Tourism Hub Podcast

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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.

Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast | Despina Karatzias

Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @desikaratzias

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Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos holds a Master’s Degree in International Sustainable Tourism Management from Monash University Australia, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Sciences from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

Nikolaos has been working for UNWTO since 2016 and currently holds the position of Silk Road Project Specialists within the Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department.

Among others, Nikolaos is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable tourism development and the SDGs, the strategic international and interregional tourism development, Public-Private tourism partnerships, the creation of new Silk Road tourism intelligence, and assessing the Social Impact tourism has for the local societies and communities.

Nowadays he enjoys working on the Tourism Recovery, assisting destinations and Member States overcome the tourism challenges of the pandemic. Nikolaos identifies as a person of Greek heart and Global citizen Spirit.

Key Learnings and A-HA Moments from Nikos:

Not having the clarity of vision shouldn’t be deterrent to move forward
Having an understanding of other cultures will allow you to communicate in a positive and effective and efficient manner
Despite the sacrifices made during the time studying in Melbourne, it was the moment that Nikos received the call for an offer of employment at UNWTO that justified his decisions up until that point.
You don’t decide to do things 100%, you feel it
Do not submit anything until you have reviewed it at least 10 times
Always be thinking about the interest of the other party

Resources and Links Nikos Loves:

https://www.unwto.org/
https://www.onenote.com/

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast | Despina Karatzias

Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @desikaratzias

YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias

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In this episode, we meet Mel Neil, an Australian positive psychology practitioner, consultant, founder and CEO of https://mindinsurance.com.au/ exploring how to build your psychological wellbeing and cultivating a landscape for flourishing.

Through her desire to empower and facilitate the success of individuals, organisations and communities Mel has a unique ability to make the empirical science and research practical; teaching leaders, teams and individuals how to increase personal, business and collective wellbeing.

Key Learnings and A-HA Moments from Mel:

Psychological Wellbeing is a more positive and meaningful type of description instead of using the term “mental health”.
Emotional Intelligence - top 10 skills (future of work)
Important to experience negative and positive emotions, but there needs to be a balance.
Take the step of a mindfulness practice, relax and stop.
The term “balanced” is very subjective
Use Formal and Informal times to practice mindfulness: eg. in traffic, breathing activities, get away for time off.
Technology and social media problems arise not from the technology itself, but more so based on how it’s used/abused.
Rather than criticize how someone is using technology, encourage a conversation and engage with them (because they’re fulfilling a need)
Use gratitude in a way that works for you
What is your authentic offering?
The grass might be greener on the other side, but don’t forget you still have to mow it!
Being a value centred person, has inherently incredible challenges because you won’t always be people's cup of tea. You need to stay true to yourself and don’t compromise on your values.

Resources and Links Mel Loves:

https://mindinsurance.com.au/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2019/04/29/the-10-vital-skills-you-will-need-for-the-future-of-work/#49657cde3f5b
https://podio.com/
https://www.booktopia.com.au/positivity-barbara-fredrickson/book/9780307393746.html
https://www.instituteofexcellence.com

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast | Despina Karatzias

Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @desikaratzias

YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias

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In this episode, hear from Instagram influencer Shirin Jamaly about the growing changes of Instagram and helpful strategies centred around what makes a great influencer marketing campaign and how to work with and reach out to influencers for successful Instagram collaborations.

Key Learnings and A-HA Moments from Shirin:

Starting a side hustle is challenging but it can be done even if you’re working full time
7-11 job (start side hustle at 7pm and finish at 11pm!)
If you love what you do and have a passion for something, the puzzle comes together and don’t give up
See that a challenge is a blessing
Collaborate with an influencer that has aligned passions and values to your own
Be true to yourself because there’s only one of you
Don’t fall for the trap of just because you got an offer that it’s genuine
Do your research before you accept any offers
Maintaining the same routine because of a habit, it also requires a strict structure and time management.
No matter if you have self-doubt, you’ll regret not doing it.
“Success is not owned, it’s rented. Rent is due every day.”
Persistence is the key to everything

Resources and Links Shirin Loves:

Trello.com
https://www.amazon.com.au/Becoming-Michelle-Obama/dp/1524763136

#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 episode join Despina Karatzias for a conversation about Financial Intelligence and Keeping the Lights on for Tourism, Events and Entertainment Business ie the good, bad and the unique opportunities facing the tourism industry with Amit Aggarwal from SAPTAX.

