By Institute of Excellence (Tourism & Small Business)
The podcast currently has 60 episodes available.
In this special episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias celebrates the upcoming Australian Regional Tourism (ART) Convention and the launch of an exciting new partnership with the Australian Regional Tourism Network. This episode is a nostalgic throwback featuring insightful interviews with legends of the Australian tourism industry, including Peter Freeman of Wolf Media, Liz Ward from Tourism Tribe, Sarah O'Mara from Flare Access, and Merrin Ozols from Fluro Peninsula Tourism and many more.
Join us as we delve into the incredible work being done in Australian regional tourism, from accessible tourism initiatives to innovative digital marketing strategies. This episode is packed with valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and inspiring stories from industry leaders who are making a significant impact in regional tourism. Whether you're a tourism professional or simply passionate about travel, this episode is sure to inspire and inform.
2:26 Sarah O'Mara from Flare Access
10:49 Peter Freeman from WOOF Medida
31:28 Paula Freeman from Visit Rural
42:15 Georgia Lazzari from City of Newcastle
53:29 Kate Mather from Destination Kiama and South Coast Experiences
59:21 Merrin Ozols from Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism
1:09:23 Forbes Jamieson
1:21:35 Scott Taylor from Guru Production
1:29:36 Liz Ward from Tourism Tribe
References:
Australian Regional Tourism Network: https://www.regionaltourism.com.au
Tourism Tribe: https://www.tourismtribe.com
Wolf Media: https://www.wolfmedia.com.au
Flare Access: https://www.flareaccess.com.au
Visit Rural: https://www.visitrural.com.au
City of Newcastle: https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au
Destination Kiama: https://www.kiama.com.au
Fluro Peninsula Tourism: https://www.flurotourism.com.au
Book Easy: https://www.bookeasy.com.au
Guru Productions: https://www.guruproductions.com.au
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 passionate, stay excellent, and keep your fire burning!
In this unique episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias takes us on an exhilarating journey through regional Victoria with Green Pedal Cycles. Join Despina as she experiences her first electric bike tour in Echuca, guided by David Barry of Green Pedal Cycles. Discover the joy of cycling through picturesque landscapes, learning about the rich history and vibrant community of Echuca and Moama.
Despina reflects on the importance of sustainable tourism and the incredible impact small tourism operators like Green Pedal Cycles have on both visitors and the local community. David shares insights into their journey from electric bike enthusiasts to successful tourism operators, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way.
This episode is a delightful mix of personal anecdotes, historical tidbits, and inspiring stories of resilience and innovation in the tourism industry. Whether you're a seasoned tourism professional or simply a lover of travel and adventure, this episode is sure to ignite your passion for exploring new destinations in a sustainable and joyful way.
07:32 - Tourism Hub podcast with David Barry on a bike tour of Echuca
10:03 - Victoria's Campaspe River is one of the most volatile rivers
14:26 - The flooding in Rochester did not do well for the tourism industry
27:05 - The Murray river is cleanest and the healthiest it's been
31:47 - What's been the most surprising thing about working in tourism or the visitor economy?
36:13 - David started with only two bikes
59:22 - David says you need to make a sound plan before embarking on startup
References:
Green Pedal Cycles: https://www.greenpedal.com.au
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 passionate, stay excellent, and keep your fire burning!
In this heartfelt episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias takes a poignant departure from the usual business-centric discussions to pay tribute to the late Associate Professor Joanne Pyke. Joanne, a visionary leader in sustainable tourism, left an indelible mark on the industry and the lives of those who had the privilege to know her. Despina reflects on Joanne's remarkable contributions, her dedication to sustainability, diversity, and community wellbeing, and the personal impact of her loss.
Joanne Pyke's legacy is celebrated through her extensive work, including her pivotal research on building resilience in tourism destinations and her commitment to sustainable practices in large-scale events like religious tourism. Despina shares personal anecdotes and memories, highlighting Joanne's deep and meaningful collaborations within academia and the industry, and her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact.
This episode is a moving reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of seizing opportunities to connect, engage, and make meaningful contributions. Despina also reflects on her own experiences of loss, emphasising the value of cherishing loved ones and prioritising what truly matters.
Join us in this special tribute as we honour Joanne Pyke's extraordinary life and work, and find inspiration in her legacy to continue striving for a better, more sustainable future in tourism.
References:
BBC World Service - Greening the Hajj: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0j2x536
Building The Resilience of Tourism Destinations to Disasters: https://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/tourism-resilience-report.pdf
Joanne Pyke Research Publications: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joanne-Pyke-2Connect 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 passionate, stay excellent, and keep your fire burning!
