The Insider Travel Report Podcast

Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the destination’s new underwater sculpture park, which combines history, culture, marine conservation and visitor experiences. Lewis also discusses expanded airlift, efforts to grow source markets while avoiding overdevelopment and year-round fam trips for travel advisors. For more information, visit www.stlucia.org. 

Andre Pettersen, chief product and hotel officer for Hurtigruten, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what distinguishes the company’s Original Coastal Express and Signature voyages, including ships designed for Norway’s coastline, longer port stays and year-round sailings. Pettersen also discusses locally sourced food and beverages, accommodations, new Signature itineraries, Norwegian culture, sustainability programs and the role of the crew in connecting guests with the destination. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com. 

Philip Rose, deputy director of tourism for Jamaica, talks with Jennifer Jones of Insider Travel Report about the destination’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, with full hotel capacity expected by the second quarter of next year. Rose also discusses plans for 15,000 to 20,000 new hotel rooms over the next five to 10 years and the importance of travel advisors. For more information, visit www.visitjamaica.com. 

Iain Powell, chief commercial officer for Hurtigruten, the Norwegian coastal cruise company, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report during a special VIP sailing on MS Trollfjord for travel advisors, past guests and media to showcase the line and its products. Powell details Hurtigruten's financial numbers, current cruises and what the future holds for Hurtigruten with new itineraries and new routes and ports. For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com. 

What if the travel industry stopped measuring success simply by how many people go somewhere and started asking a harder question: What happened because they went? Jeremy Brady, director of sales, U.S.A. and Latin America for G Adventures, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about moving beyond purpose to proving impact. Brady explores community tourism, “communityship” as community in action, and Project 300’s goal to uplift 300 communities through tourism by 2030. In collaboration with National Geographic, G Adventures is expanding its luxury offerings, bringing a new segment of travelers into the fold of community tourism. Learn more at www.gadventures.com. 

Kelly Smolen, vice president of events at AREA15, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her Las Vegas immersive entertainment campus and its continuing expansion, including more than 25 attractions across two zones and new experiences such as the Museum of Ice Cream, Universal Horror Unleashed and the iDropper thrill ride. Smolin also discusses concerts, multi-attraction passes and plans to expand AREA15 across additional zones in the coming years. For more information, visit www.area15.com. 

Jay Solanki, general manager of the Sheraton Tribeca New York, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brand new hotel, which completed a multimillion-dollar renovation in August. The 369-room hotel is the first and only Sheraton in New York City to complete the brand’s next-generation design. The renovation included all rooms, an innovative lobby, food and beverage facilities, meeting space and the Sheraton Club Lounge. For more information, visit www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nyctr-sheraton-tribeca-new-york-hotel/overview. 

Michelle Wyman, office manager for Dig This Las Vegas, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her attraction where guests operate excavators, bulldozers, skid steers and other heavy equipment in a controlled setting. Wyman also discusses experiences for different age groups, corporate events and birthday parties, the Aggression Session car-crushing program, safety procedures and group options for up to 150 people. For more information, visit www.digthisvegas.com. 

Anthony Mahler, minister of tourism, youth, sports & diaspora relations for Belize, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the tremendous growth his country has seen in tourism, based on more airlift and its multitude of natural and cultural resources. Mahler emphasizes that such growth is happening in a sustainable way that goes beyond Belize’s great barrier reef and white sandy beaches. The country now focuses on its cultural, historical and archeological attractions. For more information, visit www.travelbelize.org. 

Carol Meyer, director of sales for Alexis Park Resort, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the off-Strip, non-gaming Las Vegas property, including its 496 guestrooms, extended-stay accommodations and 50,000 square feet of meeting space. Meyer also discusses groups, weddings, events, 10 percent travel advisor commission and the resort’s Guestbook Rewards program. For more information, visit www.alexispark.com.