Adrian Easdown

Josh Carnavas is the Managing Director of Brisbane Camperland, a successful family business that has risen above many hardships within a tough industry, especially early on in its development.

In this week’s episode, Adrian and Josh chat about the importance of taking time away from a business, in order to make good business decisions. They discuss the advantages and pitfalls of working with family.  The pair also discuss the ever-important topic of emerging technology, in particular tech destined to reshape the caravanning industry. 

Over the next few Mondays, join Adrian Easdown as revisits episodes that highlight important information gathered from inspirational leaders. The episodes have been selected in hope of helping business owners navigate the uncertain times we are facing.

Links 

Brisbane Camperland 

Karl Heyman is the CEO of Family Parks Australia & New Zealand, a network of pet friendly holiday parks that celebrate having a point of difference. Before moving to Australia, Karl worked for the Caravan Club in the UK. The Caravan Club (now the Caravan and Motor Home Club) is a 107-year-old club with traditional values, turning over 100 million pounds a year, boasting over 400 thousand members across approximately 250-270 parks in England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland.

In this week’s episode of ‘That Bad Review’ podcast series, we revisit Adrian and Karl’s chat about the need for parks to have a point of difference. Also highlighted in this episode is the benefits of partnerships, as well as the damage that can be done if service providers don’t handle customer complaints effectively.  

Over the next few weeks, join Adrian Easdown as revisits episodes that highlight important information gathered from inspirational leaders. The episodes have been selected in hope of helping business owners navigate the uncertain times we are facing across the globe.

 Links 

Karl Heyman’s LinkedIn Profile 

Email Karl at [email protected]  

Family Parks Website  

The Caravan and Motorhome Club UK  

Sunshine Glamping Parks website  

Peter Buttigieg is the CEO and Founder of RMS, a global Cloud Software Company that specialises in software solutions. With 35+ years’ experience, Peter has witnessed the rapid transition into the digital age and countless technological changes. Throughout his career, Peter’s main role has been introducing such advancements to the public and encouraging involvement.

Business owners across the globe are searching for new and innovative ways to adapt to rapid periods of change. There are new exciting technological changes on the horizon within every industry, especially within the hospitality industry. From customer check-in kiosks to revolutionary data input systems, we’re heading full pelt into the 21st Century. Business owners within the hospitality industry are embracing technology and understanding the importance of having an online presence.

In this week’s episode of ‘That Bad Review’ podcast series, Peter and Adrian dive into the trials and tribulations of being at the forefront of a tech revolution. They discuss the challenges hospitality is facing when it comes to technology, how technology is simplifying how we do business, and what we as an industry can do to stay ahead of the curve.

Over the next few Mondays, join Adrian Easdown as revisits episodes that highlight important information gathered from inspirational leaders. The episodes have been selected in hope of helping business owners navigate the uncertain times we are all facing.

Links

Peter’s LinkedIn Profile

RMS Website

While it’s possible to set out the path we would like our lives to take, if there is one thing that is certain, life has a tendency to throw out curve-balls when we least expect it. This has been highlighted for every person, in almost every country across the world. We have been served a curve-ball of unprecedented proportions, one that is impacting us on a global scale.  We are facing an industry disruption unlike anything we have witnessed in our lifetimes. 

On this week’s episode of the ‘That Bad Review’ podcast series, we revisit Adrian’s chat with Steven Wright, the CEO of BIG4 Holiday Parks, focused on dealing with industry disruption.  Steven shares his views around the best way to tackle unexpected situations, urging listeners to consider possible scenarios the circumstances present. Being adaptable and flexible during such times, Steven explains, will often open up a world of possibilities.  

Over the next few Mondays, join Adrian Easdown as revisits episodes that highlight important information gathered from inspirational leaders. The episodes have been selected in hope of helping business owners navigate the uncertain times we are all facing.

