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On the show
From 10 epsHost
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Recent episodes
087 | Measuring What Matters, The Data Story with Dave Hockly
Jun 22, 2026
Unknown duration
086 |Building a Business Under the Stars with Kelly Kuhn
Jun 15, 2026
Unknown duration
085 | The Future of Accessible Tourism with Vacayit
May 27, 2026
Unknown duration
084 | Bridging the Gap: Tourism, Agriculture, and Community
Apr 6, 2026
21m 51s
083 | THRIVE 2030, Australian MotoGP and Building What You Actually Own
Mar 5, 2026
44m 28s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/22/26 |  087 | Measuring What Matters, The Data Story with Dave Hockly | In this episode, Despina Karatzias chats with Dave Hockly of Data Story about how tourism destinations and operators can measure what actually matters across the customer journey. Dave shares his "if it's not measured, it's not managed" philosophy and walks through how RTOs (Regional Tourism Organisations) can map the journey from discovery through to advocacy, why the marketing playbook must fundamentally evolve in an era of zero-click search and AI overviews, and how to right-size strategy around storytelling, planning content and first-party data. The conversation explores the power of reviews and demand capture, the "win, win, win" approach to regenerative tourism, and the human heart of it all, experience design, surprise-and-delight moments, and the idea that the visitor, not the destination, is always the hero. In this episode: Dave's background, from a failed Queenstown start-up to falling in love with marketing measurement and behavioural psychology Why mapping the customer journey brings clarity and aligns everyone on what success looks like How AI overviews and zero-click search are reshaping the RTO marketing playbook, and why your website still matters as the source of truth Rebalancing strategy: top-of-funnel storytelling, AI-assisted planning content at scale, and an underrated first-party data approach The "win, win, win" principle and regenerative tourism (the biodegradable marathon bib story) Using AI operationally in a small team, plus data privacy and settings to watch Why the tourism experience can't be replaced by AI, human connection as the antidote The power of reviews, demand capture and the "review conversion rate" metric Building culture by celebrating and rewarding your frontline people Adapting frameworks like dream–plan–book–experience–share to your own destination and language Why timing your guest surveys changes the insight you get (peak-end rule) The visitor as hero: gratitude, the "thank you" stage, and journey-mapping a whole region Episode Chapters: 00:00 Podcast Welcome01:01 Early Business Lessons02:34 Tourism Roots03:27 What Data Story Does07:12 Customer Journey Clarity08:47 Websites Still Matter10:36 New Dream Plan Book Mix16:03 Using AI Day To Day17:15 AI Data Privacy Concerns26:37 The Lauren Effect28:08 Culture That Scales Care30:25 Measuring Review Conversion33:24 Customer Journey Frameworks36:19 Timing Surveys Right38:36 Visitor As The Hero41:53 Gratitude And Wrap Up Connect with Dave Hockly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davehockly/ Data Story: https://www.datastory.nz/ Subscribe: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://bit.ly/4nN1Faa Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/47zOkM4 Despina Karatzias: https://www.despinakaratzias.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/despinakaratzias/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/despinakaratzias/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@desikaratzias Institute of Excellence: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excellence HQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourismhubpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/ | — | ||||||
| 6/15/26 |  086 |Building a Business Under the Stars with Kelly Kuhn | In this episode, Despina sits down with Kelly Kuhn, the experience maker behind Juggle House Experiences and River Murray Dark Sky Tours in regional South Australia. Kelly shares her journey from a country farm and a tourism degree into government policy roles, local council leadership as deputy mayor, and ultimately into running not one but two award-winning tourism businesses. She opens up about the pivotal meeting that launched her into astro tourism, the resilience required to survive COVID and one-in-one-hundred-year Murray River floods just as her business was finding its feet, and the deeply emotional moments when guests see the Milky Way for the first time and burst into tears. Along the way Kelly unpacks what regional collaboration really looks like when competitors become partners, why protecting your peace matters as much as building your business, and how place-making, agritourism, and community can turn a dark night sky into something worth heritage listing for future generations. In this episode you'll learn: How a single meeting of five competitors in a motel room sparked a whole new astro tourism industry, and why they chose collaboration over a competitive SWOT analysis Why trusting your gut and acting fast matters more than a perfect risk management