Let's Talk Tourism

Episode 9 - We talk tourism with Kelli Vettoretto Regional Director HelmsBriscoe a global leader in meetings, procurement and site selection.

We talk to Kelli about; What the outlook is for meetings and events now and into 2021. The Government’s funding of $50M support the restart of Australia’s business events industry. She shares with us how some providers are missing opportunities and gives advice on what properties should be doing to stay proactive in the market.

Listen to this episode and let us know what you think - to find the podcast simply search Let’s Talk Tourism in Spotify or Apple Podcast.

Podcast Guest: Kelli Vettoretto

Your Hosts: Katie Hokin & Gabby Daniels

Sponsor: Levart

Episode 8 - We talk to Paul about the $1million local area campaign “Play Money for Gold Coasters”. The controversial topics of why we missed out on the Tourism Australia marketing campaign. He also shares updates on the Gold Coast Airport terminal expansion project. Plus his own emotional journey dealing with COVID for an industry that he is so passionate about.

👉 Listen to this episode and let us know what you think - to find the podcast simply search Let’s Talk Tourism in Spotify or Apple Podcast.

Podcast Guest: Paul Donovan

Your Hosts: Katie Hokin & Gabby Daniels

Sponsor: Levart

Episode 7 - We talk tourism with Steve Brewster who heads up the Sales and Marketing for the largest family owned group of Hotels & Resorts on the Gold Coast including the latest flagship, Qube Broadbeach.

We talk to Steve about; How his relationship with The Picone Family formed and how the group of Hotels & Resorts is performing right now. We learn all about the amazing Qube Broadbeach and why their occupancy is holding strong right now. We learn what they are doing differently in a market where everyone is chasing the same business. Steve also shares some great strategies and tools they use on their website to capture more direct bookings.

👉 Listen to this episode and let us know what you think - to find the podcast simply search Let’s Talk Tourism in Spotify or Apple Podcast..

Podcast Guest: Steve Brewster

Your Hosts: Katie Hokin & Gabby Daniels

Sponsor: Levart

Episode 6 - We talk tourism with Dr Sarah Gardiner, Deputy Director, Griffith Institute for Tourism at Griffith University one of the leading experts in our sector.

We talk to Sarah about; The micro-credential online short course ‘Tourism – Ready for Recovery’ , what it’s about, how it’s helping the sector and some interesting insights from those who have taken it. Sarah shares some innovative stories of tour operators adapting to the domestic market and changing their product offering. We also cover the concept of a Niche Marketing Project and why businesses need to consider implementing this strategy. Sarah talks about international travel and what we as an industry need to do to get through and prepare. Sarah finishes on a high and a reminder that the Tourism Industry has a very bright future!

👉 Listen to this episode and let us know what you think - to find the podcast simply search Let’s Talk Tourism in Spotify or Apple Podcast.

Podcast Guest: Dr Sarah

Your Hosts: Katie Hokin & Gabby Daniels

Sponsor: Levart

Episode 5 - We talk tourism with Luke Harley who started his career 20 years ago as a porter and is now the very proud (and passionate) GM of the first and only Gold Coast Airport Hotel under the Rydges brand.

We talk to Luke about; How amazing the new property is and why it’s such a standout hotel to open on the Gold Coast. Forget the term ‘traditional airport hotel’ and hear Luke talk about unique and innovative design, insta-gramable zones and quirky outlet names. The rooftop bar is a must visit for all Gold Coasters! Luke also shares how employing staff has been a blessing, but also very difficult in this climate. This is a high energy interview that will inspire everyone to check out the new hotel and feel good about our industry as a whole.

👉 Listen to this episode and let us know what you think - to find the podcast simply search Let’s Talk Tourism Podcast in Spotify or iTunes.

Podcast Guest: Luke Harly

Your Hosts: Katie Hokin & Gabby Daniels

Sponsor: Levart

Episode 4 - We talk tourism with Judy Hill who has been with QHA for the past 13 years where she provides specialist accommodation and tourism industry advice to members.

We talk to Judy about; The high demand for regular updates and how QHA have been communicating with members (and non-members). She gives some great advice for those trading and provides a timely reminder not to get complacent. We also get Judy’s opinion on the negotiations underway for one united voice for AA and AHA for the sector. As the Chair on Bond Tourism Advisory, Judy gives her insights and shares why now more than ever before we need to reassure prospective students it’s a great industry to work in.

👉 Listen to this episode and let us know what you think - to find the podcast simply search Let’s Talk Tourism Podcast in Spotify or iTunes.

Length: 35 minutes

Podcast Guest: Judy Hill

Your Hosts: Katie Hokin & Gabby Daniels

Sponsor: Levart

Episode 3 - This Friday morning we chat with Andrew Hewitt who has a wealth of experience from corporate giants to luxury boutique hotels and now the BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park.

We talk to Andrew about the rise in caravanning & camping in the current environment and discuss the multimillion-dollar investment by the BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park…. and how that's put them on the map. Andrew also shares his advice for others in the sector on how to maximise opportunities and how to retain these first-time camp/holidayathome travellers.

👉 Listen to this episode and let us know what you think - to find the podcast simply search Let’s Talk Tourism Podcast on Spotify or iTunes.

Podcast Guest: Andrew Hewitt

Your Hosts: Katie Hokin & Gabby Daniels

Sponsor: Levart

Episode 2 - We chat with Paul Hammond who has over 20 years of experience in tourism & hospitality.

We talk to Paul about; insights across the QLD Market and the Regional vs Capital cities in Australia. We talk about the trends across leisure, drive market and school holiday periods. He also shares with us some great tips on what data properties should be looking at to support recovery.

👉 Listen to this episode and let us know what you think - to find the podcast simply search Let’s Talk Tourism Podcast on Spotify or iTunes.

Podcast Guest: Andrew Hewitt

Your Hosts: Katie Hokin & Gabby Daniels

Sponsor: Levart

Episode 1 - We chat with Mark Hodges who has over 30 years in tourism and hospitality with extensive experience in hotel operations management.

We talk to Mark about; how Accor transformed very early into COVID-19 and the ALLSAFE program, the united voice for the accommodation sector between Accommodation Association & Australian Hotels Association and the very exciting first Fairmont-branded hotel for Australia. We also ask him about the impact of COVID-19 on his personal and professional life.

👉 Listen to this episode and let us know what you think - to find the podcast simply search Let’s Talk Tourism Podcast in Spotify or iTunes.

Podcast Guest: Mark Hodge

Your Hosts: Katie Hokin, Gabby Daniels

Sponsor: Levart

Lets Talk Tourism Introduction by Katie Hokin & Gabby Daniels