Key Learnings and A-HA Moments from Amit:

Build a strong team of professionals around you when starting a new business (legal and accounting)
Expect a lag between when you start a business and when you start making a profit. Can you sustain the business during that time?
There’s no such thing as job security
Check your local council’s website for business support
We’re all going through our own challenges, don’t be afraid to ask for help
Round 3 of the Business Support Package outlines which industries are eligible
Life beyond numbers
Make sure you’re calm and composed before you advise others
Persistence and consistency are key to keep going through challenges
An upset mind is in no position to make an informed decision

Resources and Links Amit Loves:

https://www.business.vic.gov.au/
https://eibc.net.au/
https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-support-package
https://www.artofliving.org/
https://www.amitaggarwal.com.au/

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast | Despina Karatzias

Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @desikaratzias

YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias

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Digital Digest – Making a Comeback
How you can help carry the load, with Young Tourism Network

Stream/subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify or Google Podcasts

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast | Despina Karatzias

Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @desikaratzias

YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias

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In this episode join Despina Karatzias for a conversation about Tourism in Distress, The Good, Bad, and the Unique Opportunities Ahead ie the good, bad and the unique opportunities facing the tourism industry with Simon Westaway from Australian Tourism Industry Council.

Key Learnings and A-HA Moments from Simon:

At the time of recording, SA has opened their border to NSW.
Biggest learning from COVID is diversity of customer is key
Join an industry organisation and see how they engage at a state and federal level
Get to know your local MP both state and federal
Once things get to a level or normality, people will want to travel again and that sentiment will not change
Look around at your competitors and see what they’re doing well, be nimble.
You must have a domestic audience (it’s our core market)
Believe in your product, yourself, and customer service.
You must have a fantastic digital platform, look at online booking engines.
Doing SWOT analysis is a very healthy thing to do
If your market’s not working, change it. You need to be nimble if your strategy isn’t working.
Follow your passion points and interest

Resources and Links Simon Loves:

https://qualitytourismaustralia.com/
https://www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/Export/Export-Grants
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-westaway-59a31823

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Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

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Meet Fiona Sweetman who not only leads a pretty fab business and team, at Hidden Secrets Tours, she sits on a number of boards, social collectives, educational programs and now council of her city of Melbourne.

Tune in to hear how Fiona got started, what change she wants to see in the world and how she stays motivated and driven to run her business and for council.

Key Learnings and A-HA Moments from Fiona:

Choice is more important than goal setting
Took 14 years to get a business coach, but having done that had saved Fiona’s life
Fiona is running for mayor for the City of Melbourne
Growth in business in Melbourne during COVID19 doesn’t just have to be about numbers, but can also be about how we can do things better.
Get out of your own way
It’s okay to be different
It’s okay to say that you don’t know
You don’t identify as excluded until you’re included
In small business, you don’t have to be biggest, just love what you do
Effort and conscious decisions matter
It all stops with you, there’s only you.

Resources and Links Fiona Loves:

http://hiddensecretstours.com/slow-tours-for-a-new-era/
http://hiddensecretstours.com/tours/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionasweetman
https://www.instagram.com/thevalueoftourism/
https://www.instagram.com/tourismsisters/

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

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How to successfully transform your small business to a smart tourism business with Liz Ward, CEO Tourism Tribe and Navii Digital

Key learnings:

To become the digital expert for small businesses in the tourism industry
Businesses can take action today:
- Look at your core assets (cyber security and backups)
- Website as your #1 marketing asset, optimise it!
- Develop customer personas for your ideal target market
- Go through your feedback and comments left by customers online
Marketing using lead magnets and email marketing automation
The feeling of, “We will not fail!” was the ah-ha moment with 100% clarity
Put aside the thoughts that do not serve you
Imposter syndrome is something that
Lose the JUST!
Group Think: If there’s more than one person with a strong view on the direction to take, others will follow. Deal with it with the whole group.
Advice: Know your niche, what is your USP?