plan when crisis hits, and how Kelly worked through "plan E" during the floods The moment data revealed stargazing was 52% of her business, and why she gave it its own identity as a separate company How saying no and protecting your peace beats an unhealthy hustle, plus the daily habits that keep her grounded Why "progress, not perfection" and asking for help early can break the paralysis that holds so many operators back How astro tourism and nocturism are opening new income streams for farmers through agritourism during drought The difference between "blue deep thinking time" and "red action time," and how to find when you are most productive Episode Chapters 00:00 New Year Welcome 01:28 Kelly Tourism Origins 04:30 Leadership and Empathy 07:29 Dark Sky Spark 11:32 Resilience in Crisis 18:24 Turning Points and Awards 23:22 Observatory and Placemaking 27:48 Excellence Round Pricing 31:00 Habits Tools and Books 36:19 Favorite Travel Memory 38:53 Connect and Closing Connect with Kelly Khun: Juggle House Experiences: https://www.jugglehouse.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhnkelly/ Subscribe: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://bit.ly/4nN1Faa Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/47zOkM4 Despina Karatzias: https://www.despinakaratzias.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/despinakaratzias/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/despinakaratzias/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@desikaratzias Institute of Excellence: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excellence HQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourismhubpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/ | — | ||||||
| 5/27/26 |  085 | The Future of Accessible Tourism with Vacayit | Hailey Brown is on a mission to reshape how the world experiences travel and she's doing it one audio guide at a time. In this episode, Despina Karatzias sits down with Hailey Brown, founder of VacayIt, a free audio guide platform creating immersive, sensory-rich narratives for travellers worldwide. Driven by her academic background in both tourism and psychology, and inspired by her blind friend Henry who described a safari as little more than "a face full of dirt," Hailey identified a glaring gap in the market: the visitor experience journey had never been properly designed with people with disabilities in mind. From presenting at the World Tourism Forum in Lucerne during COVID, to winning a Global Innovation Award, Hailey's story is one of courageous curiosity, bold asks, and deeply purposeful entrepreneurship. What makes VacayIt extraordinary is that it was never just built for people with disabilities, it was co-designed with them, and the result is a richer experience for all travellers. Hailey unpacks the commercial case for accessible tourism, shares how her team has become intrinsically accessible by simply hiring the best people for the job, and reflects on navigating a business launch straight out of university with little more than a powerful idea and an unshakeable willingness to ask for help. This episode is a masterclass in saying yes to opportunity, designing for 100% of the population, and why the little things, being seen, heard, and made to feel like you matter, will always be the big things in travel. In This Episode: The origin story of VacayIt and how Henry's experience of a safari sparked an industry-changing idea How Hailey's multicultural upbringing (California, Adelaide, and Queensland) shaped her passion for travel and people Winning the Global Innovation Award at the World Tourism Forum in Lucerne, during COVID, and what came next The power of co-designing with people with disabilities and tourism operators from day one Building an intrinsically accessible workplace, and why it simply means hiring the best people for the job How VacayIt's audio guides generate valuable on-site data for tourism operators and destinations Comparing Australian and American destination marketing structures and what makes each unique Why asking for help (including cold-messaging CEOs on LinkedIn) is Hailey's most underrated business strategy Lessons from The Power of Habit and how psychology underpins Hailey's approach to business and life The commercial opportunity in accessible tourism and why it's not just the right thing to do, it's good business Episode Chapters 04:05 Early Life Goals 08:02 Studying Tourism Psychology 09:23 Mentors In Tourism12:50 VacayIt Origin Story15:59 From Award To Launch21:17 Co-Design And Hiring24:21 Lessons Asking For Help26:33 Mentorship Full Circle30:35 Landing Tourism Australia32:23 Ask Boldly Find Mentors34:54 Oprah Moments And Clues35:51 Accessibility Gap Breakthrough40:05 How Businesses Use Vacayit42:56 Destinations Data And Metrics44:53 Tourism In The US Shift46:29 Service And Being Seen49:27 Founder Fire Round54:51 Travel Favorite Bolivia Connect with Hailey Brown LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haileybrownn/ VacayIt: https://www.vacayit.com/ Subscribe: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://bit.ly/4nN1Faa Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/47zOkM4 Despina Karatzias: https://www.despinakaratzias.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/despinakaratzias/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/despinakaratzias/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@desikaratzias Institute of Excellence: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excellence HQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourismhubpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/ | — | ||||||
