In it, the two compete to win celebrity clients while showcasing what travel advisors can do. The first two episodes have already aired, but there will be more in December. For more information, visit www.GlobalTravelCollection.com.

Paul Barry, CEO of Avanti Destinations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Avanti’s new program to provide fixed-price FIT vacations initially using three new regional microsites featuring 58 packages to Asia, Latin America, and the South Pacific. Those three new websites are The three microsites are https://asia.avantidestinations.com, https://latinamerica.avantidestinations.comand, https://southpacific.avantidestinations.com. For more information, visit Avanti’s travel advisor portal at https://book.avantidestinations.com.

All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are available on our Youtube channel, and as podcasts with the same title on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google,Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Vincenzo Falcone, general manager of Bulgari Hotel Rome, talks with Michaela Guzy, reporting for Insider Travel Report, about his spectacular luxury property, which offers one of the most exclusive experiences in the eternal city. And the interview itself takes place on the rooftop overlooking all the beauty of the seven hills of Rome. For more information, visit www.bulgarihotels.com.

Vickum Nawagamuwage, founder and CEO of Santani Wellness in Sri Lanka, speaks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the philosophy behind Santani and how they're promoting human sustainability with a nature-first approach. Also interviewed is the resort's naturalist and one of their Ayurvedic doctors. For more information, visit www.santani.com.

Seth Borko, head of research at Skift, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about key travel industry trends, including how domestic travel has surged post-pandemic but international travel is now surpassing it. Luxury and family travel continue to grow, with increasing demand for solo travel. Despite predictions of its decline, the travel advisor segment remains strong, particularly for complex and luxury trips. For more information, read Skift's "State of Travel" report at www.skift.com.

Rikaz Jaffree, operations manager at Anasa Wellness Resort in Ella, Sri Lanka, sits down with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report to share what makes Anasa a top-tier luxury retreat, including a luxe gym with personal trainers, a yoga studio, an organic farm and a full range of wellness treatments — all set in acres of untouched nature. For more information, visit www.AnasaWellnessResort.com.

Jennifer Tombaugh, CEO of Tauck, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the company’s upcoming 100th anniversary, why it matters to travel advisors and their clients, and all the new tour and cruise products Tauck has in store for the coming year. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.

Seth Borko, head of research at Skift, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about key travel industry trends, including how domestic travel has surged post-pandemic but international travel is now surpassing it. Luxury and family travel continue to grow, with increasing demand for solo travel. Despite predictions of its decline, the travel advisor segment remains strong, particularly for complex and luxury trips. For more information, read Skift's "State of Travel" report at www.skift.com.

Carlo Micallef, CEO of Malta Tourism Authority, and Noel Zammit, CEO of Heritage Malta, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Malta's efforts to attract more tourism, particularly from North America. Malta plans to strengthen U.S. ties, improve travel connections and secure more direct flights. It even will focus on culinary connections with the U.S. including a snail dish created when the U.S. Navy introduced Coca Cola to Malta. For more information, visit www.visitmalta.com.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Visit Dubai, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his destination’s unique combination of luxury, adventure and culture. Easily accessible from the U.S., and visa-free for Americans, Dubai keeps expanding direct flight connections. Kazim highlights the city’s world-class hotels and 106 Michelin-listed restaurants. For more information, visit www.VisitDubai.com.

Lee Rosen, founder and president of Tres Technologies, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the evolution of his company, which developed the TRAMS back office and ClientBase CRM products. Rosen sold it to Sabre in 2006, but then bought it back in 2021. The company continues to provide vital back office and CRM systems to travel agencies around the country—and it’s developing new technology for the next generation of agencies. For more information, visit www.trestechnologies.com.

All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are available on our Youtube channel, and as podcasts with the same title on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google,Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Fiji’s record-breaking tourism numbers in 2023, emphasizing the goal of reaching one million visitors this year with the support of new direct flights from Fiji Airways, including a Dallas route. Hill also highlights Fiji’s appeal to adventure travelers, its sustainability efforts, upcoming hotel developments, and the strong buying power of the U.S. dollar in Fiji. For more information, visit www.fiji.travel.

