The Insider Travel Report Podcast

James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report interviews Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, and John Lovell, special advisor and board member for Virgin Voyages, about the cruise line’s new VoyagerFair Choices. Saverimuttu and Lovell explain the reasons behind the new tiered fare system, which goes into effect tomorrow (Oct. 7), and why they believe it will result in greater value for their guests (Sailors) and travel advisors...

Tom Valley, director-travel agency sales for Universal Destinations & Experiences, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the new Epic Universe theme park is making Universal Orlando a week-long vacation for guests. Valley describes the park’s many rides, attractions and shows; more hotels where your clients can stay; and special package options. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com. 

Paul Gauger, executive vice president of the Americas, Australia and New Zealand for VisitBritain, talks with Jeanie Fang of Insider Travel Report about driving tourism growth across key markets. Gauger discusses screen tourism trends, regional exploration beyond London, and working with travel advisors to promote Britain through webinars, educational trips and face-to-face training. For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com...

Dillip Rajakarier. CEO of Bangkok-based Minor Hotels Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the incredible expansion of Minor franchise hotel brands around the world. From a company with nine brands—Anantara. Avani, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH Hotels, Elewana, Minor Reserve Collection, nHow and Oaks Hotels—Minor has now added four more brands—The Wolseley Hotels, Minor Reserve Collection, Colbert Collectio...

Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, talks with Jeanie Fang of Insider Travel Report at Destination Britain in Playa del Carmen about rising U.S. visitor spending, year-round travel trends and the growing role of film tourism. Yates also previews the 2026 royal and cultural events, highlights commissionable experiences tied to TV and movie locations, and points travel advisors to VisitBritain’s trade website for marketing tools and...

Grant Cummings, founder of Chiawa Safaris, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi about his four luxury camps, the distinct landscapes of South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, and the critical role guides play in delivering meaningful safari experiences. Cummings explains how Chiawa blends barefoot luxury with deep conservation, supports community projects and ethical tourism, and why travel advisors...

Alex Miza, the new CEO of Carey, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Skift Global Forum about what his transportation solutions company can offer your clients in cities around the world. Miza also details how you can work with Carey to get your clients where they want to go, whether that’s by chauffeur in a classic black car or other vehicles. For more information, visit www.carey.com. 

Kirk Demeter, president and CEO of Travel Answers Group, speaks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his growing company, which has evolved from one that designs bespoke trips to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, into one that provides travel to the Middle East, Africa. Asia and now Europe. For more information, visit www.travelanswersgroup.com. 

Ruben Gutierrez, president of GoNexus Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the transfer, tour and travel solutions his Cancun-based company can provide in destinations around the world. GoNexus recently expanded to Las Vegas and it already serves New York City and more. For more information, visit www.gonexusgroup.com. 

Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and president of Aqua Expeditions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at New York’s Explorers Club about the latest destinations for his luxury adventure cruise line—the Arctic. With backing from his new partner and investor Ponant Explorations, Galli Zugaro is launching the 30-guest Aqua Lares, a Polar-class vessel that will begin by cruising off the coast of East Africa (Seychell...

Ian Borg, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and tourism for Malta, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the opening of the new Malta Tourism Office for North America in New York City. The new office’s debut came during a week when Peter Greenberg premiered his new travel documentary “Hidden Malta” and after Delta Air Lines said it will launch nonstop service from New York JFK to Malta next Ju...

Sheila Folk, CEO and founder of Travel Industry Solutions, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her company helps travel agencies with the tools they need to survive and thrive, including a brand-new fraud detector. Folk, a travel advisor herself, has built a consulting company that helps other agencies with legal, operations, bookkeeping, marketing, invoicing and payments, and now fraud prevention. For m...

Questions for Peter Greenberg, CBS travel editor and travel journalist, and Carlo Micallef, CEO of Malta Tourism Authority, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the premier of the new “Hidden Malta” travel documentary showcasing one of the most beautiful and historic island groups in the Mediterranean. Greenberg and Micallef detail how the production came about and what the program shows about Malta that few k...

Nick Guthrey, CEO and managing director of ANZCRO, talks about the history of his family-owned inbound operator, what destinations it focuses on in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, what destinations are selling well this year and more. Guthrey also details the best ways you can work with ANZCRO to create great itineraries for your clients. For more information, visit www.ANZCRO.com. 

Katrin Koenig, chief commercial officer for Delta Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last week’s Delta Vacations University about the company’s sales results over the past year and what the forecast is for 2025 and beyond. Koenig also details where Delta Vacations is expanding its product and destinations and how it is focusing on premium travel offerings. For more information, visit www.deltavacati...

Matt Murasko, co-founder of Treecovery Hawaii, and Kimo Simpliciano, operational manager, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the nonprofit’s mission to reforest Maui with 30,000 trees following the August 2023 wildfires. Murasko explains how travel advisors and visitors can support the effort through donations and private farm experiences and describes the symbolic restoration of Lahaina’s 153-year-old banyan tree. ...

Kama Winters, president of Delta Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about Delta Vacations University, held in Atlanta earlier this month. The event, which is now being held every two years, helps educate travel advisors about the products and destinations they can book through Delta Vacations, as well as how they can lucratively sell travel to Delta SkyMiles and Medallion members, a massive customer b...

Travis Gilbert, concierge at the Four Seasons New Orleans and member of Les Clefs d’Or, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about what it takes to earn the prestigious gold key and how that global network benefits luxury guests. Gilbert shares stories of personalized service, explains how his team collaborates to deliver exceptional experiences, and encourages travel advisors to connect directly with gold key concierges t...

Teresa Higa, director of leisure sales at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the resort’s 45th anniversary, diverse accommodations and activities, and how it continues to welcome guests following the Maui wildfires in 2022. Higa highlights cultural programming, sustainability initiatives, expanded dining and luau experiences, and how travel advisors can sell the resort as a mu...