| 4/6/26 |  084 | Bridging the Gap: Tourism, Agriculture, and Community✨ | agritourismcommunity impact+3 | Yvette | Destination Riverina Murray | Australia | agritourismvisitor economy+3 | — | 21m 51s | |
| 3/5/26 |  083 | THRIVE 2030, Australian MotoGP and Building What You Actually Own✨ | business successTHRIVE 2030 Action Plan+4 | — | Institute of Excellence | Phillip IslandAdelaide | THRIVE 2030Australian MotoGP+5 | — | 44m 28s | |
| 12/31/25 |  082⎢Planning 2026: Here's What 2025 Actually Revealed✨ | tourismdigital transformation+4 | — | — | Bondi Beach | tourismAI+6 | Institute of Excellence | 29m 42s | |
| 11/7/25 |  081⎢Eventfolk: Building a Collective Voice for Regional and Rural Events✨ | regional tourismevent collaboration+3 | Linda Tillman | Australian Centre for Regional EventsEventfolk | — | regional eventsEventfolk+3 | — | 30m 30s | |
| 8/28/25 |  080⎢Governance and the AICD Advantage with Greg Ewing✨ | governanceprofessional development+4 | Greg Ewing | Australian Institute of Company DirectorsAustralian Regional Tourism | — | AICDcompany directors course+5 | — | 17m 00s | |
| 8/11/25 |  079⎢Why Tourism Is a Career Worth Choosing with Lucy Dewhurst✨ | career pathwayssustainable tourism+4 | Lucy Dewhurst | Monash UniversityYoung Tourism Network | Halong BayWales | tourism careersustainable tourism+5 | — | 37m 19s | |
| 7/31/25 |  078⎢What AI Can and Can't Do for your Tourism Business✨ | artificial intelligencetourism industry+4 | — | Tourism New ZealandAccor Hotels+1 | — | AItourism business+6 | — | 24m 02s | |
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 7/18/25 |  077⎢CTRL+ALT+DELETE: AI, Algorithms & the Attention Economy✨ | attention economydigital marketing+4 | — | Dentsu | — | attention economydigital habits+5 | — | 17m 58s | |
| 7/10/25 |  076⎢ Placemaking Through Events with Linda Tillman✨ | placemakingregional events+4 | Linda Tillman | Tilma Group | MackayWagga Wagga+1 | placemakingregional tourism+5 | — | 10m 26s | |
| 7/2/25 |  075⎢Reset. Realign. Reignite for FY25/26✨ | tourismstrategic planning+4 | — | Tourism Research Australia | Australia | tourismbusiness planning+5 | — | 35m 25s | |
| 6/11/25 |  074 ⎢ The Social Impact of Tourism with Dana Ronan | In this enlightening episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dana Ronan from Nourish Group. They discuss exciting developments in the tourism industry, including the announcement of the 2025 ART Convention set to take place in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, just a short drive from Adelaide's city centre. Listeners will gain insight into Nourish Group's groundbreaking partnership with Australian Regional Tourism, focusing on the social impact and value tourism brings to local communities. Dana elaborates on the innovative use of the Australian Social Value Bank, a tool designed to quantify the social benefits of tourism, moving beyond traditional economic metrics to encompass the broader well-being of communities. The discussion highlights the significance of measuring social impact, with Dana explaining how tourism can contribute to community well-being and resilience. She emphasises the importance of looking at tourism through a lens that values the distribution of benefits to local residents, rather than solely focusing on visitor numbers and spending. This episode is a must-listen for tourism professionals eager to understand the evolving landscape of the industry and the critical role of social value in shaping sustainable tourism practices. Tune in to discover how embracing a holistic view of tourism can lead to lasting positive change in regional communities. 01:44 - Nourish Group working with Australian regional tourism to measure social value 09:24 - You co-designed the National Agri Tourism Strategy Framework in 2022 11:16 - Dana says art convention is tailored to regional tourism stakeholders Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Stay inspired, stay connected, and remember to share your journey in tourism with the world! | — | ||||||
| 6/5/25 |  073 ⎢ The Power of Your NETwork | In this empowering episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias explores the transformative power of intentional networking. Drawing from her own journey in the tourism industry, Despina shares a unique framework she calls "Net," designed to help listeners connect more strategically and purposefully. She reflects on her recent speaking engagement at the City of Monash and Eastern Innovation Business Centre, where she inspired a group of women entrepreneurs to elevate their networking game. Listeners will discover the three essential steps of the Net framework: narrowing your focus to identify key connections, engaging digitally to maintain relationships, and trading value first to foster genuine connections. Despina emphasises that networking is not merely about collecting contacts but about weaving meaningful relationships that can lead to opportunities and collaborations. With insightful anecdotes and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their networking skills and build a supportive community. Tune in and learn how to cast your net with intention, creating connections that truly matter. 