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.

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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:

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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
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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!

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.

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence
LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias
Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

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

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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!

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.

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence

LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias

Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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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!

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.

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence

LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias

Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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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!

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.

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence

LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias

Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast

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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!