Tourism Hub Podcast with Despina Karatzias

Institute of Excellence
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Do you live and love tourism? Want to build and grow your tourism business and career? Tourism Hub will provide inspiration and education that will empower and ignite your excellence. Each week, I, your host, Despina Karatzias, will share insights and journeys of entrepreneurs and leaders in tourism. Our main aim is to learn proven strategies in tourism, digital marketing and social media and everything in between together to inspire YOUR excellence. Subscribe now and ignite your tourism excellence today. If you want to help ignite the tourism industry with a message of excellence Subscribe on iTunes (http://apple.co/2cbmgVx) and stay connected with special experience maker interviews, insights and inspiration to grow your tourism business and career.

  1. 082⎢Planning 2026: Here's What 2025 Actually Revealed

    12/31/2025

    082⎢Planning 2026: Here's What 2025 Actually Revealed

    2025 fundamentally shifted how tourism operators connect with customers. AI moved from background technology to active intermediary 70% of tourism searches now end without visiting a business website. This finale episode for 2025 cuts through the noise: what actually drove results versus what just looked busy? Despina shares the brutal clarity needed for 2026, addressing both the gradual digital transformation and the profound reminder from the Bondi Beach tragedy about what truly matters in leadership and community. Never miss a Tourism Hub Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/4nN1Faa Apple: https://bit.ly/47zOkM4 Institute of Excellence: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com/podcast/  Connect with Despina Karatzias https://www.despinakaratzias.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/despinakaratzias/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/despinakaratzias/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DespinaKaratzias TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@desikaratzias  Connect with the Institute of Excellence Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceHQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourismhubpodcast/ YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/instituteofexcellencehq/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/  Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with the Institute of Excellence: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com Stay inspired, stay connected, and ignited to share your tourism journey with the world! Subscribe for more inspired conversations that ignite excellence in tourism and small business.

    30 min
  2. 081⎢Eventfolk: Building a Collective Voice for Regional and Rural Events

    11/07/2025

    081⎢Eventfolk: Building a Collective Voice for Regional and Rural Events

    In this episode of The Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with Linda Tillman, co-founder of the Australian Centre for Regional Events, to explore how collaboration and innovation are transforming regional tourism through events. Discover how a powerful moment at the Australian Regional Tourism Convention inspired Linda to champion regional and rural events, and how that spark led to the creation of Eventfolk, a new digital community built to connect and empower event professionals across Australia. From advocacy and capacity-building to the upcoming AI for Eventfolk Masterclass, this conversation is packed with insights for tourism operators, event organisers, and anyone passionate about building sustainable, community-driven visitor experiences. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to The Tourism Hub Podcast 02:19 The spark from Rose Wright in Mackay 07:55 Launching the Australian Centre for Regional Events 12:05 Inside Eventfolk – a home for event professionals 16:49 Creating a collective voice for regional events 27:21 Announcing the AI for Eventfolk Masterclass (Nov 12, 2025) Mentioned: Australian Centre for Regional Events Eventfolk Connect with Linda Tilman LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ltillman/ Website: https://australianregionalevents.com. Never miss a Tourism Hub Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/4nN1Faa Apple: https://bit.ly/47zOkM4 Institute of Excellence: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com/podcast/ Connect with Despina Karatzias https://www.despinakaratzias.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/despinakaratzias/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/despinakaratzias/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DespinaKaratzias TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@desikaratzias  Connect with the Institute of Excellence Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceHQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourismhubpodcast/ YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/instituteofexcellencehq/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/  Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with the Institute of Excellence. Stay inspired, stay connected, and remember to share your tourism journey with the world! Subscribe for more inspired conversations that ignite excellence in tourism and small business.