In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias is joined by the inspiring Giovanna Lever, owner and leader of Sparrowly Group. Giovanna shares her incredible journey from growing up in Bundaberg, Queensland, to becoming a highly respected figure in the Australian tourism industry.
With a background in sports marketing and significant roles at Tourism Australia, Giovanna's path to entrepreneurship is filled with valuable lessons in resilience, business acumen, and the importance of human connection.
Giovanna delves into her upbringing as the daughter of Italian immigrants, the early responsibilities that shaped her financial intelligence, and her transformative experiences in various roles. She discusses the inception of Sparrowly Group, the values that drive her business, and the importance of professional and personal development for her team. Giovanna also highlights her work in agri-tourism, accessible tourism, and economic development, emphasising the need for farmer-driven initiatives and the future of these sectors in Australia.
Throughout the episode, Giovanna's authenticity, trustworthiness, and entrepreneurial spirit shine through, offering listeners a wealth of insights and inspiration. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their tourism business and career.
10:16 - Responsibility in a young age when parents migrate to Australia
11:17 - Serendipitous Start of Giovanna in the Tourism Industry
17:48 - A Desire for Business Ownership
24:25 - Strategic Start-up: Funding the Baking Business
27:29 - Evidence-Based Approach: Sparrowly's Research Focus
29:15 - Lee Caruso created spirerly group from the beginning
42:46 - Agri-Tourism: Working with Farmers for Diversification
50:53 - Reflecting on Difficult Times and Career Challenges
References:
Sparrowly Group: https://www.sparrowly.com
Giovanna Lever on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannalever/
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 passionate, stay excellent, and keep your fire burning!
In this episode, host Despina Karatzias takes us on a journey into the evolving world of digital economies, platformisation, and the concept of free labour. Discover how major platforms like Airbnb, Facebook, and Instagram are reshaping the Australian tourism sector and what this means for small businesses. Dive deep into the power dynamics, ethical considerations, and the importance of adopting the PESO model for a more sustainable digital strategy. Don't miss this insightful discussion that promises to elevate your tourism business and career!
01:09 - The Free Labor Factory: How Platforms Profit from Unpaid Work
04:25 - The Growing Concern of Platform Data Extraction and Monopolisation
06:29 - The Platform Trap: When Value Fades and Costs Rise
09:44 - Reimagining Digital Success Beyond Platforms
12:47 - The Digital Economy, Platformization and Free Labor
References and resources:
2024 Peso Model Primer for Communicators
https://spinsucks.com/communication/pr-pros-must-embrace-the-peso-model/
The Social Dilemma
https://www.netflix.com/ph-en/title/81254224
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 passionate, stay excellent, and keep your fire burning!
In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, Despina Karatzias welcomes Sarah Poole, a dynamic entrepreneur who has seamlessly blended her passion for people, hospitality, and craft beer into a thriving tourism business. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from owning a technology consulting firm to relocating her family to the north coast of New South Wales and opening the Whoopi Brewing Company.
Sarah delves into her lifelong love for tourism and hospitality, emphasising the importance of connecting with people and delivering exceptional experiences. She discusses the challenges and rewards of starting a craft brewery in a regional town, highlighting the critical role of mentorship and thorough research in her success. Sarah's story is a testament to the power of determination, community collaboration, and the ability to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity.
Throughout the episode, Sarah offers valuable insights into managing multiple businesses, the significance of health and well-being for entrepreneurs, and the importance of maintaining a customer-centric approach. She also shares practical tips on planning, action-taking, and building a supportive team culture.
01:40 - From Craft Beer to Community
11:48 - Commitment and Belief: Building a Brewery
17:09 - Impacting the Community
23:33 - Empowering Women in Business
28:17 - Overcoming Procrastination
29:00 - The Importance of a Clear Plan
38:42 - Building a Strong Team
46:22 - Investing in Yourself
50:44 - Quality Tourism and Quality Businesses
52:48 - Overcoming Initial Fears
54:21 - Essential Online Resources
56:14 - Habits for Business Success
References:
Whoopi Brewing Company: https://www.whoopibrewingco.com.au
Sarah Poole: https://www.sarahpoole.com.au
Connect with Sarah Poole:
Website: Sarah Poole
Instagram: @sarahpoole
LinkedIn: Sarah Poole
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 passionate, stay excellent, and keep your fire burning!
In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias dives into the essence of building a quality tourism business. Despina introduces the Quality Tourism Business Programme, a comprehensive initiative developed in partnership with the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC). This episode is a step-by-step guide designed to help tourism businesses thrive through accreditation and excellence from the inside out.
Despina passionately walks you through the ten modules of the programme, each crafted to provide practical and actionable insights. From understanding the multi-layered ecosystem of the visitor economy and mastering financial planning to executing dynamic marketing strategies and fostering a positive workplace culture, this episode covers it all. Despina also emphasises the importance of sustainability, cultural awareness, and accessibility in creating an inclusive and impactful tourism business.
