In this dynamic episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias welcomes Linda Tillman from the Tilma Group, as they delve into the pivotal role of regional events in fostering community connections. Valinda shares her insights from the recent ART Convention in Mackay, where she and Stu Spears sparked a conversation about shifting the focus from solely economic metrics to a more holistic understanding of the social value events bring to regional and rural communities.

Listeners will be inspired by Valinda's passion for regional tourism, as she recounts her journey from Wagga Wagga to becoming a specialist in regional events. She highlights the importance of recognising the pride and engagement that events instil within communities, and the necessity of measuring their broader impacts beyond just economic benefits.

The episode also features an exciting preview of the upcoming 2025 ART Convention in Adelaide Hills, where Valinda emphasises the value of networking and collaboration among tourism professionals. With a heartfelt call to action, she encourages listeners to embrace the power of events and to advocate for their significance in shaping vibrant regional communities.

01:41 - Stu Spears and I had a fabulous session yesterday on regional events

06:26 - Rose spoke on Wednesday about agritourism and sparked interest in events

07:39 - The Adelaide Hills art convention will be held in 2025

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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 connected, and remember to share your tourism journey with the world!

In this invigorating episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias reflects on the vital role of tourism in Australia and the importance of strategic planning as we enter a new financial year. With insights drawn from the latest research by Tourism Research Australia, Despina highlights the resilience of over 360,000 tourism-related businesses and the significance of solo operators and micro businesses in shaping the industry.

Listeners are encouraged to take this opportunity for reflection and to reset their business visions. Despina shares personal anecdotes from her 14-year journey in tourism training and development, emphasising the need for actionable strategies to turn ideas into results. She poses essential questions to help entrepreneurs evaluate their past year, celebrate successes, and learn from challenges.

The episode also delves into the concept of having the right support system in place, akin to having a coach in your corner, as you navigate the ups and downs of business. Despina invites listeners to reconnect with their mission, values, and the impact they wish to make in their communities.

With a focus on strategic business vision, Despina outlines ten key questions that can guide tourism professionals in aligning their goals and actions for the upcoming year. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their tourism business and foster meaningful experiences for their guests.

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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 connected, and remember to share your journey in tourism with the world!

In this enlightening episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dana Ronan from Nourish Group. They discuss exciting developments in the tourism industry, including the announcement of the 2025 ART Convention set to take place in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, just a short drive from Adelaide's city centre.

Listeners will gain insight into Nourish Group's groundbreaking partnership with Australian Regional Tourism, focusing on the social impact and value tourism brings to local communities. Dana elaborates on the innovative use of the Australian Social Value Bank, a tool designed to quantify the social benefits of tourism, moving beyond traditional economic metrics to encompass the broader well-being of communities.

The discussion highlights the significance of measuring social impact, with Dana explaining how tourism can contribute to community well-being and resilience. She emphasises the importance of looking at tourism through a lens that values the distribution of benefits to local residents, rather than solely focusing on visitor numbers and spending.

This episode is a must-listen for tourism professionals eager to understand the evolving landscape of the industry and the critical role of social value in shaping sustainable tourism practices. Tune in to discover how embracing a holistic view of tourism can lead to lasting positive change in regional communities.

01:44 - Nourish Group working with Australian regional tourism to measure social value

09:24 - You co-designed the National Agri Tourism Strategy Framework in 2022

11:16 - Dana says art convention is tailored to regional tourism stakeholders

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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 connected, and remember to share your journey in tourism with the world!

In this empowering episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias explores the transformative power of intentional networking. Drawing from her own journey in the tourism industry, Despina shares a unique framework she calls "Net," designed to help listeners connect more strategically and purposefully. She reflects on her recent speaking engagement at the City of Monash and Eastern Innovation Business Centre, where she inspired a group of women entrepreneurs to elevate their networking game.

Listeners will discover the three essential steps of the Net framework: narrowing your focus to identify key connections, engaging digitally to maintain relationships, and trading value first to foster genuine connections. Despina emphasises that networking is not merely about collecting contacts but about weaving meaningful relationships that can lead to opportunities and collaborations.

With insightful anecdotes and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their networking skills and build a supportive community. Tune in and learn how to cast your net with intention, creating connections that truly matter.

00:00 - Welcome back to the Tourism Club podcast

01:05 - Networking is foundational to business, yet often misunderstood

02:47 - Networking is about purposeful, intentional and strategic networking

10:44 - E is for engaging digitally. This is where most people drop the ball in networking

14:35 - Trade value first. The golden rule. Networking isn't about what you can get

16:41 - Your network is your net worth, according to the classic networking quote

17:33 - Building a network is all about authenticity, not charisma

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Stay connected, stay intentional, and remember to share your networking journey with the world!

In this vibrant episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias chats with Melissa Souter Robertson from the Shire of Collie, WA, as they discuss her experiences at the recent ART convention in Mackay. Melissa shares her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the inspiring speakers and invaluable insights gained from the agritourism conference, which has sparked her interest in implementing similar initiatives in her region.

Listeners will discover the unique features of Collie, a picturesque town located just two and a half hours south of Perth, known for its stunning bushland, converted lakes, and extensive trail networks. Melissa elaborates on the town's transformation into an official trail town, boasting over 160 kilometres of mountain biking, hiking, and horse riding trails, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The conversation also delves into the importance of networking within the tourism industry, as Melissa reflects on the connections made during the convention and the wealth of knowledge shared among peers. She emphasises the value of collaboration and support among tourism professionals, encouraging listeners to embrace these opportunities for growth and innovation.

As Melissa prepares to explore the local mountain biking trails and national parks, she expresses her excitement to return to Collie with fresh ideas and insights to share with her team. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their tourism offerings and foster community connections.

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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 connected, and remember to share your tourism journey with the world!

In this insightful episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias dives deep into the crucial topic of seasonality in tourism, exploring how it can be both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses. Drawing from her own experiences in the hot air balloon industry, Despina shares valuable strategies on how small businesses can effectively manage seasonal fluctuations and thrive throughout the year.

Listeners will learn the importance of understanding and anticipating seasonal trends by analysing data and booking patterns, enabling them to make informed decisions about staffing, promotions, and marketing. Despina emphasises the power of diversifying offerings, encouraging operators to think creatively and extend their services to cater to different audiences during off-peak times.

The episode also highlights the significance of targeting shoulder season visitors, building loyalty programmes, and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Collaboration within the local business community is underscored as a key strategy to enhance visibility and value, while planning off-season events and promotions is presented as a fun and effective way to attract visitors year-round.

With inspiring examples and actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for tourism professionals eager to adapt and innovate in the face of seasonal challenges. Tune in and ignite your passion for excellence in the tourism industry!

00:00 - Seasonality, one of the most important features of tourism demand
02:46 - Understanding and anticipating your seasonal trends is a powerful business strategy
05:27 - Building loyal and reward programmes can help you attract loyal customers
06:28 - Use technology to maximise high season and soften dips during low season
09:55 - This is the 71st episode of the Tourism Hub podcastConnect with

Article: 6 Seasonal Strategies For Small Businesses in 2025

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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 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.

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 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!