The Itinerary | Go with Tourism: Recent Episodes
Go with Tourism
A fortnightly roundtable discussion featuring leading professionals and educators in New Zealand tourism and hospitality. Hosted by 'Go with Tourism'. www.gowithtourism.co.nz
For the past two years and across 40 episodes, The Itinerary has delved into the infinite universe that is Tourism. We've chatted to panels of industry experts about anything and everything to do with this industry.
From outer space to Māori culture, career skills to graduate know-how, and seasonal travel to sales and marketing – we’ve covered it all.
However, all good things must come to an end. In this episode we wrap up this fantastic webseries with an overview of our industry, an update from Go with Tourism and by taking a look at some of our greatest moments.
Recently, Go with Tourism held it's 'Workforce Wānanga' – a two-day virtual event to develop solutions that could improve and build the Tourism & Hospitality workforce.
With attendees working together to debate, discuss and form ideas, numbers were limited to best facilitate group work. In total, we had 108 representatives from 80 organisations including industry, associations, education institutes, unions, and local and central government.
Four key solutions were chosen by attendees that held the most promise for addressing our workforce challenges. These ideas make up the basis of the action plan that Go with Tourism will release this week to help our industry start to take action.
As much as we would have loved to have the entire industry involved with this event, it simply wasn't possible. So, to ensure that the wider industry understands the process that led to our workforce action plan, we brought together some key players in this panel discussion to help paint a picture of what happened during the wānanga and how the ideas were formed.
As we start thinking about opening up the world again, many young Kiwis will be eagerly planning their 'Big OE' and working and living in some fabulous destinations. Additionally, we hope to attract back working holiday visitors to our shores, as they are a vital market for our Tourism industry!
And while the Big OE may sound like one big holiday, there are actually several benefits to living and working in overseas destinations… to help us explore this further, we are joined by three experts in working holidays and global living.
In this episode talk about The Great Resignation, an American phenomenon which looks like it will make its way around the globe.
It’s a phrase that has come to describe record levels of job turnover experienced this year – in September alone an incredible 4.4 million American’s quit their jobs – that’s almost the population of New Zealand!
It seems to all boil down to one key factor: that Covid-19 has changed our relationship with work. Now more than ever, people are realising that they deserve better – whether it’s a chasing a dream, finding a role better suited for their lifestyle or simply a need to get out of a toxic environment.
The question on the top of Go with Tourism's mind is: how will this trend impact Tourism & Hospitality around the world? We chat with three international Tourism experts to find out more.
In this episode we discuss film tourism, which is a specialised or niche form of tourism where visitors explore locations and destinations that have become popular because of a famous film or TV Show.
It’s always an Instagram moment when you’re standing in the exact same location that a Hollywood star has stood or in a spot where a famous scene in a movie was filmed.
Just a few years ago a random staircase in New York City became a hotspot for tourists after the Joker movie premiered. It is also reported that one in six visitors to Northern Ireland go for Game of Thrones alone, and here in Aotearoa we’re undisputedly the home of Middle Earth.
We speak with three panellists from both the screen industry and tourism industry to understand how New Zealand tourism can benefit from films made here, as well as exploring the potential for growth and new opportunities in the future.
We all know that a salesperson is someone who sells products, goods, and services to customers. But did you know that this role is particularly critical for the Tourism & Hospitality industry?
These talented folk work their magic to ensure a sale both globally and domestically, work closely with marketing teams … and uniquely for the Tourism industry, they work very hard to attract the MICE market, which stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions, and is a niche but incredibly profitable part of the Tourism industry.
In this episode, we speak with three heroes of legendary New Zealand Tourism businesses to learn about the importance of the sales role in Tourism, all the fun things we get up to and how sales in Tourism compares to sales in other industries.
COVID-19’s impact on Tourism has many commenting that this is our chance to rethink Tourism and make necessary improvements for the future of our industry.
However, while there have been many suggestions for change and calls for action, Tourism will still face challenges of long-held stigmas. Just the word “Tourism” comes with baggage we haven’t been able to shake: from perceptions about the workforce, it being considered a “bum subject” in schools, worry about environmental impact, or locals scoffing in distaste about tourists.
With this in mind, how do we get people to recognise the economic powerhouse our industry is and take us more seriously?
For years now, there has been talk about redefining tourism as the visitor economy or the visitor experience... Perhaps NOW is the time for a rebrand?
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CREDITS Directed by Mike Kim Written by Helen Shaw Executive Producer: Matt Stenton Production Manager: Simone Pakieto Presenter: Matt Stenton Panelists: Chris Robert, Dr. Susanne Becken, Lynda Keene, Lisa Hopkins
In early September 2021, we here at Go with Tourism launched a fully refreshed campaign based on Tourism Heroes.