    31 min

  3. 08/28/2025

    080⎢Governance and the AICD Advantage with Greg Ewing

    In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with Greg Viewing from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) to discuss the importance of professional development in the tourism sector. Greg shares insights about the AICD's mission to elevate board professionalism and the newly launched partnership with Australian Regional Tourism aimed at enhancing governance skills among directors. Listeners will learn about the significance of the company directors course, an internationally recognised programme that equips aspiring and current directors with essential knowledge in risk management, financial literacy, and ethical leadership. Greg addresses common objections to pursuing such qualifications, shedding light on the procrastination many face when considering their professional growth. He emphasises the importance of making informed decisions that ensure organisations not only survive but thrive in today's competitive landscape. Throughout the conversation, the duo highlights the relevance of sustainability in governance and the necessity of diverse thinking on boards to foster innovative solutions. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, this episode serves as a compelling reminder for tourism professionals to invest in their education and embrace opportunities for growth. As they wrap up, Despina and Greg encourage listeners to reflect on their goals for the upcoming year and consider how they can take actionable steps towards achieving them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in the tourism industry. 00:30 Introduction to Greg and the Australian Institute of Company Directors 01:12 The Importance of the Company Directors Course 05:30 Procrastination and the Value of the Course 06:31 Sustainability and Ethical Leadership 07:50 Diversity and Teamwork in Directorship 08:16 Additional Courses and Building Governance Muscles 11:02 The Value of Networking and Continuous Learning 14:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Greg Ewing: LinkedIn: Greg Ewing Website: https://www.aicd.com.au/ Connect with Despina Karatzias: Website: Institute of Excellence LinkedIn: Despina Karatzia Instagram: @despinakaratzias Follow us on social media for updates: Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast 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 inspired, stay connected, and remember to share your tourism journey with the world!

    17 min

  4. 08/11/2025

    079⎢Why Tourism Is a Career Worth Choosing with Lucy Dewhurst

    In this inspiring episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with Lucy Dewhurst, a rising star in the tourism industry, to explore the multifaceted career pathways available in tourism. Lucy shares her personal journey, beginning with a pivotal moment in Halong Bay that ignited her passion for sustainable tourism and conservation. She reflects on her experiences volunteering in Wales and how these shaped her understanding of the intersection between tourism and environmental stewardship. Listeners will gain insight into Lucy's strategic approach to career development, including her decision to pursue a Master's in Sustainable Tourism at Monash University and her first role as a Tourism Operations Supervisor in Melbourne. As she navigates her career, Lucy highlights the importance of local community engagement and the need for businesses to consider their impact on residents while attracting visitors. This episode also delves into Lucy's recent achievements, including her leadership role within the Young Tourism Network and the successful launch of the Emerging Tourism Leaders Summit. Lucy emphasises the significance of fostering connections among young professionals in the industry and the need to reshape perceptions of tourism careers as viable long-term pathways. Her candid reflections on overcoming challenges, such as redundancy, and her advice for aspiring tourism professionals provide valuable takeaways for anyone looking to thrive in this dynamic field. Join Despina and Lucy as they discuss the upcoming Choose Tourism Careers Expo, a platform designed to showcase the diverse opportunities within the tourism sector. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about making a difference in tourism and eager to explore the endless possibilities that a career in this industry can offer.   00:53 - Lucy's Early Inspiration in Tourism 02:03 - From Biology to Tourism: Lucy's Academic Journey 04:53 - First Steps in the Tourism Industry 05:35 - Growing Up and Observing Tourism Changes 08:27 - Leadership and Career Development in Tourism 14:40 - Young Tourism Network and Industry Development 20:36 - Challenges and Resilience in a Tourism Career 22:23 - Reflecting on Career Decisions 22:57 - Embracing Pressure and Growth 23:55 - Reframing Self-Expectations 27:12 - The Biscuit Story and Prioritization 28:54 - Tools and Habits for Success 30:16 - Career Advice and Personal Insights Connect with Lucy Dewhurst LinkedIn: Lucy Dewhurst 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 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 inspired, stay connected, and remember to share your tourism journey with the world!