All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are available on our Youtube channel, and as podcasts with the same title on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google,Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Simon Mayle, event director for ILTM North America, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about last week’s annual conference, which for the second time in two years was held in the Bahamas at the Baha Mar resort. Mayle tells us who attended on the travel advisors and travel supplier front and how they interacted. Even more importantly, he tells us why ILTM North America will co-locate with PROUD Experiences in the Bahamas in October 2025. For more information, visit www.iltm.com/northamerica or www.proudexperiences.com.

Peter Vlitas, executive vice president of partner relations for Internova, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about airline industry trends, including challenges with NDC (New Distribution Capability), airline pricing, and AI in travel services. Vlitas highlights the importance of travel advisors in adapting to NDC, how airlines like Delta and United are handling NDC's implementation, and how AI is actually helping travel advisors. Vlitas also touches on airline regulations, specifically refund policies, and emphasizes the need for advisors to support airlines that value their partnerships. For more information, visit www.Internova.com.

Dennis Grunden, vice president of luxury hotel programs at Internova, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Internova's hotel products. These include the Internova Select collection of four- and five-star luxury properties, the Internova Curated collection of small luxury lifestyle and design-focused properties, and the Internova Worldwide collection of quick, short business-stay properties where amenities are not as critical. Grondin also highlights Internova's educational campaigns that explain the exclusive amenities offered to Global Travel Collection advisors. For more information, visit www.Internova.com and www.Internovatravel.com. 

Dave Volman, senior vice president-technology for ADX and TripArc, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Ensemble Horizons in Las Vegas earlier this month, about how the revolutionary ADX platform services as tech underpinning for Ensemble advisors. Using ADX, they can book air, hotel, insurance and more. Voleman says ADX is making even more improvements and will soon be able to help advisors book cruise as a soup-to-nuts technology that will help them sell even more travel. For more information, visit www.trip-arc.com or www.joinensemble.com.

Daniel Hostettler, president of The Boca Raton, is on the verge of finishing the renovation of The Boco Raton, the iconic Florida luxury resort, by finishing the Beach Club, one of five hotels that make up this lavish resort complex. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with Hostettler about the renovation, the restaurants and the facilities now available to guests. For more information, visit www.thebocaraton.com. 

Brad Yared, manager of youth activities aboard Disney Treasure, talks with Sherman DeJohn of Insider Travel Report about the ship's offerings for children and families. He describes the Disney Oceaneers Club for ages 3 to 10, featuring interactive activities like designing roller coasters, themed storytelling, and character visits, as well as a secure check-in system. He also highlights spaces for younger and older age groups, such as the It’s a Small World Nursery, Edge for tweens and Vibe for teens, along with family-friendly events across the ship. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com and www.disneytravelagents.com.

Beth Butzlaff, senior vice president-global partner relations for Ensemble, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Ensemble Horizon conference in Las Vegas about the consortium’s many programs for preferred partners, many of which she helped develop in the year she’s been with Ensemble. These include a major new program identifying the right cruise for the right client and new program that pairs cruises with hotels. For more information, visit www.joinensemble.com.

Kimberlin Arnold, an independent travel advisor with Peacock Travel Group, a member of Frosch Travel, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her experience on an ALG Vacation trip to Spain and Portugal. Social media plays a crucial role in her business, and the trip allowed her to improve her content creation for her primary romance and honeymoon clients. For more information, visit www.ALGVacations.com.

Shayla Lalani, vice president of marketing for Ensemble, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Ensemble Horizons conference in Las Vegas about all the ways Ensemble helps its member agencies market travel day. Lalani reveals the innovative ways that Ensemble uses to sell more travel. For more information, visit www.joinensemble.com.

All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are available on our Youtube channel, and as podcasts with the same title on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google,Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.