00:00 - Welcome back to the Tourism Club podcast 01:05 - Networking is foundational to business, yet often misunderstood 02:47 - Networking is about purposeful, intentional and strategic networking 10:44 - E is for engaging digitally. This is where most people drop the ball in networking 14:35 - Trade value first. The golden rule. Networking isn't about what you can get 16:41 - Your network is your net worth, according to the classic networking quote 17:33 - Building a network is all about authenticity, not charisma Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Stay connected, stay intentional, and remember to share your networking journey with the world! | — | ||||||
| 5/29/25 |  072 ⎢ Building Tourism Networks Across Australia: Melissa Souter Robertson's ART Convention Experience | In this vibrant episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias chats with Melissa Souter Robertson from the Shire of Collie, WA, as they discuss her experiences at the recent ART convention in Mackay. Melissa shares her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the inspiring speakers and invaluable insights gained from the agritourism conference, which has sparked her interest in implementing similar initiatives in her region. Listeners will discover the unique features of Collie, a picturesque town located just two and a half hours south of Perth, known for its stunning bushland, converted lakes, and extensive trail networks. Melissa elaborates on the town's transformation into an official trail town, boasting over 160 kilometres of mountain biking, hiking, and horse riding trails, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The conversation also delves into the importance of networking within the tourism industry, as Melissa reflects on the connections made during the convention and the wealth of knowledge shared among peers. She emphasises the value of collaboration and support among tourism professionals, encouraging listeners to embrace these opportunities for growth and innovation. As Melissa prepares to explore the local mountain biking trails and national parks, she expresses her excitement to return to Collie with fresh ideas and insights to share with her team. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their tourism offerings and foster community connections. 01:00 - Introduction to Melissa Souter Robertson 03:15 - Key Takeaways from the ART Convention 06:45 - The Unique Features of Collie, WA 10:30 - Collie's Transformation into a Trail Town 15:00 - The Importance of Networking in Tourism 20:20 - Exploring Local Trails and Future Plans Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Stay inspired, stay connected, and remember to share your tourism journey with the world! | — | ||||||
| 5/22/25 |  071 ⎢ The Seasonality in Tourism Business Operations | In this insightful episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias dives deep into the crucial topic of seasonality in tourism, exploring how it can be both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses. Drawing from her own experiences in the hot air balloon industry, Despina shares valuable strategies on how small businesses can effectively manage seasonal fluctuations and thrive throughout the year. Listeners will learn the importance of understanding and anticipating seasonal trends by analysing data and booking patterns, enabling them to make informed decisions about staffing, promotions, and marketing. Despina emphasises the power of diversifying offerings, encouraging operators to think creatively and extend their services to cater to different audiences during off-peak times. The episode also highlights the significance of targeting shoulder season visitors, building loyalty programmes, and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Collaboration within the local business community is underscored as a key strategy to enhance visibility and value, while planning off-season events and promotions is presented as a fun and effective way to attract visitors year-round. With inspiring examples and actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for tourism professionals eager to adapt and innovate in the face of seasonal challenges. Tune in and ignite your passion for excellence in the tourism industry! 00:00 - Seasonality, one of the most important features of tourism demand 02:46 - Understanding and anticipating your seasonal trends is a powerful business strategy 05:27 - Building loyal and reward programmes can help you attract loyal customers 06:28 - Use technology to maximise high season and soften dips during low season 09:55 - This is the 71st episode of the Tourism Hub podcastConnect with Article: 6 Seasonal Strategies For Small Businesses in 2025 Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Stay engaged, stay sustainable, and remember to share your journey with the world! | — | ||||||