Whether you're new to the tourism industry or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your strategies, this episode offers valuable lessons to drive meaningful change and elevate your business to new heights. Grab your favourite drink, get comfortable, and join Despina on this journey towards quality tourism business building magic.
References:
Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC): https://www.vtic.com.au
Quality Tourism Australia: https://www.qualitytourismaustralia.com
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.
In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, Despina Karatzias ventures into the heart of small business at the Brentford Shopping Centre in Victoria, featuring an inspiring conversation with Mel and Penny from Eyewear Architects. Discover how these small business champions bring a unique blend of passion, expertise, and community spirit to independent optometry.
Mel and Penny share their journey from the early days of their careers to becoming spectacle makers with a rare skill set. They delve into the differences between independent and corporate optometry, highlighting the personalised care and deep knowledge they offer to their clients. The conversation explores the importance of lifestyle dispensing, where understanding a client's daily activities and needs leads to better vision solutions.
Learn about the challenges and rewards of running a small business, from marketing and social media to building a strong team and community connections. Mel and Penny's story is a testament to the power of collaboration, continuous learning, and the courage to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
References:
Eyewear Architects: https://www.eyeweararchitects.com.au
Business Victoria: https://www.business.vic.gov.au
Women of Whitehorse: https://www.womenofwhitehorse.com.au
Connect with Eyewear Architects:
Website: Eyewear Architects
Instagram: @eyeweararchitects
Facebook: Eyewear Architects
Follow us on social media for updates:
Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast
Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias
YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias
The show is hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Institute of Excellence.
Stay passionate, stay excellent, and keep your fire burning!
In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias delves into the critical importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for businesses in 2024 and beyond. Despina shares her personal journey of elevating the Institute of Excellence's content through a search engine optimised lens, focusing on marketing, driving traffic, brand awareness, and educational experiences.
Despina discusses how quieter times, particularly in southern Australia, present the perfect opportunity to innovate and take control of your content creation and marketing strategies. She emphasises the importance of SEO in making your business findable to potential customers who are seeking solutions that you offer.
The episode covers a comprehensive understanding of SEO and transitions into the realms of Search Generative Experience (SGE) and AI-driven SEO. Despina explains Google's E-E-A-T framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and its evolution, which is crucial for enhancing your brand's trustworthiness and authority in Google's eyes.
You will learn about the key components of SEO, including keyword research, on-page optimization, off-page optimization, technical SEO, and content creation. Despina also introduces the concepts of SGE and Search GPT, highlighting their advanced capabilities in providing contextual and personalised search experiences.
By the end of the episode, you'll have actionable insights to take control of your content, whether you choose to do it yourself, collaborate with others, or outsource it. Despina encourages continuous learning, adaptation, and taking proactive steps to stay ahead in the digital world.
References:
Google E-E-A-T Framework: https://www.google.com/search/howsearchworks/algorithms/
Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com/
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 passionate, stay excellent, and keep your fire burning!
In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with Torie from Moonraker Dolphin Swims to discuss the fascinating journey of running a family-owned marine tourism business on the Mornington Peninsula.
Torie shares the origins of Moonraker, started by her parents in 1990, and how she grew up immersed in the business, making it her own. They delve into the importance of being hands-on in every aspect of the business, from cleaning to making executive decisions, and the value of delivering exceptional customer service.
Torie explains the significance of responding to every customer review, both positive and negative, and how it shapes the business. She also highlights the importance of being human in business interactions, providing personalised responses, and ensuring customer satisfaction. The conversation covers the evolution of the tourism industry, especially post-COVID, and the shift towards grassroots businesses and new market players.
They discuss the challenges and rewards of running a marine tourism business, the importance of local and national awards, and the strategies used to maintain a high level of service and customer satisfaction. Torie also shares insights into staff management, risk mitigation, and the benefits of offering guarantees to customers. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice and inspiration for anyone in the tourism industry.
References:
Moonraker Dolphin Swims: https://www.moonrakercharters.com.au
Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards: https://www.mpbusinessawards.com.au
Tourism Australia: https://www.tourism.australia.com
Resdy Booking System: https://www.resdy.com
Connect with Torie and Moonraker Dolphin Swims:
Website:https://www.moonrakercharters.com.au
Instagram:@moonrakerdolphinswims
Facebook:Moonraker Dolphin Swims
#TourismHub #BeExcellent
Show hosted byDespina Karatziasand brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.
Follow us on social media for updates:
Facebook:Institute of Excellence|Tourism Hub Podcast
Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias
YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias
The podcast currently has 60 episodes available.
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