Today’s episode is with Bart Sobies – an industry professional whose career has spanned more than two decades. He began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 15 with the launch of his first online business evolving into a prosperous tech company. 

Since then, Bart has founded and led several businesses, all centred around technology, marketing and investment specifically within the tourism industry. One of these is ibooked.online – a leading platform dedicated to helping accommodation owners increase direct bookings and generate revenue. 

Tourism consultant (and overall tourism legend) Tom Wootton sits down with Bart and chats all about his business and his passion – AI. 

Bart explains how ibooked.online aims to teach brand and marketing tools and strategic to different tourism providers, whether it’s those in hospitality to B&Bs, hotels and short-term rentals. He has the answers to those common questions you may ask, such as ‘how do we sell our unique experience?’, ‘how do we get people to book directly through out website?’ and ‘how do we make ourselves stand out?’

Bart then talks about AI and its emergence and growing popularity. He admitted to becoming quite obsessed with AI, but saw the opportunities it had to help tourism operators. Bart’s main piece of advice when it comes to AI is, if you haven’t already used it, give it a go. Not only is it a tool to ask questions, but it can also provide feedback on your business processes and how you handled certain situations.

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner, Moo Brew. Moo Brew is the official beer of the Tasmanian tourism industry. Inspired by the art, creativity, and innovation of Mona, the Moo Brew range of contemporary lagers and ales are brewed in Tasmania, and designed to be enjoyed while experiencing all the state has to offer. Thanks to Moo Brew for their generous support of TICT and for helping make this episode of Talking Tourism possible.