Tourism Hub Podcast with Despina Karatzias

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

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. 16H AGO

    067 ⎢ Accelerate Action – Frida Kahlo, Women & Business in Motion

    In this empowering episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias dives into the legacy of the iconic Frida Kahlo, exploring how her life and art can inspire bold action in the tourism industry. As we celebrated International Women's Day, Despina reflects on Frida's resilience and creativity, sharing insights on how we can channel her spirit to elevate our own businesses and experiences. Despina discusses Frida's journey through pain and adversity, highlighting her ability to transform suffering into powerful self-expression. She draws parallels between Frida's artistic legacy and the challenges faced by today's entrepreneurs, urging listeners to embrace action and defy societal expectations. The episode features compelling stories of other trailblazing women, such as Amelia Earhart, Madame C.J. Walker, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, each of whom exemplified the courage to act and make their mark on history. Listeners will discover five fearless strategies to accelerate action in their own ventures, from storytelling in sales to creating unforgettable customer experiences. Despina emphasises the importance of not waiting for the perfect moment but seizing the present to drive change and innovation. This episode is a call to action for anyone in the tourism sector seeking to ignite their passion and create a lasting impact. 01:21 - Celebrating Frida Kahlo's Legacy 03:46 - Frida Kahlo's Impact and Inspiration 07:53 - Lessons from Bold Women in History 12:26 - Accelerating Action in Business 12:50 - The Power of Storytelling in Sales 14:33 - Marketing and Creating Emotional Connections 17:04 - The Importance of Operations and Systems 19:24 - Crisis Management and Resilience   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.

    26 min
  2. MAR 5

    066⎢Sustainable Growth: How Agritourism is Transforming Australia's Food and Tourism Sectors

    In this captivating episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias welcomes the inspiring Rose Wright from Regionality to explore the burgeoning field of agritourism in Australia. Fresh from the inaugural Agritourism Forum for Tourism Australia, Rose shares her journey and insights into how agritourism is transforming the landscape for farmers and rural communities. Rose delves into the evolution of agritourism, a movement she has championed for over 20 years, highlighting the significant shift towards recognising its value. She discusses the critical role of agritourism in creating value chains that benefit farmers, allowing them to innovate and diversify their offerings. With a focus on education, business planning, and strategic development, Rose emphasises the importance of regulatory changes to support farmers in creating sustainable and profitable ventures. The episode features compelling case studies, such as the story of Rich Glen Olive Estate, illustrating how agritourism can drive economic development and enhance community engagement. Rose also touches on the importance of local food systems and the potential for food tourism to become a key component of regional economies. Tune in to discover how agritourism is paving the way for a more resilient and vibrant future for Australia's farming communities, and learn about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.   01:49 Regionality Consultancy for Agriculture, Food and Tourism 08:49 Regulation and legislation make it difficult for individual farmers to do certain things 17:44 Connecting Agriculture and Tourism Together 21:51 Queensland needs an agri tourism planning policy for food tourism 27:16 Food tourism has brought fresh, local, seasonal food to the consumer   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!

    35 min
  3. FEB 26

    065 ⎢ Unlocking Melbourne's Visitor Economy with Experience Melbourne 2028

    In this impactful episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias takes a deep dive into the newly launched Experience Melbourne 2028, Melbourne's destination management plan aimed at shaping the city's visitor economy over the next five years.  The episode highlights the significance of a Destination Management Plan (DMP) as a collaborative effort that aligns businesses, governments, and communities to foster a thriving visitor economy. Despina discusses the impressive statistics behind Melbourne's tourism, revealing that 14.3 million visitors contributed over $11 billion to the local economy in 2023, with projections indicating even greater growth by 2028. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the lessons learned from London's visitor experience strategy, which inspired Melbourne's approach. Despina outlines the eight core experience pillars of Experience Melbourne 2028, ranging from sports and events to culinary experiences and sustainable tourism. She emphasises the need for tourism businesses to adapt to evolving traveller preferences, focusing on creating unique, immersive experiences that resonate with visitors. As the episode draws to a close, Despina encourages tourism leaders to reflect on their own regions and consider how they can implement similar strategies to enrich their local economies. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the tourism sector looking to elevate their business and contribute to a more connected and vibrant visitor economy.   01:00 - Introduction to Experience Melbourne 2028 05:30 - The Importance of a Destination Management Plan 10:15 - Lessons from London’s Visitor Experience Strategy 15:45 - The Eight Experience Pillars of Melbourne 20:00 - Next Steps for Tourism Leaders   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. Embrace the journey, ignite your passion, and let’s create unforgettable experiences together!