Relevant links:

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ1ifSpqxD4
https://www.instituteofexcellence.com
https://www.tourismtribe.com/free-course/
https://www.tourismtribe.com/product/bizkeeper-101/
https://fleurieupeninsula.com.au/
https://www.reboothay.com.au/tourism-tribe-workshop
https://www.wcei.com.au/
www.zoom.us
www.trello.com
https://www.amazon.com.au/24-Assets-scalable-valuable-business-ebook/dp/B071L8C8NV

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

This program is brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with The Institute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

Follow and connect with us:

https://www.instagram.com/BeExcellentHQ/
https://twitter.com/desikaratzias
https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/
https://www.facebook.com/BeExcellentHQ
https://www.facebook.com/DespinaKaratzias
https://www.facebook.com/Tourism-Hub-Podcast-101388458353231
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZ8GpfkPC7Add4S9VkVM8g

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In this episode join Despina Karatzias for a conversation about How New Zealand Tour Operator, Take it Easy Tours has Thrived Through COVID ie the good, bad and the unique opportunities facing the tourism industry with Take It Easy Tours NZ

Key learnings:

Learning to drive a big bus was the biggest challenge pre COVID!
Using the down time to work on new itineraries
Focus on what you have
Mystery tours!
“Sprints” to delegate tasks on a weekly basis. A digital method to complete a series of work.
Look after your sales and cash flow
Spread the love and pass on the knowledge
Take small steps

Relevant links:

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnLoKT5gGf0
https://www.instituteofexcellence.com
https://www.amazon.com.au/Only-Two-Seats-Left-Incredible/dp/0646515888

Catch other Tourism Hub Episodes: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com/podcast/

Tourism Hub Instagram: www. instagram.com/tourismhub/

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Join us follow us on other networks:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteOfExcellenceHQ/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/instituteofexcellencehq/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BeExcellentHQ

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/BeExcellentHQ/

YouTube: https://bit.ly/BeExcellentYT

Join Your Tourism Excellence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1421741554754291/

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In this episode join Despina Karatzias for a conversation about Managing Your Mental Health and Motivation with Dr Nasrin Parsianie the good, bad and the unique opportunities facing the tourism industry with Dr Nasrin Parsian from Dr Nas Inner Wellness

Key learnings:

PhD in Self Transformation using mixed methodology
Help people to become empowered and be in charge of their own lives
We are our own most powerful healer
“Suicide happens when we don’t see the possibilities”.
We need focus one what WE can control from the inside to see the possibilities
In every situation, we need to find what the message is for ourselves
Be friends with your emotions and express them out loud (dare to express it, don’t suppress it)
Cocoon breaking, every time you leave a previous position, you enter into the more beautiful situation. Create something new.
Values are rooted from your heart and connected to what you love and desire
“You will see your true light when you dare to pass through the dark tunnel”
Stop judging yourself, we are all beautiful people in any situation
Change from self criticism and blaming, to acknowledging the pain and fear, and instead focus on self acceptance and assure inner safety
Ask your heart, “How do you feel?”
Reframe, “R U Ok?” to “How are you feeling?”
“Be the cause rather than the effect”
“Use right words and right emotions when you battle tough situations”
Learning is a constant process, Dr Nas does self reflection through journaling
Self awareness works with the whole body

Relevant links:

Watch the video here:
https://www.instituteofexcellence.com
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inner-wellness/id1515547679?uo=4
https://www.instagram.com/drnasinnerwellness/
https://www.drnasinnerwellness.com/wellnesscourse
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning
https://www.gaia.com/

