Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Insider Travel Report Podcast

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.

Lindsey Ueberroth, chief executive officer for Preferred Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. Ueberroth details the growth of her Preferred Hotels & Resorts hotel collection, including the newest luxury hotels added to the group. She also describes new sustainable programs and much more. For more information, visit www.preferredhotels.com.

Misty Belles, senior vice president of communications for Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about Virtuoso’s latest surveys of the luxury market. Where are luxury travelers going, what kind of experience are they looking for, and how travel advisors are selling are all covered in this comprehensive view of the luxury market. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.

J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. O’Hara, whose group includes Global Travel Collection and Travel Leaders Network, tells us why Internova made such a big splash at ILTM, including a large sign on the front of the Palais in Cannes, and a large group of advisors attending the event. He also details the latest survey of the luxury travel market. For more information, visit www.internova.com.

Richard Valtr, founder of Mews, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his cloud-based property management system, designed to automate and streamline operations for hospitality brands. Valtr explains how Mews enables a seamless, guest-centric experience, shifting the focus from the room to the guest. For more information, visit www.mews.com.

Simon Drake, general manager of The Store, Oxford, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. Drake describes his new property, which is located in a former department store in Oxford, England, and what it offers guests. For more information, visit www.thestoreoxford.com.

Insider ILTM Video: Marion Walsh-Hédouin, global head of marketing and communications for Minor Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about Minor’s growth in luxury hotels. Minor has even launched itself as its own brand, overseeing such expanding luxury chains as Anantara, Tivoli, NH Collection and more, to become one of the fastest growing luxury hotel companies in the world. For more information, visit www.minorhotels.com.

Seth Borko, head of research at Skift, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Skift's megatrends report for 2025. Borko highlights a few big trends, including a slow and steady growth in travel demand, the rise of event-based tourism, and how consumer preferences are shifting toward authenticity and cooler climates. Borko also discusses emerging trends such as pet travel, the role of artificial intelligence in the industry and cultural shifts in destinations. For more information, visit www.skift.com.

Steve Perillo, president and CEO of Perillo Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the history and legacy of his famed family-owned company, which now specializes in much more than tours to Italy. Perillo now offers Italy, Hawaii, Greece, Spain and Portugal, plus group tours and customized travel. For more information, visit www.perillotours.com.  

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Matt Cammaert, senior vice president of marketing and outside sales at Kensington, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his newly restricted luxury operator. Kensington now offers a slew of tour, cruise, yacht and villa products to suit every luxury traveler. For more information, visit www.kensingtontours.com.

Gonçalo Mexia Alves, head of sales for Octant Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his group of luxury properties located in key cities and towns throughout Portugal, which has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Alves details his grown collection of hotels and what they can offer to your clients. For more information, visit www.octanthotels.com.

Jenny Winebloom, vice president of Disney Live Entertainment, talks with Sherman DeJohn of Insider Travel Report about the entertainment aboard the Disney Treasure. She highlights Broadway-style shows like The Tale of Moana, deck shows, interactive activities and themed dining experiences, all tailored to the ship’s adventure theme. Entertainment spans from high-energy events to culturally rooted performances, offering a variety of experiences for all ages. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com and www.disneytravelagents.com.

Marina Efraimoglou, owner Euphoria Retreat, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show. Efraimoglou tells her inspiration story about how she founded her unique wellbeing resort in Mystras, Sparta in Greece. The property has become a widely recognized retreat for its setting and its many wellness programs. For more information, visit www.euphoriaretreat.com.

Daniel Cowan, senior manager-dining services for Disney Cruise Line, talks with Sherman Dejon of Insider Travel Report about the food and beverage options aboard the Disney Treasure. Cowan highlights rotational dining with themed venues like Plaza de Coco and World of Marvel, fine dining restaurants, casual options and unique spaces like Hook’s Barbary. He also emphasizes the role of the crew in creating seamless dining experiences. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com or www.disneytravelagents.com.

Nicholas Streff, vice president-strategy and communications for Belmond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show. Streff details the newest trains, barges and hotels in Belmond’s growing portfolio. For more information, visit www.belmond.com.

Jodi Bainter, vice president of domestic leisure sales at The Walt Disney Company, talks with Sherman DeJohn of Insider Travel Report about Disney's newest ship, Disney Treasure. Painter highlights the ship’s unique features, including its focus on adventure, immersive Disney-themed spaces like the Haunted Mansion Parlor and the innovative Plaza de Coco dining experience. She also details the ship's itineraries, stateroom options, entertainment, and amenities designed for families and adults. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com or www.disneytravelagents.com.

Bob van den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. Van Den Oord details the newest luxury hotels in the Langham group and where the company is planning to expand in the future. For more information, visit www.langhamhotels.com.

Dana Santucci, chairman of the United States Tour Operations Association (USTOA) talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report just after last month’s USTOA Marketplace & Conference in Marco Island, Florida, Santucci, who is also executive vice president of EF Education First, details what USTOA has accomplished during her second term as chairman and what she hopes to do for the remainder of term, including increase the economic impact of the group, develop new consumer campaigns and tackle tour operator sustainability. For more information, visit www.ustoa.com.

