The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Emma Kearney of Titanic Belfast talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why her museum remains a must-visit, even for returning guests. The latest updates to Titanic Belfast focus on the story after the Titanic’s sinking, including new galleries that explore personal stories of passengers, shipbuilders and Robert Ballard, the ocean explorer who discovered the wreck. The refreshed experience combines authentic artifacts with immersive technology to offer a deeper understanding of Titanic’s legacy. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Annie Fitzsimmons, Embark Beyond’s editor in chief in charge of content, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her new role developing content for the clients and prospective clients of the host agency’s travel advisors. Using video and engaging social media and more, Fitzsimmons is creating a whole new way to market luxury travel and boost sales for Embark advisors and preferred partners. For more information, visit www.embarkbeyond.com.

Jamie Jones, owner of WhirlAway Travel and a member of the Signature Travel Network board, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her insights into her role on the board, the advantages of Signature’s marketing, technology and training support, and her enthusiasm for its nonprofit initiative, Travel Elevates. Jones emphasizes her agency’s focus on luxury travel, her expertise in Africa, and the value of integrating philanthropic opportunities into client experiences. For more information, visit https://join.sigtn.com.

Jack Ezon, managing partner of Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his innovative Virtuoso host agency and its equally out of box annual conference, held last week in Los Cabos, Mexico. Ezon has his advisors and preferred partners engage in a series of games, contests and networking exercises to collectively turn them into power sellers of luxury travel. For more information, visit www.embarkbeyond.com.

Karl Kannstadter, vice president of content strategy for exploration at the Signature Travel Network (STN), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about his efforts to elevate the profile of adventure travel, including expedition cruises, safaris and active travel experiences for STN travel advisors. By creating tools and resources for advisors and developing personalized connections between advisors and preferred partners, Kannstadter is working to help advisors stay informed and better serve their clients. For more information, visit https://join.sigtn.com.

Jim Heilman, vice president-product development for AREA15, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his four-year-old immersive entertainment attraction, which features experiences, art, restaurants and stores, as well as event spaces. Since we interviewed AREA15 back in 2020, it’s grown substantially and now is about to welcome a Universal Studios’ Horror Unleashed next year. For more information, visit www.AREA15.com.

Ross Mollison, founder and impresario of SpiegelWorld, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his “alternative” shows now playing in Las Vegas and other venues. From the Absinthe circus to the theater where Atomic Saloon is performed, SpiegelWorld specializes in funny, raunchy performances with circus acts that are almost the antithesis of Cirque de Soleil—and many of your clients will thank you for recommending them. Other shows include DiscoShow and The Hook (in Atlantic City) plus restaurants and bars. For more information, visit www.spiegelworld.com.

Gina Weyer, vice president of training, and Nolan Burris, talent development consultant, both with the Signature Travel Network, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how Signature is using AI to streamline tasks, improve communication and support travel advisors. They emphasize the importance of combining technology with human expertise to enhance client experiences, encourage specialization and drive business growth. This approach highlights AI as a tool to complement, not replace, travel advisors. For more information, visit https://join.sigtn.com.

Karen Yates, executive vice president of information technologies for Signature Travel Network, a member-owned travel agency cooperative, speaks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the group's latest technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI). She explains how Signature is helping travel advisors adopt AI to boost efficiency, starting with education and progressively rolling out customizable solutions for cruise and hotel bookings, marketing, and advisor profile creation. For more information, visit http://join.sigtn.com.

Terrence O’Donnell, senior vice president and general manager of Caesars Palace, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Caesars Palace’s completely renovated luxury villas and suites, which comes as Caesars itself is reinventing itself with new restaurants, new gaming, new accommodations and new suites in Nobu. For more information, visit www.caesars.com/caesars-palace/hotel.