Walaa Badour, cruise director, Egyptologist and tour director on AmaLilia, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about AmaWaterways' Nile River itineraries. Badour describes the full 12-day itinerary, including stops in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, featuring guided tours of historic sites, museum visits, cultural experiences and Nile…

John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Network (TLN), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at TLN’s annual media briefing about his network’s record sales in 2024 and why this is still the Golden Age for travel advisors. Lovell details what’s been selling on land and at sea for TLN’s agencies and why the future looks bright for t…

Tom Marchant, co-founder of London-based Black Tomato, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury travel company offering bespoke experiences around the world. To celebrate 20 years in business, Black Tomato just launched a new product line, The Pursuit of Feeling, based on five emotional pillars and featuring 100 curate…

Walaa Badour, cruise director, Egyptologist and tour director on AmaLilia, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about AmaWaterways' Nile River ships, AmaDahlia and AmaLilia. Badnour describes the accommodations, dining, entertainment and amenities on board, including a gym, spa and specialty restaurant. Badour also highlights the accessibi…

Patricia Yates, CEO of Visit Britain, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at a unique location, Hampton Court Palace, one that certainly has served as a location for many a movie. Indeed, Yates reveals details of her country’s new Starring Britain campaign using familiar movies to promote the destination. For more information, vis…

James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with the owners of Dear Strangers, a new mixology bar and restaurant on West 4th Street in Manhattan. Three experienced bartenders—Ivan Papic, Ivan Radulovic and Bratislav Glisic, all originally from Serbia—now co-own this lounge, which also offers some great savory and sweet food to go with innovati…

In this insightful interview, Willie Fernandez, chief marketing officer of Rental Escapes, sits down with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report to discuss the world of luxury villa rentals. Fernandez shares his expertise on the growing demand for high-end, private villas, offering travelers an unmatched combination of space, privacy and person…

Heather Bowen, owner of Polka Dots and Wishes Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on Valiant Lady about how she’s found success selling Virgin Voyages. Bowen, a top 10 selling travel advisor for the cruise line, focuses on the adults-only brand’s top dining, entertainment and Virgin vibe to convince travelers that Virgin i…

Manuela Fahringer, general manager of the Zemi Miches All-Inclusive, Curio Collection in the Dominican Republic, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new resort in an increasingly popular region of this Caribbean paradise. Fahringer details the accommodations, the dining and the activities available at this luxury propert…

Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer of WorldVia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his new book, “Travel Marketeering: A Complete Guide to Starting (or Refreshing) Your Travel Agency,: Harrell talks about his business background and why he was inspired to write the book, which is aimed at helping entrepreneurial agency o…

Robert Huss, owner of Getaway Guys, part of KBI Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on Valiant Lady about why he decided to focus on selling Virgin Voyages. Huss, one of the top 10 travel advisors selling Virgin Voyages, explains how he’s found success selling this exclusively all-adult brand, from the dining to the entert…

Bridget Flowers, owner of Travel Dreams, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report during Virgin Voyages special sailing aboard Valiant Lady for its top 100 selling travel advisors. Flowers, who is one of the top most successful advisors selling the adults-only cruise, tells us why she focuses on and how she’s profited in selling Virgin…

Francesco Contini, executive vice president-sales and marketing for Antarctica21, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his Chilean-based cruise line, which pioneeredair-cruise expeditions in Antarctica. The three-ship luxury line prides itself on knowing the unique geography, natural history, wildlife and ecology of the White…

Kenton Jones, general manager of Tryall Golf & Beach Club in Jamaica, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his famed all-villa property featuring one of the top golf courses on the island. Jones details the history, the accommodations, the dining and much more in this comprehensive interview exploring one of Jamaica’s top res…

Olivier Chavy, CEO of The Lux Collective, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his eclectic collection of luxury resorts in Mauritius, Maldives and China, with upcoming properties in Vietnam and the UAE. The veteran hotelier, who is headquarter in Mauritius, talks about his plans to grow, expand and open additional Lux Resort…

Riccardo Bortoloti, general manager of Grand Hotel Bristol, part of R Collection Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ILTM Cannes luxury show last December about his family-owned hotel group in Italy. Bortoloti describes his own hotel in Rapallo, but also showcases other R Collection properties on Lake Como, the Ital…