    37 min

  5. 07/31/2025

    078⎢What AI Can and Can't Do for your Tourism Business

    In this enlightening episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias explores the transformative power of artificial intelligence in marketing and its implications for the tourism industry. Drawing on insights from industry leaders and recent research, Despina highlights the staggering growth of AI in marketing, projected to soar from $27.4 billion in 2023 to $107.5 billion by 2028. She shares the compelling quote from Paul Rotzer: "Artificial intelligence will not replace marketers, but marketers who use AI will replace those who don't," setting the tone for a deep dive into the real opportunities AI presents for small businesses and regional tourism operators. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI can enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and improve campaign effectiveness. Despina discusses real-world case studies, including how Tourism New Zealand leverages AI for personalised content, Accor Hotels utilises chatbots for customer service, and Qantas enhances loyalty programs through data-driven insights. These examples serve as inspiration for small businesses looking to harness AI without the need for extensive resources. As the episode unfolds, Despina addresses common concerns about AI, emphasising the importance of maintaining human creativity and emotional depth in marketing strategies. She encourages listeners to conduct a data health check and to start small with AI tools that align with their business goals. With a focus on actionable steps, this episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to elevate their marketing efforts and embrace the future of tourism.   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 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 inspired, stay connected, and remember to share your tourism journey with the world!

    24 min

  6. 07/18/2025

    077⎢CTRL+ALT+DELETE: AI, Algorithms & the Attention Economy

    In this thought-provoking episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias dives deep into the complexities of our digital lives and the impact of the attention economy. Drawing from a recent report by Dentsu, which reveals that the average person scrolls through an astounding 91 metres of content daily, Despina sets the stage for a conversation about the value of attention in today's world. Sharing her personal journey as she nears the completion of her Masters in Digital and Social Media Marketing, Despina reflects on her final creative project titled "Control Alt Delete: Attention is the New Offline." This project explores the intricate relationship between technology, distraction, and meaningful connection. With insights from industry experts and her own experiences, she questions what it truly means to connect in a world designed to distract us. This episode is a call to action for listeners to reclaim their attention and consider the cost of constant connectivity. Despina invites you to reflect on your own digital habits and the pressures of content creation in a hyper-competitive landscape. With a heartfelt tribute to the original soundtrack composed by her friend Paul Matthews, the episode beautifully ties together themes of creativity, family, and the human experience. Listeners can look forward to a special announcement regarding an upcoming free online masterclass that will delve further into the topics discussed, offering practical strategies to navigate the attention economy without burning out. Join Despina as she encourages you to take a step back, control alt delete, and focus on what truly matters.   00:30 The Impact of Digital Consumption 02:17 The Final Countdown: A Personal Milestone 03:29 Control Alt Delete: Attention is the New Offline 04:33 The Tension Between Consumption and Creation 08:08 The War of Attention 10:14 Reclaiming Our Attention 11:22 A Journey of Learning and Connection 14:20 Upcoming Masterclass Announcement 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 inspired, stay connected, and remember to share your tourism journey with the world!

    18 min

  7. 07/10/2025

    076⎢ Placemaking Through Events with Linda Tillman

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

    10 min

  8. 07/02/2025

    075⎢Reset. Realign. Reignite for FY25/26

    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. 00:42 Tourism Industry Insights and Statistics 03:39 Celebrating 14 Years of Excellence 06:15 Reflecting on the Past Financial Year 14:13 Strategic Business Vision and Action 33:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   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 inspired, stay connected, and remember to share your journey in tourism with the world!

    35 min
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About

Do you live and love tourism? Want to build and grow your tourism business and career? Tourism Hub will provide inspiration and education that will empower and ignite your excellence. Each week, I, your host, Despina Karatzias, will share insights and journeys of entrepreneurs and leaders in tourism. Our main aim is to learn proven strategies in tourism, digital marketing and social media and everything in between together to inspire YOUR excellence. Subscribe now and ignite your tourism excellence today. If you want to help ignite the tourism industry with a message of excellence Subscribe on iTunes (http://apple.co/2cbmgVx) and stay connected with special experience maker interviews, insights and inspiration to grow your tourism business and career.

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