| 4/3/25 |  070 ⎢ Navigating the Path to Sustainable Tourism with Corinne Lewis | In this enlightening episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with ne Lewis from Ecotourism Australia to discuss the vital intersection of agritourism and sustainable practices. Corinne shares her experiences from the recent ART conference, highlighting the inspiring stories of local farmers who are blending their agricultural roots with tourism, all while navigating the unique challenges of this evolving sector. Listeners will gain insights into the certification process offered by Ecotourism Australia, which helps operators understand their sustainability journey through a structured scorecard system. Corinne emphasises the importance of not just achieving certification but also effectively communicating these sustainable practices to potential travellers. She encourages operators to showcase their commitment to sustainability and community engagement, reinforcing that it's not merely about having a certificate, but about embodying these values in every aspect of their business. As the conversation unfolds, the episode explores the growing demand for authentic travel experiences and the role of local communities in shaping these offerings. Corinne's passion for supporting both small operators and larger hotel chains in their sustainability efforts shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the tourism industry looking to innovate and thrive. 00:52 - Highlights from the Agritourism Conference 01:37 - Challenges and Opportunities in Agritourism 02:29 - Sustainable Practices in Agritourism 04:00 - Ecotourism Australia's Certification Programs 04:47 - The Certification Process and Its Benefits 07:04 - Destination Certification and Regional Collaboration 09:35 - Marketing and Leveraging Certification 10:55 - The Importance of Community and Collaboration Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Stay engaged, stay sustainable, and remember to share your journey with the world! | — | ||||||
| 3/28/25 |  069 ⎢ From Crocodile Dundee to White Lotus: How Film Tourism Is Reshaping Travel Trends | In this engaging episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias uncovers the transformative power of film tourism and its profound impact on travel destinations. Despina takes listeners on a journey from the iconic Crocodile Dundee to the modern-day phenomenon of Mamma Mia and the critically acclaimed series The White Lotus, exploring how these cultural touchstones have shaped travel trends and influenced tourism in their respective locations. Delving into the concept of discoverability, Despina highlights the role of digitisation and convergence in making destinations more accessible to potential visitors. She discusses the Mamma Mia effect on Greek tourism, illustrating how the film turned the islands of Skopelos and Skiathos into must-visit spots for fans of the musical. Similarly, she examines the surge in interest for locations featured in The White Lotus, showcasing the importance of strategic marketing by tourism boards to capitalise on this momentum. However, the episode also serves as a cautionary tale, reflecting on the environmental consequences of over-tourism as illustrated by the impact of the film The Beach on Thailand's Maya Bay. Despina emphasises the need for responsible tourism practices to ensure that the excitement generated by film tourism does not come at the cost of ecological sustainability. Listeners are encouraged to find their own 'Mamma Mia' moments, leveraging the power of storytelling and digital platforms to promote their unique destinations. Despina provides actionable takeaways for tourism professionals, urging them to embrace creativity, optimise discoverability, and plan for sustainability in their marketing strategies. 01:15 - The Power of Film Tourism 05:30 - Mamma Mia and Greek Tourism 10:00 - The White Lotus Effect 15:45 - The Cautionary Tale of Maya Bay 20:10 - Actionable Takeaways for Tourism Professionals Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Stay inspired, stay innovative, and remember to share your story with the world! | — | ||||||
| 3/23/25 |  068 ⎢ Rethinking Innovation in Tourism From Complexity to Connection | In this thought-provoking episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias explores the evolution of tourism and the complex interplay between technology and societal change. Despina delves into the concept of systems thinking, urging listeners to look beyond superficial solutions to understand the deeper dynamics at play in the tourism industry. She challenges the notion that technology alone drives change, introducing three critical frameworks: technological determinism, the social construction of technology, and actor-network theory. Each perspective offers a unique lens through which to examine how innovation is perceived and implemented within the tourism sector. Listeners will gain practical strategies to audit their own innovation stories, map their networks, and challenge deterministic views of technology. Despina emphasises the importance of long-term thinking in shaping sustainable tourism practices that benefit communities and environments alike. This episode is a clarion call for tourism professionals to embrace their role as innovators, shaping the future of the industry with intention and purpose. 00:30 - A Journey from 1995 to Today 03:31 - Exploring Systems Thinking in Tourism 05:58 - The Real Meaning of Innovation 10:15 - Technological Paradigms and Tourism 19:04 - Practical Steps for Tourism Innovators Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Stay curious, stay connected, and keep creating and innovating with purpose! | — | ||||||