Terry Dale, president and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report just after USTOA’s Marketplace in Marco Island, Fla., about a new survey of USTOA’s economic impact on the travel industry. Dale also details USTOA’s marketing program in 2024 and a new culinary themed campaign this year, as well an effort to make tours more sustainable and combat overtourism. For more information, visit www.ustoa.com.

Kristi Gole, executive vice president of strategy for Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM luxury travel show in Cannes about how her group had become the fastest growing collection of independent hotels in the world especially in the luxury segment. With more than 40 brands and 800 hotels, GHA has emerged as a force in hospitality complete with its own guest loyalty program. For more information, visit www.globalhotelalliance.com.

Etienne Haro, general manager of The Mark talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his famed luxury hotel on New York City’s Upper East Side is evolving, including two relatively new marquee restaurants and refurbished suites, including the largest Penthouse Suite in North America. For more information, visit www.themarkhotel.com.

Karen Whitt, vice president of sales and marketing for The Hartling Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes about her collection of luxury properties. Whitt details what’s to come at The Palms Turks & Caicos as well as The Shore Club, and everything else Turks& Caicos has to offer. For more information visit https://hartlinggroup.com.

Andrea Grisdale, founder and CEO of IC Bellagio, a luxury destination management company based in Bellagio, Italy, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. Grisdale tells us how she started the company, turning it from one offering tours of Lake Como to one that now can offer customized luxury travel throughout Italy. For more information, visit www.icbellagio.com.

Mark Orwoll, author of “Just One Little Hitch,” talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new book, a humorous account of his days hitchhiking in Europe and Morocco on a shoestring budget. Orwoll, a veteran travel journalist who served as international editor for Travel + Leisure for more than 20 years, describes his experiences during his first trip aboard. For more information, visit https://markorwoll.com. To buy the book, order it from your local bookstore or visit www.amazon.com.

Henley Vazquez, co-founder of Fora Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about the dramatic growth of her host agency, a member of Virtuoso. Vazquez details the innovative technology, marketing and training programs that her agency offers members to help them sell more luxury travel. For more information, visit www.foratravel.com.

Nathan Domer, acting general manager of the Ulster American Folk Park, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the park's efforts to preserve and interpret the story of Irish emigration to America. Dormer explains the park’s chronological layout, featuring actual homes, artifacts, and a replica ship to illustrate Irish rural life, the challenging trans-Atlantic crossing and settlers' experiences in America. For more information, visit www.ulsteramericanfolkpark.org.

Ciaran O’Neill, managing director of the Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry, Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the hotel's history and its role in the regeneration of the area. O'Neil shares insights on the hotel's unique blend of heritage and modern luxury, offering intimate, high-quality accommodations for international guests. The hotel has become a key part of Derry's vibrant tourism scene, especially during events like Halloween. For more information, visit www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com.

Simon Casson, CEO of Corinthia Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month's ILTM Cannes about the sudden growth of his luxury brand around the world, most recently in New York City but soon in Rome and other top cities. The Malta-based hotel company is set to expand around the world as Casson follows a strategic growth strategy. For more information, visit www.corinthiahotels.com.

Gina Weyer, vice president of training for the Signature Travel Network, and Nolan Burris, Signature’s talent development consultant, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the role of AI in the travel industry and in their travel agency cooperative. Burris explains how AI can help travel advisors by providing faster answers to common questions and assisting with sales training. Weyer says the key to successful training is specialization and community sharing of best practices. For more information, visit http://join.sigtn.com.

André Gerondeau, chief operating officer at Meliá Hotels International, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the expansion of Meliá’s hotels, with 15 properties set to open across its luxury brands in the Caribbean, Europe and Southeast Asia. Meliá’s brands include Me by Meliá, Meliá Collection, and Zel, the boutique lifestyle brand created in partnership with tennis superstar Rafael Nadal. This is the first in a series of interviews completed at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) held in Cannes last month. For more information, visit www.melia.com.

How top destinations cater to the family market with suggested tours, itineraries, hotels, activities and more. We examine in depth what these countries have offer for family travel and how travel advisors can sell them. Moderated by Alan Fine, chief multimedia officer of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Tarja Koivisto, country manager USA for Visit Finland; Samer Abu Taleb, manager, marketing and sales-North America for Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing; and Paul Mcdonagh, travel and industry engagement manager for Tourism Ireland.

Simon Blacoe, vice president of hotel operations for Azamara Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Azamara’s differentiators and guest experiences. He highlights the line’s destination immersion, including curated events such as AzAmazing Evenings and White Nights, as well as the focus on authentic, local food and wine. Blanco also explains how the ships are meticulously maintained, offers insights into dining experiences across the fleet, and discusses Azamara’s appeal to a growing audience of younger cruisers, multi-generational families and premium travelers. For more information, visit connect.Azamara.com or www.Azamara.com.

Jamie Margolis, owner of Moms at Sea and winner of Dream Vacations' Bobby Haupt Franchise of the Year Award, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how she transitioned from a pediatric respiratory therapist to a travel advisor by leveraging her Facebook group, which grew from 100 to more 110,000 members. Margolis emphasizes the importance of authenticity, engagement, and providing value in social selling and highlights her focus on family cruising with Royal Caribbean. For more information, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.

