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, …

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…

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 man…

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, ent…

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 fi…

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 del…

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 elevat…

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 …

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 h…

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 theate…

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 cockta…

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 discu…

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. Ped…

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…

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 se…

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 p…

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 …

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 w…

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 la…

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 informati…

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…

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 m…

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 b…

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 …

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 pai…

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 count…

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 trave…

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 …

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 In…

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 info…

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…

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 Tr…

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, cu…

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 Engla…

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…

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 jus…

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 cr…

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. Guironn…

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. …

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 of…

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, lunc…

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 st…

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 exper…

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 Ug…

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 Princes…

David Neeleman, CEO and founder of Breeze Airways, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how his domestic point-to-point airline is now profitable after three years and despite the pandemic. Neeleman, who founded three successful airlines and revived a third during his career, also offers his thoughts on the future of the air…

Robert Welsh, owner Small Car Big City in London, talks with James Shillinglaw about his classic Mini Cooper tours of London. On a VisitBritain tour operator fam, Welsh showcased the multiple tour programs focused on film locations throughout the city. In our case, we toured Paddington to visit locations for the “Paddington” movies, drawing attenti…

Master chef Rudi Sodamin and renowned artist Romero Britto talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about their signature restaurant aboard Sun Princess (and soon Star Princess). Sodamin and Romero combined to create a dining experience that would meet the demands of couples in love everywhere. And last week they launched a three-day po…

Vicky Miller, the new CEO of VisitScotland, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the latest visitor numbers and the tourism campaigns the country has in the U.S. She details the many attractions Scotland has, highlighting the connections to film and TV series that help promote the country, and how Scotland has focused on sust…