Morris Chia, founder and CEO of Trevello Travel Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his Canadian host travel agency is expanding into the U.S. with its purchase of Gifted Travel Network (GTN). He also tells us what role Andy Stuart, former CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, will play as co-chairman and co-founder of Tr…

George Cohen, managing director of the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ILTM Cannes luxury travel show last December. Cohen describes his quintessential luxury hotel located in Johannesburg, with great rooms and suites, fine dining and a true South African experience. For more information, vi…

Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, president and CEO of Collette, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her tour company has evolved since she became CEO two years ago. Leibl-Cote details what destinations Collette goes to today and what tour products it offers in the premium market, including two countries she just got back from, Kenya a…

Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president-sales and marketing, for Riviera Travel talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her company’s recent name change (from Riviera River Cruises) She also provides details on improvements in Riviera’s fleet, new longer itineraries, and new ways Riviera is working to support travel advisors. F…

Gerhard Struger, general manager of the Fairmont Golden Prague, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, at last December’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his hotel, one of the newest in the Czech capital. Struger gives us details on the hotel, the accommodations, dining and great location in the heart of Prague. For more information, …

Margaux Deygat, senior sales manager of The Ritz Paris talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the ILTM Cannes travel show in December. Deygat details the changes and the charm at this famed hotel and how you should sell the luxury property today. For more information www.ritzparis.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interview…

Alain Bullo, general manager of the Londra Palace in Venice, Italy, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about the extensive renovations to the ground floor, the hotel's commitment to sustainability, and efforts to preserve Venetian craftsmanship through the Place of Wonders initiative. Bullo also discusses over-tourism in Venice, upco…

Jill Fox, vice president of sales and marketing for The Pierre, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how the famed New York hotel keeps its appeal for upper-crust guests. Now with a completely new management team, including a new general manager and Fox herself, the hotel continues to feature lavish rooms and suites, sumptuo…

Jeff Morris, chief marketing officer for the West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about why his destination is perfect for the upscale marketing. From top boutique hotels to eclectic shopping and fabulous dining, West Hollywood remains one of the most fa…

Gaetano de Cola, regional sales manager of the Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte property in Florence, Italy, talks with Angela Hughes of Insider Travel Report about the hotel's history, prime location, recent renovations and the Ferragamo family's influence on its design. He also highlights hospitality trends in Florence, luxury accommodations for famili…

Ana Henriques, general manager of the soon-to-open Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new luxury property located deep within the protected land of Peninsula Papagayo. Henriques says the resort will feature exclusive accommodations facing ethereal views of Bahia Huevos and …

Dezy Setiwati, hotel manager for Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about her new Bali resort located in the heart of Ubud. Mandapa is an indigenous Balinese village, providing a sensory journey to wellness and nature, with 35 suites and 25 private pool villas,…

John Diorio, vice president of sales-North America for Virgin Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard Valiant Lady on a cruise with 100 advisors who are top-sellers of the cruise line. Diorio details how to sell Virgin Voyages as the only premium line that caters to adults only, features a variety of great cuisine and …

Sara Maestrelli, owner of Collezione Em, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about her family-owned company’s newest hotels. At ILTM Cannes in 2023, Maestrelli introduced us to Violino D’Oro, her family’s luxury hotel in Venice. This year she provides us details about Villa Roma Imperial and…

Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard Valiant Lady during a cruise with 100 top-selling travel advisors. Saverimuttu says 2024 was a year when everything seemed to come together for Virgin Voyages as it improved its product. With the impending arrival later this year of the company’s…

Mark Nolan, managing director of Dromoland, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his luxury Irish Castle, what’s new and what’s to come. But the biggest news is from Nolan himself, who tells he’s now retiring after more than 36 years on the job. Nolan takes stock of his hotel career, wh…

Sébastien Legrand, director of sales and marketing for The Ritz Paris, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about what’s new at one of the most famous hotels in the world. After being completely renovated in 2016, The Ritz reopened with new rooms and suites, updated restaurants and bars. The …

Brandon McCurley, managing director of the Parker Palm Springs, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month's ILTM Cannes luxury show about his uber popular luxury resort that remains a retreat for the rich and famous. McCurley reveals the history, room and suite categories, and dining options available at this historic prop…

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 exper…

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 hote…

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 progra…

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 cov…

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 …

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.me…

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. All our Insider Tr…

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 …

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 discusse…

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, v…

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, i…

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 an…

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. All our Insider T…

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. All our Insider Travel Report video in…

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 sec…

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…