Catch other Tourism Hub Episodes: https://www.instituteofexcellence.com/podcast/

Tourism Hub Instagram: www. instagram.com/tourismhub/

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Join us follow us on other networks:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteOfExcellenceHQ/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/instituteofexcellencehq/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BeExcellentHQ

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/BeExcellentHQ/

YouTube: https://bit.ly/BeExcellentYT

Join Your Tourism Excellence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1421741554754291/

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

This program is brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with The Institute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

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In this episode join Despina Karatzias for a conversation about Pursuing Passion Projects with Purpose ie the good, bad and the unique opportunities facing the tourism industry with Kiff and Paterson (Global Ballooning), and Tania (mycause).

Key learnings:

Tourism Australia, Visit Victoria, and Melbourne City Council are supporting the https://mycause.com.au/lovemelbourne campaign with creating a balloon containing names of Melburnians contributing to the cause, something of artistic beauty.
Global Ballooning looking to capture the spirit of Melbourne in the design of the balloon.

Relevant links:

https://www.globalballooning.com.au/
https://mycause.com.au/lovemelbourne
FlyingLoveLetter
https://www.atlassian.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29946.Illusions
https://www.instituteofexcellence.com/about/balloon-girl/
https://www.mycause.com.au/
https://www.penguin.com.au/books/rodham-9780857526137
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45392/ulysses

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

This program is brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with The Institute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

Follow and connect with us:

https://www.instagram.com/BeExcellentHQ/
https://twitter.com/desikaratzias
https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/
https://www.facebook.com/BeExcellentHQ
https://www.facebook.com/DespinaKaratzias
https://www.facebook.com/Tourism-Hub-Podcast-101388458353231
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZ8GpfkPC7Add4S9VkVM8g

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Smart Tourism Marketing Systems to Grow Your Business
with Fabienne Wintle

We speak with Fabienne Wintle, CIO of Tourism Tribe.
Tourism Tribe is a super-simple, super-smart website that has been created to help tourism businesses who aren't digital geeks get the most of the web.

It's a worldwide community of tourism operators and digital marketing experts helping one another reap the rewards the internet has to offer.

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

Tourism Hub is presented by Institute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

Follow and connect with us:

https://www.instagram.com/BeExcellentHQ/
https://twitter.com/desikaratzias
https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/
https://www.facebook.com/BeExcellentHQ
https://www.facebook.com/DespinaKaratzias
https://www.facebook.com/Tourism-Hub-Podcast-101388458353231
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZ8GpfkPC7Add4S9VkVM8g

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We speak with inbound tour operator Nayaz Noor from 39 Degrees South about how he is making the most of losing 100% of his clients due to COVID19.

Nayaz has a Deakin University – Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security

A Wharton School of Business Alumni, (University of Pennsylvania, USA) Nayaz has over 35 years of experience in the travel & tourism industry, working for Travel Agencies, Airlines and Tour Operators in India, Middle East and the USA.

Key learnings:

Moved to the USA in 1990, then moved back to India and started his business
Circa 2010 visited and fell in love with Melbourne
Perseverance and following through were values that kept Nayaz going with major challenges starting out his business, Safir Tours
Researching places to sell: do it, learn it, and sell it
Realised there will always be more ongoing competition and started focusing on niche products and how to differentiate themselves from competitors
Started the process of rebranding in 2019 from Safir Tours to 39 Degrees South
March 15, 2020, was the total turning point for his business due to Australian PM’s declaration of travel bans.
Enrolled in Deakin University to get out of comfort zone and challenge himself and do something to give back to the tourism industry, which was cybersecurity.
Being hacked is not if, but when.
Protecting yourself online: create a complicated password, 2-factor authentication, be aware of people looking to take advantage of you.
Mumbai Mission was the ah-ha moment for Nayaz when he realised that he had a cricket group booked without even selling
Understand who you’re selling before you start selling
Risk management and back up: Focus resources in the right direction NOW. Learn and do something different. Reskill NOW.
Personal habits: Must write down what you’re going to do that day (the night before or the morning of) no matter how mundane.
Helpful resource: Harvard Business Review, TED, Radio Garden, How Will You Measure Your Life