Links

Steven Wrights LinkedIn Profile 

Big 4 Holiday Parks 

Review Pro & GRI scores  

This week on the ‘That Bad Review’ podcast series, we present the third episode in the Southern NSW, Visitor Economy Bushfire Recovery Summit podcast series. Episode three begins with a conversation between Adrian and Graeme Haycraft.  Graeme was instrumental in the tourism recovery efforts on behalf of the Murrindindi and Mitchell Shire Councils, after the Black Saturday Fires of 2009. Graeme shares some great advice, based on his own experience in crisis management and disaster recovery processes.

In the second half of the podcast, Adrian chats with Jeremy Wilshire, the Major Events Manager for Destination Wollongong. Jeremy was the MC at the Bushfire Recovery Summit. Throughout the event, Jeremy encouraged attendees to contribute their ideas to an action wall. At the end of the event, the ideas were collated into topics and discussed. These ideas formed the basis of feedback from the summit, which was provided to the appropriate government organisations. Jeremy and Adrian discuss some of this feedback on the podcast episode.

Each Monday, join Adrian Easdown as he has enlightening chats with leaders within the accommodation, tourism & hospitality industries around the globe, on the first podcast of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

If you own, manage or work in the tourism and hospitality industry, or own a retail business, especially if you have been affected by any kind of natural disaster or catastrophic event, this is one podcast you won’t want to miss.

READ more about the podcast interview via this link

Richard Beere is the Managing Director ofFastrak Asian Solutions and the Chair of Destination Southern New South Wales. With over 40 years’ experience working in the Tourism Industry, Richard possess a wealth of knowledge. Adrian was keen to chat with Richard, and hear what advice he has for industry stakeholders. Richard’s insights are even more valuable at this period in time, as we navigate through uncharted waters, not only within the tourism industry, but throughout every industry across the world.

In this week’s episode of the ‘That Bad Review’ podcast series, Richard provides some great advice to business owners, on how to ensure products are the best fit for target markets. Adrian and Richard discuss the difference between marketing to domestic travellers’ verses visitors from overseas. Richard explains the need to diversify offerings, and how doing so helps to build resilience. They have a great chat about the holistic circle, and what is driving consumerism within the industry.

Each Monday, join Adrian Easdown as he has enlightening chats with leaders within the accommodation, tourism & hospitality industries around the globe, on the first podcast of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

If you own, manage or work within the accommodation, tourism & hospitality industries or any kind of service-based business, this is one podcast you won’t want to miss.

Episode Links

Richard Beere’s LinkedIn profile

Email Richard via [email protected]

Fastrak Asian Solutions website

Destination Southern NSW website

READ more about the podcast episode featuring Richard Beere

This week on the ‘That Bad Review’ we present the second episode in the Southern NSW, Visitor Economy Bushfire Recovery Summit podcast series.

Episode two begins with a conversation between Adrian and Shannan Perry-Hall. Shannon is the Recovery Action Team Lead – Economic & Tourism, and the Acting Tourism Manager at Shoalhaven City Council. Shannon and Adrian have a great conversation around communication. They discuss how effective and open, two-way communication is vital in times of crisis. Shannon also shares some important recovery tips for operators and the best way to keep up to date with all the information that is being shared.

The second half of the episode introduces three industry leaders from the south coast, Daniel Murphy, the Manager for Economic Development at Bega Valley Shire Council, Tim Booth, the Manager for Tourism & Events at Eurobodalla Shire Council  and Anthony Osborne, the Managing Director of Destination Agency. The men share their views around what support is needed in the affected areas and how businesses can take a proactive approach to ensure the quickest recovery period possible. The group also reiterate the importance of consistent messaging and open communication.

Each Monday, join Adrian Easdown as he has enlightening chats with leaders within the accommodation, tourism & hospitality industries around the globe, on the first podcast of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

If you own, manage or work in the tourism and hospitality industry, or own a retail business, especially if you have been affected by any kind of natural disaster or catastrophic event, this is one podcast you won’t want to miss.

Read the more about the topics discussed in the episode via this link 

To celebrate the 100th episode of ‘That Bad Review’ podcast series, Adrian chats with Australian actor, musician, long-standing TV host and more recently holiday park owner, Frankie J Holden. Frankie shares his experience around falling in love with the caravan and camping industry, while hosting the TV series ‘What’s Up Downunder’.