Michelle Lardizabal, chief sales officer of Azamara Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Azamara's commitment to destination immersion, small-ship advantages and its comprehensive inclusivity. She highlights the brand's unique offerings such as curated country intensive itineraries, extended stays in ports, and partnerships with PerryGolf and Micato Safaris. Lardizabal also emphasizes Azamara's loyalty to travel advisors, who represent 86 percent of all bookings,, and outlines resources like Azamara Connect and special promotions to support advisors. For more information, visit www.azamara.com.

Brent Hill of Tourism Fiji talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the launch of nonstop flights on Fiji Airways between Fiji and Dallas, offering three weekly flights that connect Fiji with American Airlines’ extensive U.S. network. Hill highlights Fiji’s unique culture, Fiji Airways' award-winning airline service, and new resort developments, including a Crowne Plaza and a Westin set to open in 2024. For more information, visit www.fiji.travel or www.fijiairways.com.

Katina Athanasiou, senior vice president of sales and services for the Americas at Celebrity Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the cruise line's new deployments and special offers. Highlights include a 110-night Grand Voyage on the Celebrity Solstice and a special wave season promotion. For more information, visit www.TheCelebrityCommittment.com and www.Celebrity.com.

Dondra Ritzenthaler, the relatively new CEO of Azamara Cruises, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her return to the cruise industry and her plans to be the leader in small ship immersion. She highlights the brand’s focus on small ships, destination immersion and strong relationships with travel advisors, supported by initiatives like Azamara Connect and the Azamara World Academy. Ritzenthaler also discusses planned improvements in technology, customer service and ship updates. For more information, visit connect.azamara.com and www.azamara.com.

How top destinations cater to the family market with suggested tours, itineraries, hotels, activities and more. We examine in depth what these countries have to offer for family travel and how travel advisors can sell them here on Virtual Roadshows-Selling Family Vacations. Moderated by Alan Fine, chief multimedia officer of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Melanie Schinkel, Aussie specialist program team leader for Tourism Australia; Kristin Carlson for Tourism Exchange Japan; Art Jimenez, executive director of tourism for Visit Reno Tahoe; and Vivian Salazar, director for Baja California Tourism Board.

Anton Simunovic, general manager of Trim Castle Hotel, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the hotel's connection to the Puca Festival and its ideal location for exploring Ireland's Halloween heritage. The hotel offers special programs and events for festival visitors and is within easy reach of key attractions like the Hill of Ward, the ancient Celtic site where Halloween originated. The hotel will soon update its 68 rooms and public areas to better reflect the town's character and history. For more information, visit www.TrimCastleHotel.com or www.Ireland.com.

How top all-inclusive resorts cater to the family market today with even more features such as mini-theme parks, water parks, family rooms, kids clubs, baby care and much more. We detail the state of the art in family all-inclusive resorts here at the Virtual Roadshows-Selling Family Vacations. Moderated by Alan Fine, chief multimedia officer of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Sergio Rodriguez, leisure sales executive for Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort; Jaimie Robinson, international leisure sales manager for Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica; and Sara Ronghi, director of marketing and brand development, director for the Americas for Melia Hotels International.

Martin Nolan, co-director of the Puca Festival in Trim and Athboy, two adjoining towns in northern Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Ireland's most authentic Halloween celebration. Nolan discusses the festival's origins, its connection to the local community, and its focus on sustainability. The Puka Festival features a parade, music performances, and a reenactment of the ancient Celtic ritual of lighting and sharing the flame on the Hill of Ward, the spot historians say was where Halloween first began. For more information, visit www.PucaFestival.com or www.Ireland.com.

With a slew of new family friendly ships making their debuts in the last two years, the cruise industry is poised to deliver even more incredible vacations for families, including new family friendly rooms and suites, new entertainment, elaborate kids clubs, great activities, onboard theme parks and water parks, and much more. It all adds up to providing the perfect family vacation. Moderated by James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Alicia Steuart, senior director of sales for Carnival Cruise Line; Miguel Sanchez, manager-business development for Silversea Cruises; and Marsha Patrick, director of sales, Western United States and Canada for Princess Cruises,

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.

It’s not a category of travel one usually associates with family travel, but river cruises can provide the perfect family vacation, especially for families with slightly older kids (12 years plus). Families can tour Europe without having to pack and unpack, explore city centers and find family friendly attractions and historic sites throughout. We talk with river cruise lines that offer great family vacations. Moderated by James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, this panel features Rob Huffman, director of field sales for AmaWaterways, and Jen Halboth, chief executive officer for Riverside Luxury Cruises and Riverside Collection, Americas.

Susan Brennan, head guide at Trim Castle in Trim, Ireland, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the history of Trim Castle, including its role as a symbol of Norman power in Ireland and its connections to Halloween. She describes the visitor experience, highlighting guided tours, historical features like the dungeons and a great hall, and the castle's pivotal role in the Norman Conquest. For more information, visit heritageireland.ie.