| 3/14/25 |  067 ⎢ Accelerate Action: Frida Kahlo, Women & Business in Motion | In this empowering episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias dives into the legacy of the iconic Frida Kahlo, exploring how her life and art can inspire bold action in the tourism industry. As we celebrated International Women's Day, Despina reflects on Frida's resilience and creativity, sharing insights on how we can channel her spirit to elevate our own businesses and experiences. Despina discusses Frida's journey through pain and adversity, highlighting her ability to transform suffering into powerful self-expression. She draws parallels between Frida's artistic legacy and the challenges faced by today's entrepreneurs, urging listeners to embrace action and defy societal expectations. The episode features compelling stories of other trailblazing women, such as Amelia Earhart, Madame C.J. Walker, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, each of whom exemplified the courage to act and make their mark on history. Listeners will discover five fearless strategies to accelerate action in their own ventures, from storytelling in sales to creating unforgettable customer experiences. Despina emphasises the importance of not waiting for the perfect moment but seizing the present to drive change and innovation. This episode is a call to action for anyone in the tourism sector seeking to ignite their passion and create a lasting impact. 01:21 - Celebrating Frida Kahlo's Legacy 03:46 - Frida Kahlo's Impact and Inspiration 07:53 - Lessons from Bold Women in History 12:26 - Accelerating Action in Business 12:50 - The Power of Storytelling in Sales 14:33 - Marketing and Creating Emotional Connections 17:04 - The Importance of Operations and Systems 19:24 - Crisis Management and Resilience Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. | — | ||||||
| 3/5/25 |  066 ⎢ Sustainable Growth: How Agritourism is Transforming Australia's Food and Tourism Sectors | In this captivating episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias welcomes the inspiring Rose Wright from Regionality to explore the burgeoning field of agritourism in Australia. Fresh from the inaugural Agritourism Forum for Tourism Australia, Rose shares her journey and insights into how agritourism is transforming the landscape for farmers and rural communities. Rose delves into the evolution of agritourism, a movement she has championed for over 20 years, highlighting the significant shift towards recognising its value. She discusses the critical role of agritourism in creating value chains that benefit farmers, allowing them to innovate and diversify their offerings. With a focus on education, business planning, and strategic development, Rose emphasises the importance of regulatory changes to support farmers in creating sustainable and profitable ventures. The episode features compelling case studies, such as the story of Rich Glen Olive Estate, illustrating how agritourism can drive economic development and enhance community engagement. Rose also touches on the importance of local food systems and the potential for food tourism to become a key component of regional economies. Tune in to discover how agritourism is paving the way for a more resilient and vibrant future for Australia's farming communities, and learn about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. 01:49 Regionality Consultancy for Agriculture, Food and Tourism 08:49 Regulation and legislation make it difficult for individual farmers to do certain things 17:44 Connecting Agriculture and Tourism Together 21:51 Queensland needs an agri tourism planning policy for food tourism 27:16 Food tourism has brought fresh, local, seasonal food to the consumer Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Stay passionate, stay excellent, and keep your fire burning! | — | ||||||
| 2/26/25 |  065 ⎢ Unlocking Melbourne's Visitor Economy with Experience Melbourne 2028 | In this impactful episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias takes a deep dive into the newly launched Experience Melbourne 2028, Melbourne's destination management plan aimed at shaping the city's visitor economy over the next five years. The episode highlights the significance of a Destination Management Plan (DMP) as a collaborative effort that aligns businesses, governments, and communities to foster a thriving visitor economy. Despina discusses the impressive statistics behind Melbourne's tourism, revealing that 14.3 million visitors contributed over $11 billion to the local economy in 2023, with projections indicating even greater growth by 2028. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the lessons learned from London's visitor experience strategy, which inspired Melbourne's approach. Despina outlines the eight core experience pillars of Experience Melbourne 2028, ranging from sports and events to culinary experiences and sustainable tourism. She emphasises the need for tourism businesses to adapt to evolving traveller preferences, focusing on creating unique, immersive experiences that resonate with visitors. As the episode draws to a close, Despina encourages tourism leaders to reflect on their own regions and consider how they can implement similar strategies to enrich their local economies. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the tourism sector looking to elevate their business and contribute to a more connected and vibrant visitor economy. 01:00 - Introduction to Experience Melbourne 2028 05:30 - The Importance of a Destination Management Plan 10:15 - Lessons from London's Visitor Experience Strategy 15:45 - The Eight Experience Pillars of Melbourne 20:00 - Next Steps for Tourism Leaders Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Embrace the journey, ignite your passion, and let's create unforgettable experiences together! | — | ||||||
| 1/31/25 |  064 ⎢ Travel, Tech, and Transformation with Hamish Fell | In this exciting episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias welcomes Hamish Fell, a visionary in the tourism tech space and a board member of the Australian Regional Tourism Network (ART). Together, they explore the future of travel and tourism, diving into how technological advancements will shape the way we travel, especially for the next generation. Hamish shares insights from his session titled "How My Daughter Will Travel When She's 20," where he discusses the potential of high-speed travel, the evolution of drone technology, and the transformative impact of fintech innovations on the tourism industry. They delve into the seamless integration of tech solutions for regional tourism, the importance of enhancing membership offerings, and the exciting launch of ART's new website. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in packaging experiences, the future of visitor servicing, and the critical role of content in digital marketing. Hamish emphasises the importance of preparing for these changes now to leverage future opportunities, encouraging listeners to stay ahead of the curve. Join Despina and Hamish as they navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of tourism, offering valuable insights and practical advice for tourism professionals looking to thrive in this dynamic industry. 01:03 - Hamish's Involvement with Australian Regional Tourism Network 02:17 - Technological Innovations in Tourism 03:55 - Future of Travel and Space Tourism 05:13 - Drone Technology and Military Influence 06:08 - Hamish's Military Background 07:37 - Challenges in Payment Systems and Packaging 14:21 - Insights from the ART Conference Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Stay curious, stay adventurous, and let's continue building a stronger tourism industry together! | — | ||||||
| 1/23/25 |  063 │ Crisis 101: Building Resilience for Uncertain Times | In this thought-provoking episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias addresses the critical theme of crisis management in the tourism industry. As we find ourselves in the midst of summer in Australia, Despina reflects on the devastating impact of natural disasters, particularly the bushfires that have shaped our recent history. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional insights, she highlights the necessity of preparation and resilience for both individuals and businesses. Despina explores various types of crises that can affect tourism operations, from financial and technological crises to reputational and operational challenges. She emphasises that understanding these different crises is key to developing effective crisis management plans. Listeners will learn how to identify creeping, slow burn, and sudden crises, and the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks before they escalate. The episode also provides practical strategies for enhancing resilience, including the development of comprehensive crisis management plans, regular audits, and investing in technology. Despina urges listeners to consider their role in supporting communities affected by crises, highlighting how tourism can aid in recovery efforts. As the episode wraps up, Despina leaves listeners with a challenge to conduct a crisis management audit for their lives and businesses. This episode serves as a timely reminder that preparation is not just about survival, but about thriving in the face of adversity. 00:22 - Reflecting on Black Saturday Bushfires 03:06 - Current Bushfire Challenges 03:46 - Importance of Risk Management 07:06 - Types of Crises in Business 13:57 - Stages of Crisis Development 21:30 - Practical Steps for Crisis Management 21:54 - Personal and Home Resilience 25:06 - Business Resilience Strategies 26:42 - Community Support and Recovery Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence. Stay prepared, stay proactive, and build a stronger future for your business! | — | ||||||
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