“We would travel all over Australia and visit wonderful places, and go and stay in some wonderful parks”, Holden explains.

Before hosting the show, Frankie explains, that his exposure to the Caravan and Camping Industry was limited. However, his passion grew and eventually led to his co-ownership of Tathra Beachside Holiday Park. On first impression, Frankie thought many park owners were a bit rough around the edges. In time, Frankie came to realise how intelligent and business savvy people managing holiday parks are. Acknowledging it to be a very challenging yet extremely rewarding profession.

Also, on this week’s special 100th episode, Frankie and Adrian chat about the role the caravan and camping industry plays in reconnecting people, with each other as well as with nature. They discuss the future of holiday parks and how they are becoming more like resorts. Frankie explains how many parks now offer the basics right through to luxury options, catering to an extensive range of customer needs and wants.

“It was great to chat with Frankie for the podcasts 100th episode,” explains Adrian. “He has a lot of life experience, which results in bucket loads of great advice to share with others.”

Frankie J Holden LinkedIn Profile

Tathra Beachside Website

Email Tathra Beachside – [email protected]

Country to the Coast Music Festival – 22nd to 27th April 2020

What’s Up Downunder – TV Series

More information on the special 100th episode featuring Frankie J Holden via this link 

In February 2020, a Visitor Economy Bushfire Recovery Summit, was held on the South Coast of NSW, in the wake of a prolonged and devastating bushfire period. The event focused on sharing strategies to support communities through a locally-led recovery process. The event also provided a platform for attendees to communicate the needs of local and regional business owners.

Adrian was commissioned to capture key messages from the bushfire recovery summit. The content was produced into podcast episodes, highlighting actions business owners can take to stay informed, find support and rebuild.

Episode one of the podcast series begins with an interview with event host  Sean Haylan, the General Manager of DSNSW. Sean explains the role of Destination Networks during crisis periods, and why locally-led recovery processes are key in rebuilding communities. Adrian and Sean talk about the readiness of local areas to welcome visitors, and how to reactive local economies.

Adrian also catches up with Steve Rosa, the Group Manager for Tourism & Economic Development at Destination Southern Highlands. Steve’s local government area was hit by two major fire fronts, severely impacting the region. Steve shares some great local initiatives that have been instrumental in the region’s recovery to date. He explains how local businesses in his community have worked together to put the Southern Highlands back on the tourist map.

Make sure you tune into the podcast episode to hear some really useful, practical advice for business owners, designed to assist during locally-led recovery periods.

Read the full new article via this link

Links to resources and additional information

RENSW – A central platform that hosts a range of bushfire recovery resources distributed by local, state and national organisations. The information collated on this website is available to assist in locally-led recovery processes. Visit the website for information and resources on available support, promotional campaigns and more.

Destination Southern NSW

Sean Haylan LinkedIn Profile

Destination Sydney Surrounds South

Steve Rosa LinkedIn Profile

Destination Southern Highlands

Destination NSW Tourism Recovery Package

Presentations and information from the Bushfire Recovery Summit

Black Saturday Fires of 2009 – Marysville & King Lake Regions

Contact Adrian to discuss a Podcast Media Partnership for your next event

Neil James is the Vice President of Global Customer Success at ReviewPro. ReviewPro offers accommodation providers with integrated tools and processes to increase guest satisfaction and revenue.

On this week’s episode of ‘That Bad Review’, podcast series, Adrian and Neil discuss issues around responding to online reviews. They chat about the unpredictability of industry altering events, and how adaptability is key in crisis situations. Neil shares information around his extensive background in the Hospitality Industry and how he is grateful for the hands-on learning opportunities, that kickstarted his successful career.

Each Monday, join Adrian Easdown as he has enlightening chats with leaders within the accommodation, tourism & hospitality industries around the globe, on the first podcast of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

If you own, manage or work in the accommodation or any business that provides a service to customers, this is one podcast you won’t want to miss.

Neil James LinkedIn profile

Email Neil – [email protected]

ReviewPro website

Read more about Neil and Adrian’s chat via the full news article