In summary, every month we plan on telling the story of an amazing person from our industry, and why people who choose to be a part of Tourism even though their talents could take them in another direction.
In honour of this campaign, we thought it would be fantastic to bring together everyday folk who make up the cogs and wheels of our industry, to discuss what working in Tourism is like.
In this episode we chat to: • Amanda Linklater, Guide and Operations Support Coordinator for Active Adventures • Jason McKay Williams, Sales & Marketing Manager at iFly Queenstown • Kuini Apineru, Customer Success Manager for Parkable
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The "Big OE" is basically a rite of passage for New Zealand youth. And while many of our kids head off to Europe or America strapped into excessively large backpacks, our own country offers a similar appeal to youngsters around the world.
In this episode, we explore the backpacker market in depth. Our panellists explain about the "lifetime value" of young travellers, their importance to New Zealand tourism, and also breakdown misconceptions about the market - such as their negative association with freedom camping.
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim Written by Helen Shaw Executive Producer: Matt Stenton Production Manager: Simone Pakieto Presenter: Matt Stenton Panelists: Chris Sperring, Brett Duncan, Dr Christian Schott Supervising Location Manager: Pauli Sosa Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
Space Tourism may sound like the plot of a sci-fi movie, but it is in fact a rapidly progressing market. What began in 2001 as an adventure only for the mega wealthy, 2021 has seen incredible advancements in the form of Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin. So what will the next 20 years bring?
Inspired by Sir Richard Branson's beautiful quote from his suborbital aircraft, Go with Tourism decided to rustle up some local experts to help us understand more about the possibilities of space tourism.----more---- CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim Written by Helen Shaw Executive Producer: Matt Stenton Production Manager: Simone Pakieto Presenter: Matt Stenton Panelists: Mark Rocket, Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, Eric Dahlstrom Supervising Location Manager: Pauli Sosa Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
Augmented, Virtual and Mixed reality are each incredibly fast-growing sectors within the technology industry and the different ways in which we engage with and use these experiences is changing every day.
In Tourism, the use of these technologies is still in its infancy, but the opportunities are endless. And thanks to the pandemic and efforts to be more environmental, questions are also being raised on how Tourism can be achieved remotely.
Go with Tourism recently chatted with some movers and shakers in this digital realm to understand more about how technology and Tourism can better align:
• Mark Billinghurst, a Professor at University of Auckland, who recently led a Tourism without Travel seminar exploring how AR can transform the tourism industry.
• Anna Calver, General Manager of Marketing and Communications at WellingtonNZ, who was behind WellTown a world-first virtual reality game featuring tourism hotspots of our capital.
• Andrew Waddel, General Manager of Australia for Tourism New Zealand who was behind the innovative marketing campaign “Play NZ” where Aotearoa temporarily became a computer game.
• Trent Yeo, Managing Director of Ziptrek Ecotours who has launched the world’s first augmented reality zipline tour.
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Find out more!
WellTown: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9M9A3JkYNo
Play NZ: www.newzealand.com/au/campaign/playnz/
Kereru Interactive: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlc5bErj34k
Remote Tourism: www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2020/07/23/Remote-tourism-not-just-stuff-of-science-fiction.html
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim Written by Helen Shaw Executive Producer: Matt Stenton Production Manager: Simone Pakieto Presenter: Megan Alatini Panelists: Mark Billinghurst, Anna Calver, Andrew Waddel, Trent Yeo Supervising Location Manager: Pauli Sosa Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
In this episode of The Itinerary we explore what tourism is like in our winter season: what the perfect travel itinerary is, how New Zealand compares to other winter destinations and how reliant we are on the ski industry during this season.
To help us delve into this topic we have Ann Lockhart of Destination Queenstown on the panel – bringing her perspective from the hub for winter tourism; Jared Simcox of the Dark Sky Project – the perfect activity for those long dark nights; and finally James McKenzie, who has two hats on for this episode, representing both Mt Hutt Ski Resort and the soon-to-be-opened Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa.
Then we head across to Mt Ruapehu to learn of the career pathway of Shane Buckingham and how working on the maunga has become a family legacy.
Available to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim Written by Helen Shaw Executive Producer: Matt Stenton Production Manager: Simone Pakieto Presenter: Megan Alatini Panelists: Ann Lockhart, Jared Simcox, James McKenzie Supervising Location Manager: Pauli Sosa Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
In 2021, it's not longer acceptable to be a tyrannical and uncaring leader. So, we wanted to explore what it means to be a good boss, particularly in Tourism and Hospitality.
