Tourism Hub Podcast with Despina Karatzias Institute of Excellence (Tourism & Small Business)

In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias reflects on her transformative experience at the Curtin University Accessibility Challenge in Perth. Despina shares her journey of pursuing a Master's degree in Digital and Social Media at Curtin and how this challenge has deepened her understanding of accessibility in the tourism industry.
Despina discusses the importance of viewing disability not as a limitation, but as a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and change. She delves into the medical and social models of disability, emphasising the need for society to adapt and accommodate all individuals. Learn about the Welcome Framework and Australia's Disability Strategy, and how they can help tourism operators create more inclusive experiences.
Throughout the episode, Despina highlights the significance of inclusive design principles and the benefits of integrating accessibility into various sectors, including tourism, education, and the arts. She also shares her personal commitment to advocating for accessibility and raising awareness within the tourism industry.
Join Despina as she takes you through her insights and learnings from the challenge, and discover how you can contribute to creating a more inclusive future.
00:00 - Curtin University Accessibility Challenge 02:56 - The Curtin University accessible challenge 06:22 - The two primary models discussed were the medical the social models of disability 09:45 - Stella Young's tech talk on inspiration porn 16:58 - Advocacy and awareness is crucial in promoting inclusivity within tourism References:
Curtin University: https://www.curtin.edu.au
Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031: https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ads
Welcome Framework: https://www.pushadventures.com.au/welcome-framework/
Stella Young's TED Talk on Inspiration Porn: https://www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much
Bruno Booth: https://www.brunobooth.com/
 
Connect with Despina Karatzias:
Website: Institute of Excellence
LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias
Instagram: @despinakaratzias
 
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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 sits down with Nic Cooper, the founder of Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM). Nic shares his fascinating journey from growing up in a bed and breakfast in England to establishing his own eco-adventure business on the Mornington Peninsula. Discover how Nic's childhood experiences and passion for nature led him to create a tourism business that prioritises sustainability and community impact.
Nic delves into the challenges and rewards of becoming a certified B Corp, explaining the rigorous process and the continuous commitment to environmental and social responsibility. He also discusses the importance of providing eco-friendly experiences that educate and inspire guests, fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting conscious travel. Learn about the innovative practices Nic employs to ensure his business not only minimises negative impacts but also contributes positively to the local environment and community.
Throughout the conversation, Nic highlights the significance of collaboration and community support in the tourism industry, sharing insights into how local businesses can work together to create a thriving, sustainable tourism ecosystem. Whether you're an aspiring tourism entrepreneur or simply passionate about eco-friendly travel, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration.




00:00 - Welcome to the Tourism Hub Podcast, a podcast devoted to you and your excellence 01:00 - WAM is an eco adventure operator based on the Mornington Peninsula 04:49 - Nic went through certification process to become a certified b corp 07:50 - Melbourne-based eco adventure company offers free sunscreen for all customers 15:00 - Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards finalist for first time 22:16 - You've been through some challenging times with your outdoor adventure business 25:42 - Nic has taken purpose led and being a purpose driven business to a whole new level 27:52 - The dolphins are under threat in the ocean because of plastic and rubbish 33:50 - Progress, not perfection, is some of the best business advice I've received 36:52 - How to, so to make, to help you run your really outdoors business 38:45 - What is current or existing like a resource or a person, a podcast that you've drawn inspiration from 43:26 - George Michael's Whamdegh logo is absolutely beautiful References:
Wild Adventures Melbourne: https://www.wildadventuresmelbourne.com
Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation: https://mpkoalas.org.au
Peninsula Hot Springs: https://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/
 
Connect with Nic Cooper and Wild Adventures Melbourne:
Website: https://www.wildadventuresmelbourne.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Nic-cooper-wam/
#TourismHub #BeExcellent
Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.
 
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In this special episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias celebrates NAIDOC Week, a time to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Despina reflects on her own journey, marking ten years since the inception of the Institute of Excellence. She shares invaluable lessons learned over the past decade, offering insights to help you craft a successful business plan for the new financial year. From embracing change and cultivating resilience to lifelong learning and community building.
Despina provides a one-on-one mentoring session aimed at igniting your excellence in the tourism industry. Tune in to gain practical advice and inspiration to thrive in your tourism business or career.
00:00 - This week is NAIDOC Week which celebrates aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements 03:03 - Ten lessons from leading the Institute of Excellence to help you grow your tourism business 05:33 - What is your long term vision for your tourism business and career 06:46 - What does a win in twelve months look like for you and your business 07:41 - For tourism professionals, committing to learning and connecting keeps you connected and proactive 08:59 - Building a network of colleagues, mentors and supporting partners is essential 10:17 - Maintaining passion for what you do is essential for sustained success 13:49 - Understanding and honouring First nations culture could significantly enhance your tourism business 16:43 - This week is NAIDOC Week, celebrating learning, resilience and community  
Resources and Links:
Get the FREE copy of Institute of Excellence Business Excellence Plan
https://bit.ly/3zBzIP6
 
