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.

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence
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Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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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!

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.

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!

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.

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!