To delve into this topic, we brought in Debra Buckley of New Zealand Institute of Management and Leadership to give us her well rounded perspective from the work she does day in and day out, as well as Tourism professionals who are leading the way in our industry: Les Morgan, of 'Employer Of Choice' winners Sudima Hotels; and Ksenia Eliseeva of Park Hyatt, which is internationally renowned for its internal development.
We discuss how being a good boss helps build a good brand and customer base, as well as creates an environment that people want to stay in.
We then wrap up the webisode by telling the success story of Penelope Johnson, owner of hospitality group 'People Like Us' and how her personal story led to a business model that focuses on its people.
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim Written by Helen Shaw Executive Producer: Matt Stenton Production Manager: Simone Pakieto Presenter: Megan Alatini Panellists: Ksenia Eliseeva, Les Morgan, Debra Buckley Supervising Location Manager: Pauli Sosa Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
In this episode we discuss the growing trend of voluntourism, which is the combined act of volunteering and being a tourist.
Simon Milne, Director of the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute at AUT, shares key insights found from a range of research he and his colleagues have done on voluntourism; Jane Bryan-Strange helps explain what WWOOFing is and how this falls into the voluntourism category; and Michelle Kitney of Volunteering NZ helps us understand why this selfless act of giving is good for the individual.
Our experts and host Megan Alatini discuss the opportunities voluntourism has in New Zealand as we move forward from the pandemic.
We also hear from Simon Birkenhead, CEO of International Volunteer HQ on what they call "regenerative tourism".
Available to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!----more----
CREDITS Directed by Mike Kim Written by Helen Shaw Executive Producer: Matt Stenton Production Manager: Simone Pakieto Presenter: Megan Alatini Panelists: Simon Milne, Michelle Kitney, Jane Bryan-Strange Supervising Location Manager: Pauli Sosa Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
Health & Safety is critical in Tourism. Particularly in New Zealand, where we are world famous for our extreme sports and tourist activities.
In this episode, we discuss how our Tourism industry are leading the world in health and safety, where we can improve, guidance for entrepreneurs and more.
Plus we take a look at the career pathway of Health & Safety expert, Devin Rawlinson, who has built his career in Tourism around keeping people safe.
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim
Written by Helen Shaw, Mike Kim
Executive Producer: Matt Stenton
Production Manager: Simone Pakieto
Presenter: Megan Alatini
Panelists: Lori Keller, Jen Riley, Malika Rose
Supervising Location Manager: Pauli Sosa
Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
Art tourism broadly covers travel for the purpose of seeing and enjoying art in whatever shape or form it takes. It can be as simple as visiting a local gallery, driving out to a beautiful sculpture park, flying domestically for an art event, or travelling internationally to seek out the famed art of certain destinations.
Anna Calver of regional tourism organisation WellingtonNZ shares her insight from New Zealand's undisputed art and cultural hub, and Ciara Pratt of LiveNation brings a unique perspective of delivering large-scale musical and theatrical events.
To wrap up the episode, Go with Tourism interviewed Mark Kneebone, Managing Director of LiveNation New Zealand about 'Van Gogh Alive', a global art experience that his team brought to our shores. With ticket sales surpassing all expectations, this unique event has proven to be a hit with Kiwis and had widened our understanding of what type of attractions New Zealanders will travel domestically for.
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim
Written by Helen Shaw, Mike Kim
Executive Producer: Matt Stenton
Production Manager: Simone Pakieto
Presenter: Megan Alatini
Panelists: Anna Calver, Ciara Pratt
Supervising Location Manager: Pauli Sosa
Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
In this episode of The Itinerary, we discuss Sports Tourism - travel dedicated to observing or participating in a sporting event.
It’s been a huge market for New Zealand over the years and one which continues to grow as we manage to win bids on incredible events or as different sports become more and more popular.
Richard Clarke, Head of Major Events and Business Events at Auckland Unlimited, and Phil McGowan, General Manager of the All Blacks Experience, join our host Megan Alatini to discuss how this niche market works in New Zealand, the opportunities involved and its potential for growth.
Additionally, we hear the career pathway of Michael Kelly, who is in Richard's team, who followed his passion for sport to become a successful Event Development Manager working on several largescale sporting events for Auckland.
Don't miss this episode on our new podcast series, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim
Written by Helen Shaw, Mike Kim
Executive Producer: Matt Stenton
Production Manager: Simone Pakieto
Presenter: Megan Alatini
Panelists: Richard Clarke, Phil McGowan
Supervising Location Manager: Pauli Sosa
Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
On 6 April 2021, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that New Zealand would extend its bubble to Australia from 19 April, meaning that quarantine-free travel would finally exist between the two countries. This was long-awaited and fantastic news for the Tourism industry - and obviously had to become an episode of The Itinerary!