Connect with Despina Karatzias:
Website: Institute of Excellence
LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias
Instagram: @despinakaratzias
 
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast
Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast
YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias
#TourismHub #BeExcellent 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 welcomes Sally, the visionary behind The Cambium, a unique conference and event space on the Mornington Peninsula. Sally shares her inspiring journey from working with big brands like Red Bull in London to creating a sanctuary for growth and change at The Cambium. Discover how Sally's passion for the environment and her background in major events led her to develop a venue that focuses on holistic experiences, team building, and personal growth.Sally discusses the importance of connecting with nature, the intentional design of The Cambium to foster creativity and reduce stress, and the value of offering experiences that do not revolve around alcohol. She also delves into the significance of mentorship, strategic planning, and maintaining excellence in every aspect of business. If you're looking for inspiration to create meaningful experiences and grow both personally and professionally, this episode is a must-listen.
00:00 - Welcome to the Tourism Hub Podcast, a podcast devoted to your excellence 01:15 - Sally is the owner of Cambium, a high tourism and event venue 03:07 - Cambium is a business retreat that focuses on change and growth 09:09 - Was it this space that you found first or did you have a strategic plan 10:57 - Having great people and mentorships are key to success in any business 13:20 - What advice would you give to everyone going through the startup phase 15:20 - What is your greatest learning from a challenging time in your life 18:42 - Do you still have support from a mentor through your networks 19:36 - So in the beginning launching your business um what was actually holding you back 23:05 - You run some bespoke collaborative events with locals and leading minds 26:11 - So, any parting piece of advice before we. We have to close our discussion today to anyone that's listening 27:24 - You had me at winner of startup of Melbourne, Melbourne Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence awards  
References:
Cambium: https://www.cambium.com.au
Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards: https://www.mpbusinessawards.com.au
Red Bull: (https://www.redbull.com)
The Health Habit by Dr. Amandeep Imar: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-health-habit-dr-amandeep-imar/book/9780648871801.html
Living Culture: https://livingculture.org.au
 
Connect with Sally and The Cambium:
Website: https://www.thecambium.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallycambium/
 
#TourismHub #BeExcellent
Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and 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

In this comeback episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias reflects on her journey and the hiatus since 2020. Despina shares the internal struggles and the drive to reignite her passion project, which connects her to influential figures in tourism, events, and hospitality. She discusses the importance of following through on personal promises, the exhilaration of meeting new people, her commitment to lifelong learning, and the challenges faced in managing a business. 
 
Despina also opens up about the pivotal moments in her career, overcoming self-doubt, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and leveraging tools like social media and AI for business growth. With a focus on the value of creativity, consistency, and the power of choosing oneself, this episode is a motivational journey into personal and professional excellence in the tourism industry.
 
Connect with Despina Karatzias:
Website: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/despinakaratzias/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/despinakaratzias/

Lauren Bath is a legend for many reasons. Deemed “Australia’s first professional Instagrammer” by national media, Lauren Bath pioneered the Australian influencer industry. She has an impressive client list, having worked with global destination marketing bodies including Tourism Australia, Switzerland Tourism, Tourism South Africa, Tourism New Zealand, Canadian Tourism Commission, Visit Finland, and Visit Dubai, as well as many major brands such as The Plaza New York, Travel Insurance Direct, VAIL Resorts, Olympus Australia, Intrepid Travel, Visa Australia, Australia Post, and Moët & Chandon.
Additionally, Lauren is also co-founder of “The Travel Bootcamp,” an inspirational event designed to teach people how to get paid to travel, and the creator of “Get Camera Confident,” an online photography course for beginners. Her charitable pursuits include running photography tours to Zimbabwe, supporting anti-poaching efforts and conservation, and raising awareness of the misuse of animals in tourism.
With an online audience of close to half a million followers, she is not only one of Australia’s most powerful travel Instagrammers but also a savvy social media consultant, educator, and public speaker. In 2015 she was a Finalist in the Gold Coast Women in Business Awards in the “Women for Change” category. Lauren has been featured by Travel + Leisure, Daily News, News.com.au, 60 Minutes, and Mashable, among many others.
Tune in, learn and be inspired!
Resources and Links to follow Lauren and The Travel Bootcamp:
https://laurenbath.com/ https://laurenbath.com/online-course/ https://thetravelbootcamp.com/ @laurenepbath @thetravelbootcamp #TourismHub #BeExcellent
The show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Institute Of Excellence.
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