The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Phil Hospod, founder and CEO of Dovetail + Co, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about one of his latest projects, Collective Resorts’ Governors Island glamping resort. Located just eight minutes by ferry from lower Manhattan, Collective Governors Island feels like a secret world waiting to be discovered with incredible views of the New York City skyline. The six-acre retreat features 29 upscale tents and private suites and seasonal dining at Three Peaks Lodge. For more information, visit www.collectiverestreats.com/governors-island or www.dovetailandco.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Daniel Ortega, U.S. and Canada sales manager for Grupo Xcaret, talks with Amanda Carlow of Insider Travel Report at the ALG Vacations conference about the company's three Riviera Maya hotels—Hotel Xcaret México, Hotel Xcaret Arte and La Casa de la Playa—and its All-Fun Inclusive concept, which combines accommodations, dining, access to eco-parks, excursions and transportation in one rate. Ortega also discusses guaranteed connecting suites for families, conservation programs protecting sea turtles and macaws, and how travel advisors can match clients with the company's family-friendly, adults-only and luxury boutique properties. For more information, visit www.hotelxcaret.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Jessica Sebesta, regional sales director for Velas Resorts, talks with Amanda Carlow of Insider Travel Report at the ALG Vacations Ascend conference in Cancun about the differences between the company's seven properties in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya, including their culinary programs, personalized service and family amenities. Sebesta also discusses how travel advisors can match clients with properties suited to families, couples and adventure travelers, and highlights the resources available through the Velas Ambassador Club. For more information, visit www.velasresorts.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Karen Ring, senior director global marketing and research at Sabre, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s WTE Miami about how the travel technology giant has evolved over the years and how it is now working to provide solutions for its travel agency, airline and hotel members in the new age of AI. Ring was a keynote speaker at last month’s WTE Miami travel trade show. For more information, visit www.sabre.com  or www.wtemiami.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Shayna Zand, managing director of Host Agency Reviews (HAR), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month's WTE Miami about how the company helps travel advisors evaluate host agencies and franchises so they can make the right choice. She discusses HAR's upcoming annual survey of 3,100 travel advisors, a virtual Host Week event featuring 45 host agencies and consortia, and the educational sessions HAR offered to advisors and suppliers at WTE Miami. Zand served as a keynote speaker and moderator during WTE Miami. For more information, visit www.hostagencyreviews.com and www.wtemimi.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Omar Vázquez, general manager of the Grand Hyatt Cancun Beach Resort talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his a luxury all-inclusive property, part of a new wave of luxury inclusive resorts, is set to open in December 2026 in Puerto Cancún. The new build resort, set right on the beach, will feature 500 rooms (including 47 suites), all with private terraces overlooking the sea or the marina; 14 distinct food and beverage outlets; and a massive spa. For more information, visit www.hyatt.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Simon Press, managing director-international of Fairfest Media, owner of WTE Miami, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this newly revamped travel trade show and how it’s on track to be a success after four years. Held Oct. 27-28, 2026 ,at the Miami Beach Convention Center, WTE Miami has new owners, new programming and many more exhibitors for a show designed to connect great travel products and destinations with top travel advisors. For more information about next year’s show, Oct. 26-27, 2027, visit www.wtemiami.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Michael Consoli and Adam Martindale, two of Cruise Planners' top-producing franchise owners, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at CP World 2026 about how the company's technology, marketing and support have helped them build their travel businesses. They discuss how new AI-powered tools, including Maxx Reach and Maxx Assist, can help them identify sales opportunities, complete vacation bookings and expand their businesses while giving their teams more time to serve clients. For more information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Marisa Christenson, associate vice president of food and beverage operations and development for Holland America Line and Seabourn, talks with Annie Carroll of Insider Travel Report about Seabourn's new Earth and Ocean culinary philosophy, which incorporates regional ingredients, destination-inspired menus and local food experiences across its ocean and expedition ships. Christenson discusses shopping with chefs at local markets, dining options for different tastes and dietary needs, and upcoming enhancements to Seabourn's caviar, wine and onboard dining programs. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

Brian Schultz, chief information officer of Cruise Planners, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at CP World 2026 about how the company's new AI-powered tools help travel advisors identify sales opportunities, find potential group travelers and simplify vacation planning. Schultz explains how advisors can use natural-language searches to identify customers in their databases, discusses the training accompanying the rollout and explains why Cruise Planners includes the new technology without additional fees. For more information, visit www.cruiseplanners.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.