Joining us on the panel to discuss the benefits, concerns and lessons we can learn from this bubble is Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Nicola Waldren, General Manager of the Restaurant Association and Nadine Tu’ua, Accommodation Group Manager at the YMCA.
Don't miss this episode on our new podcast series, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim
Written by Helen Shaw, Mike Kim
Executive Producer: Matt Stenton
Production Manager: Simone Pakieto
Presenter: Megan Alatini
Panelists: Chris Roberts, Nicola Waldren, Nadine Tu'ua
Supervising Location Manager: Pauli Sosa
Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
Shopping, buying local products and trying out local cuisines are integral aspects of the tourist experience, which is why retail plays such an important role in the Tourism industry.
In this episode, we chat to retail experts Richard Hanson, Director of Aotea Gifts; Cheryl Adamson, General Manager of Parnell Business Association; and Greg Harford, CEO of Retail NZ to understand the impact that the decline of international tourists in New Zealand has had on retail, as well as produce and supply.
We then explore the career pathway of Wayne Martine, Managing Director of Bivouac Outdoor - a man who took his passion for the outdoor adventure and turned it into a successful retail career.
Listen to the full, unedited show on our podcast. Available on Spotify now! ----more----
CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim
Written by Helen Shaw, Mike Kim
Executive Producer: Matt Stenton
Production Manager: Simone Pakieto
Presenter: Megan Alatini
Panelists: Greg Harford, Cheryl Adamson, Richard Hanson
Supervising Location Manager: Jennifer Smith
Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
Wellness Tourism is defined as travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one's personal wellbeing. And because of the pandemic, this market is certainly growing as people seek out some calm after the storm.
In this episode, Go with Tourism and host Megan Alatini chat to people already leading the way in New Zealand Wellness Tourism. From their career pathways to understanding more about the customer and what wellness retreats involve, we get a fascinating perspective into the growing market.
Our success story this week focuses on Ina Bajaj - the founder of East Day Spa and Spring Spa, which are located across New Zealand and Indonesia. Ina tells us about her personal journey, why spas are a great form of hospitality, and why New Zealand could be a wellness destination.
Plus! Listen to the full show on our brand new podcast. Available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim
Written by Helen Shaw, Mike Kim
Executive Producer: Matt Stenton
Production Manager: Simone Pakieto
Presenter: Megan Alatini
Panellists: Chris Wille, Carl Muir, Joelene Ranby, Mel Carroll Supervising Location Manager: Jennifer Smith
Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
This episode of The Itinerary was a special request from some of our student viewers, who want to better understand how one gets a full-time job after they graduate.
Matariki Roche from Young Workers Resource Centre, Sarndra Stephens from International Travel College and Angie Mills of Accor Hotels talk to us about that process from graduation to securing work, offering their guidance and tips in what can be a daunting period of time for many youngsters.
From selling the fact that you are an older sibling, to finding part-time customer-facing roles, and practicing your interview skills - these three experts have some fantastic gold nuggets of advice to share.
Plus! Listen to the full show on our brand new podcast. Available on Spotify and Apple podcasts now!
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim
Written by Helen Shaw, Mike Kim
Executive Producer: Matt Stenton
Production Manager: Simone Pakieto
Presenter: Megan Alatini
Panelists: Hon Steve Chadwick, Steve Hanrahan, Lynda Keene, Marisa Bidois
Supervising Location Manager: Jennifer Smith
Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL
What will Tourism and Hospitality look like in 2021?
For our first episode of 2021, we dive straight into the big-hitting questions about our industry and the uncertainty of the year ahead.
Joining us on our panel are industry experts Lynda Keene of Tourism Export Council, Steve Hanrahan of Tourism Industry Aotearoa and Marisa Bidois of Restaurant Association. We also get the community perspective - and government appointed Tourism Taskforce perspective - of Her Worship the Mayor Hon Steve Chadwick of Rotorua.
Additionally, Go with Tourism provide their update for the year - giving us a list of exciting things they have planned. And we take a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes world of the 36th America's Cup and why this global event is so important for New Zealand tourism.
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CREDITS
Directed by Mike Kim
Written by Helen Shaw, Mike Kim
Executive Producer: Matt Stenton
Production Manager: Simone Pakieto
Presenter: Megan Alatini
Panelists: Hon Steve Chadwick, Steve Hanrahan, Lynda Keene, Marisa Bidois
Supervising Location Manager: Jennifer Smith
Filmed on location, courtesy of GridAKL