The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Lindsay Pearlman, newly appointed president of Travel Leaders Network, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his vision for the network, including strategic growth, a more personalized approach to agency support, and major tech tools like Agent Profiler and Snap. Pearlman discusses recruitment success, the importance of targeted training, and why travel advisors remain critical as travelers seek more complex, customiz...

Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president of business development at Riviera Travel, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why travel advisors are central to Riviera’s growth strategy. Conroy highlights the brand’s high commissions (up to 18%), lucrative group policies, solo traveler options, and guaranteed guest satisfaction. Conroy also shares updates on new ships, training resources, and enhanced support tools for a...

Bonnie Garrett, business development manager for the West Coast at CIE Tours, joins James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what makes CIE Tours a top choice for booking group travel. She highlights the ease of managing groups thanks to dedicated support, strong earning potential for travel advisors, and exceptional guest satisfaction—boasting a 95 percent satisfaction rate backed by more than 90 years of expertise. To lea...

Mihaela Rupnik Cek, director general at TourSlove/TourismSlovenia, talks with Olivia Liveng of Insider Travel Report about what makes Slovenia a standout European destination—from Lake Bled and Ljubljana to the country’s commitment to sustainability and authentic local experiences. Cek highlights Slovenia’s unique blend of alpine and Mediterranean landscapes, immersive cultural activities, and diverse gastronomy, as well as its foc...

Alan Henman, assistant commissioner of tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about record-breaking growth driven by strong airlift and increased cruise calls. He shares updates on new hotel openings and renovations across St. Thomas and St. Croix, plus refreshed marketing campaigns. Henman also highlights tools available to travel advisors to help them sell the islands. For more informat...

Paul Pennicook, interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the destination’s new DMO structure and how it supports sustainability, inclusiveness and competitiveness. He outlines developments including new hotels in South Caicos, high ADRs on Grace Bay, expanded outreach to consortia like Virtuoso, and a renewed focus on travel advisor education and fams. For more information, vis...

Lewis Louis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why Saint Lucia is gaining traction with travel advisors. He outlines new development incentives, regenerative tourism initiatives, and how the island is channeling qualified travel leads directly to advisors through its Saint Lucia Expert program. For more information, visit www.stlucia.org. 

Fiona Ashton, event manager for the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how this niche, B2B event connects top golf tour operators with resorts, courses and tourism boards from 45 countries. Ashton explains how hosted buyers are vetted and supported—with hotel and flight subsidies—and outlines the 2024 show format, which includes a golf tournament, one-to-one meetings...

Marva Williams, CEO and director of tourism for Discover Dominica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how new nonstop flights from Newark and Miami are driving interest from North American travelers. She highlights Dominica’s eco-luxury appeal, including upscale resorts, natural wonders and the upcoming Valley of Desolation cable car. Williams also discusses cultural draws like Carnival, the World Creole Music Fest...

Ray Gonsalves, restaurant manager for Celestyal Journey, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the cruise line’s rotating menus, fresh Greek-sourced ingredients and onboard culinary production. He highlights the ship’s specialty dining options, entertainment-style service and strong accommodations for dietary needs including gluten-free and allergy-friendly meals. For more information, visit www.celestyal.com.

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Gary Hendrick Dominguez, deputy director of international marketing and promotions for the Cayman Islands, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the island’s eight-day summer campaign, growth in U.S. airlift, and record-breaking visitor numbers. He highlights new hotel developments, culinary festivals, and a 40 percent repeat visitation rate that makes the Caymans an easy sell. For more information, visit www.visitcay...

Stephanie McDonald, trade training and development manager for Celestyal Cruises, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the line’s destination-focused approach, with longer port times, fewer sea days and access to lesser-known stops in Greece, Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. McDonald explains how Celestyal supports advisors with training modules, webinars, customized excursion planning and a growing North American ...

Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about record-breaking visitor numbers, extended season strategies like Culinary Month, and sustainable tourism practices. He outlines new investments including Nobu, Nikki Beach and Moon Gate resorts, plus cruise homeporting and seamless airport arrival technology. James also previews the country’s festival calendar and the ...

Sharon Law, shore excursion manager for Celestyal Journey, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about how the cruise line’s midsize ships allow access to hidden gems in Greece, Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. Laure outlines five distinct itineraries, including the new Heavenly itinerary, and highlights immersive excursions such as olive oil tastings, cooking classes and hands-on mosaic workshops. She also explains how e...

Jameel Rochester, director; Shantell Richardson, deputy director; and the Hon. Cardigan Connor, minister of tourism, health and sports for Anguilla, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why Anguilla is gaining momentum with the travel trade. They outline record-breaking visitor growth, new festival-driven marketing initiatives, and how Anguilla’s luxury resorts, locally owned inns and diverse experiences—from sports t...

Kristin Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the increased interest in river cruising, evolving guest preferences and authentic cultural experiences in Colombia and beyond. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com.  

Dean Sivley, president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his company, with famous owner Warren Buffet, is seeking to become a major played in the travel industry market. Later this year Berkshire Hathaway will debut a series of revolutionary travel insurance products that will make it a viable of option for your travel clients. For more information, visit www.bh...

Jodi Bainter, vice president of domestic leisure sales for Disney Destinations, talks with Jennifer Jones of Insider Travel Report about limited time offers and room specials celebrating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary through summer 2026. Bainter highlights new shows, character encounters, and the $100 per day anniversary ticket Offer. She also invites travel advisors to visit the Disney Appreciation Station June 6–8. For more infor...