The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Mariano Dima, chairman of Civitatis, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Skift Global Forum in New York, about how his company works with travel advisors to help their clients explore the world. Civitatis is a leading online platform for booking activities, day trips and guided tours in the most visited tourist destinations in the Spanish-speaking market. For more information, visit www.civitatis.c...

Hayley Beer-Gamage, CEO of Experience Oxfordshire, talks with Jeanie Fang of Insider Travel Report at Destination Britain in Playa del Carmen, Mexico about why Oxfordshire is the perfect base for travelers seeking both English heritage and modern comfort. Beer-Gamage highlights must-see attractions like Oxford University, Blenheim Palace and its literary landmarks, as well as new hotels, countryside resorts and resources for travel...

Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report talks with Maui hotel executives about how visiting the island helps support recovery efforts after the wildfires, as well as what travel advisors need to know about sending clients there now. This video was shot during a recent Apple Leisure Group Vacations trip in support of Maui called "Pros in Paradise." Featured hoteliers include Kathleen Tabbilos, leisure sales manager at Andaz Maui at Waile...

Rob Jones, media relations executive for Visit Wales, talks with Jeanie Fang of Insider Travel Report at Destination Britain in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, about why Wales should be on every traveler’s U.K. itinerary. Jones highlights new accommodations, castle restorations, cultural festivals dating back to 1176, and resources for travel advisors available at www.visitwales.com and traveltrade.visitwales.com.

Hannah Demaio, vice president of Women Leading Travel, now a Skift brand, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Skift Global Forum in New York about her group’s goals to put more women at the highest levels of travel and tourism. Demaio showcases the meetings scheduled for her group, the annual listing of powerful women executives in travel and the networking events designed to empower more women in ...

Chris Austin, president of North America at Explora Journeys, speaks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the upcoming debut of EXPLORA III, the brand’s newly announced Asia and Alaska itineraries, and why these expansions are resonating with luxury travelers. For more information, visit www.ExploraJourneys.com. 

Seth Borko, head of research at Skift, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Skift Global Forum in New York about the group’s survey on how different types of AI are impacting travel and another survey on how travel companies are facing a challenge hiring great talent. For more information, visit www.skift.com. 

Sarah Kopit, editor in chief of Skift, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s Skift Global Forum in New York about Skift’s new version of its “power” list of travel executives, which this year focuses on those it considers to be risk takers. Skift also published a separate list of women travel executive risk takers. Beyond that, Kopit provides us with her highlights of this year’s Skift Global Forum. ...

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...