    26 min
  4. JAN 31

    064 ⎢ Innovating Tourism: Travel, Tech, and Transformation with Hamish Fell

    In this exciting episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias welcomes Hamish Fell, a visionary in the tourism tech space and a board member of the Australian Regional Tourism Network (ART). Together, they explore the future of travel and tourism, diving into how technological advancements will shape the way we travel, especially for the next generation. Hamish shares insights from his session titled "How My Daughter Will Travel When She's 20," where he discusses the potential of high-speed travel, the evolution of drone technology, and the transformative impact of fintech innovations on the tourism industry. They delve into the seamless integration of tech solutions for regional tourism, the importance of enhancing membership offerings, and the exciting launch of ART's new website. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in packaging experiences, the future of visitor servicing, and the critical role of content in digital marketing. Hamish emphasises the importance of preparing for these changes now to leverage future opportunities, encouraging listeners to stay ahead of the curve. Join Despina and Hamish as they navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of tourism, offering valuable insights and practical advice for tourism professionals looking to thrive in this dynamic industry.   01:03 - Hamish's Involvement with Australian Regional Tourism Network 02:17 - Technological Innovations in Tourism 03:55 - Future of Travel and Space Tourism 05:13 - Drone Technology and Military Influence 06:08 - Hamish's Military Background 07:37 - Challenges in Payment Systems and Packaging 14:21 - Insights from the ART Conference   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 curious, stay adventurous, and let's continue building a stronger tourism industry together!

    19 min
  5. JAN 23

    063 │ Crisis 101: Building Resilience for Uncertain Times

    In this thought-provoking episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias addresses the critical theme of crisis management in the tourism industry. As we find ourselves in the midst of summer in Australia, Despina reflects on the devastating impact of natural disasters, particularly the bushfires that have shaped our recent history. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional insights, she highlights the necessity of preparation and resilience for both individuals and businesses. Despina explores various types of crises that can affect tourism operations, from financial and technological crises to reputational and operational challenges. She emphasises that understanding these different crises is key to developing effective crisis management plans. Listeners will learn how to identify creeping, slow burn, and sudden crises, and the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks before they escalate. The episode also provides practical strategies for enhancing resilience, including the development of comprehensive crisis management plans, regular audits, and investing in technology. Despina urges listeners to consider their role in supporting communities affected by crises, highlighting how tourism can aid in recovery efforts. As the episode wraps up, Despina leaves listeners with a challenge to conduct a crisis management audit for their lives and businesses. This episode serves as a timely reminder that preparation is not just about survival, but about thriving in the face of adversity. 00:22 - Reflecting on Black Saturday Bushfires 03:06 - Current Bushfire Challenges 03:46 - Importance of Risk Management 07:06 - Types of Crises in Business 13:57 - Stages of Crisis Development 21:30 - Practical Steps for Crisis Management 21:54 - Personal and Home Resilience 25:06 - Business Resilience Strategies 26:42 - Community Support and Recovery   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 prepared, stay proactive, and build a stronger future for your business!

    35 min
  6. JAN 15

    062 │ Revolutionising Regional Tourism Marketing with Hannah Statham

    In this lively episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias welcomes Hannah Statham, ambassador for the Australian Regional Tourism Network and founder of Media Mortar. Hannah shares her extensive experience in tourism marketing, focusing on the power of regional destinations and the art of content creation. With a passion for the regions, Hannah discusses the importance of lo-fi content and how businesses can leverage simple video techniques to engage audiences effectively. Hannah provides insights into her workshop on vertical video creation, a hands-on session that encouraged participants to overcome their fears and start producing engaging content. She highlights the significance of capturing real-time moments with lo-fi content, emphasising that the best camera is the one you have with you. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of digital marketing, where Hannah stresses the necessity of being consistent across all channels to tell your story before someone else does. As the conversation unfolds, Hannah reflects on her journey from working in tourism marketing to founding Media Mortar, a content marketing agency that has evolved with the digital age. She shares her experiences at the Australian Regional Tourism Convention, praising its friendly atmosphere and the valuable networking opportunities it provides. Hannah's enthusiasm for bold branding and innovative content strategies shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their tourism marketing efforts.   00:41 - Meet Hannah Satham 01:53 - Insights on Low-Fidelity Video Creation 06:49 - Using Phones for Stunning Content 07:12 - Hannah’s Evolution in Client Support 10:12 - Delivering Content Quickly 14:00 - LinkedIn Engagement Insights 14:41 - What Sets the Australian Regional Tourism Convention Apart 20:42 - Content Creation Discussions 22:46 - Starting with Social Media for Builders   Connect with Hannah Statham: Website: Media Mortar LinkedIn: Hannah Statham Instagram: @mediamortar   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!

