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, visit www.turksandcaicostourism.com. 

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, speed networking and a gala dinner, all taking place Oct. 20–23 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France. For more information, visit www.igtmarket.com. 

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 Festival and bouyon music. For more information, visit www.discoverdominica.com.

Marva Williams, CEO and director of tourism for Discover Dominica, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why the island is gaining traction with North American travelers, thanks to new nonstop flights from Newark and Miami. She highlights Dominica’s eco-luxury appeal—from upscale resorts like Secret Bay and InterContinental to 365 rivers, hundreds of waterfalls, and the upcoming Valley of Desolation cable car. Williams also outlines cultural draws including Carnival, the World Creole Music Festival, and the island’s signature bouyon music. For more information, visit www.discoverdominica.com.

What’s new, what’s next, and why NOW is the perfect time to take another look at Celestyal.

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.

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.

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.visitcaymanislands.com/traveldeals. 

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 sales team. For more information, visit www.celestyal.com. 

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 Black Pineapple Awards for top-selling travel advisors. For more information, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com. 

When MSC Seascape begins sailing from Galveston this November, cruisers departing from Texas will, for the first time, get to experience MSC Cruises’ ROBOTRON—billed as the first robotic arm ride at sea and the first to offer a customizable experience. Suspended nearly 175 feet above the water, riders spin, flip and soar with sweeping views of the ocean and horizon—all choreographed to their favorite beats. The state-of-the-art robotic arm features a three-seat gondola that moves in every direction, even turning riders upside down as they hang over the edge of the ship’s deck.

“ROBOTRON is a thrill ride like no other, and we know it’ll make waves in Texas,” said Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America. “On board MSC Seascape, guests will find that ROBOTRON is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines cutting-edge technology with breathtaking ocean views. Texans love big adventures, and MSC Seascape delivers—with high-tech entertainment, immersive attractions and unforgettable Caribbean cruises.”

What truly sets ROBOTRON apart is its customizable experience. Guests can choose their thrill level, from family-friendly to high-intensity, and personalize the ride by selecting music, lighting and visual effects. The ride pulses and twists in sync with the beat, creating a multisensory experience at sea.

In addition to ROBOTRON, MSC Seascape offers several other next-generation entertainment options:

VR 360° Flight Simulator: This thrill-ride provides the “ultimate” virtual motion experience, complete with VR headsets and impressive special effects. Guests can choose from a variety of virtual worlds to explore.

VR Motorcycles: Clients with a need for speed can test out MSC Seascape’s VR motorcycles, where players are transported to the racetrack with wind and water effects to complete the experience.

MSC Formula Racer: Perfect for car racing enthusiasts looking to get their high-speed fix, this activity puts guests in the driver’s seat for a thrilling racing simulation game with realistic effects.

Immersive XD Cinema: The minute guests put on their 3D glasses, they dive into alternate worlds where players will battle it out against zombies, skeletons and more. Only one player can be crowned the victor, so guests will need to prove their sharp-shooting skills against each other for ultimate bragging rights.

MSC Seascape will begin sailing from Galveston on Nov. 9, departing from a new state-of-the-art terminal currently under construction at the Port of Galveston. Blending European style with American comfort and catering to guests of all ages, the ship will offer seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries every Sunday, visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, and Isla de Roatan in Honduras.

For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.