    28 min
  7. JAN 8

    061 │ Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025 Part 7: Investing in Yourself and Your Business by Budgeting for Growth

    In this empowering episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias wraps up the enlightening "Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025" series with a grand finale focused on investing in yourself and your business. Despina emphasises the importance of budgeting for growth in the ever-evolving tourism and small business landscape, highlighting the necessity of strategic investments in marketing, innovation, and professional development. Listeners are guided through the essentials of budgeting, from website optimisation and content creation to leveraging Google and Meta ads for targeted traffic. Despina underscores the significance of personal growth, urging professionals to upskill and engage in networking opportunities to stay competitive and inspired. The episode also explores the power of collaborations and partnerships, encouraging businesses to build relationships with trade partners, local businesses, and digital influencers to amplify their reach and impact. Despina provides actionable steps for evaluating budgets, investing in new skills, and creating a growth roadmap to ensure future success. Join Despina in this transformative discussion as she inspires tourism professionals to commit to excellence and future-proof their businesses. Tune in for a journey of growth, insights, and actionable strategies to thrive in the dynamic world of tourism. 01:16 - The Importance of Budgeting for Growth 03:53 - Effective Marketing Strategies 08:21 - Investing in Yourself and Your Team 11:54 - Collaborations and Partnerships 15:21 - Creating Your Growth Roadmap 17:39 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Grab your FREE copy of the must-read Top 25 Marketing Mistakes Your Small Business Must Avoid eBook today! 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 ignited and inspired as you invest in your success and prepare for a thriving future in tourism!

    20 min
  8. JAN 1

    060 │ Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025 Part 6: Beyond Social Media, Diversifying Marketing Channels

    In this insightful episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias delves into part six of the enlightening seven-part series, "Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025." This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and experience makers, focusing on the often-overlooked power of diversifying marketing channels beyond social media. Despina emphasises the foundational importance of your website and email database as the primary assets in your marketing strategy. These are the channels where you maintain control, free from the whims of algorithms and platform changes. By exploring the exciting possibilities of multi-channel marketing, Despina guides listeners on how to strengthen business resilience, reach, and engagement. Listeners will learn about the risks of relying too heavily on social media, illustrated by the 2021 Facebook and Instagram outage that cost businesses millions globally. Despina shares strategies to diversify beyond social media, highlighting the significance of email marketing, video content, and collaborations with local businesses and influencers. The episode also explores the potential of destination marketing, encouraging listeners to engage with visitors through various platforms, from blogs to visitor centres. By expanding your strategy, you become part of the visitor journey, from dreaming to experiencing and beyond. Despina provides practical steps to diversify marketing efforts, including leveraging email marketing platforms, video editing tools, and analytics to enhance reach without overwhelming resources. She also stresses the importance of building relationships with tourism boards, trade partners, and content creators to amplify marketing efforts. Join Despina in this empowering discussion and embrace a holistic marketing strategy that respects your primary assets while expanding your reach. This episode is a testament to building a resilient, adaptable marketing strategy that meets your audience wherever they are.   01:09 - The Importance of Diversifying Marketing Channels 02:22 - Leveraging Your Website and Email Database 02:58 - Risks of Relying Solely on Social Media 06:18 - Expanding Beyond Social Media 08:59 - Collaborations and Partnerships 14:50 - Tools and Strategies for Effective Marketing 16:33 - Action Plan for Diversifying Marketing   Grab your FREE copy of the must-read Top 25 Marketing Mistakes Your Small Business Must Avoid eBook today!   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. Embrace diversification and build a resilient marketing strategy today!

    21 min

    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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