Relevant links:

Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/DespinaKaratzias/videos/324223342263933/
https://www.instituteofexcellence.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayaznoor/
https://39degreessouth.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/39DegreesSouth
https://www.instagram.com/39degreessouth.com.au/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL8kTxep4yIWB_3xSGT7I3g

#TourismHub #BeExcellent #covid19

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

This program is brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with The Institute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

Show produced by Alba Prime Pty Ltd.

Connect with us:

https://www.instagram.com/BeExcellentHQ/
https://twitter.com/desikaratzias
https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/
https://www.facebook.com/BeExcellentHQ
https://www.facebook.com/DespinaKaratzias
https://www.facebook.com/Tourism-Hub-Podcast-101388458353231
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZ8GpfkPC7Add4S9VkVM8g

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ISOlation INSPOration 🙌

There are incredible humans doing incredible things and I can’t wait to ignite their excellence and share them with you!

Season 2 of @tourismhub podcast kicks off with these two Victorian leading ladies @sarahseddon and @heidivictoriaphotography AND you have front row seats to watch the podcast recording unfold.

Sarah Seddon (Sabre Collective) [http://sabrecollective.com.au, https://www.linkedin.com/company/sabre-collective, https://www.instagram.com/sarahseddon/]

Heidi Victoria [https://www.heidivictoria.com.au, https://www.facebook.com/officialheidivictoria, https://www.instagram.com/heidivictoriaphotography/]

Sarah from Sabre Collective and was the chair of Destination Melbourne.
Heidi is a politician and was the shadow Minister for Tourism.
They have come together and launched CITE.

Key learnings:

Don’t be afraid to have lofty goals - Sarah Seddon
Give it a go, be bold - Heidi Victoria
Test, fail, learn
Empathy + Give it a go!
Choose authenticity over approval
It’s easier to wear slippers than to carpet the world

Relevant links:

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/0VVixMhYtyM
https://www.macucite.com/
https://brenebrown.com/
https://get.broadwayondemand.com/
https://theresilienceproject.com.au/at-home/learning/gratitude/upper-primary/dismoment-activity/
https://www.instituteofexcellence.com
http://sabrecollective.com.au
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sabre-collective
https://www.instagram.com/sarahseddon
https://www.heidivictoria.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/officialheidivictoria
https://www.instagram.com/heidivictoriaphotography

#TourismHub #BeExcellent #SabreCollective #HeidiVictoriaPhotography #Cite

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

This program is brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with The Institute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

Connect with us:

https://www.facebook.com/BeExcellentHQ
https://www.facebook.com/DespinaKaratzias
https://www.facebook.com/Tourism-Hub-Podcast-101388458353231
https://www.instagram.com/desikaratzias/
https://www.instagram.com/tourismhub/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZ8GpfkPC7Add4S9VkVM8g

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We chat with Kiff Saunders from Global Ballooning. This conversation was recorded in early 2020 as COVID19 started take its grip on the tourism industry, and the rest of the world.

It’s a wonderful thing, to be able to give someone the experience of a lifetime over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. At Global Ballooning Australia, we’ve shared a sunrise with over 90,000 people in 25 balloons over as many years – and it never gets old. We’re proud of our safety record, and we care deeply about our guests’ experience, but for us, it’s more about the people we meet along the way and the pristine natural playground we call our office.

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

This program is brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with The Insititute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

Follow and connect with us:

https://www.instagram.com/BeExcellentHQ/
https://twitter.com/desikaratzias
https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/
https://www.facebook.com/BeExcellentHQ
https://www.facebook.com/DespinaKaratzias
https://www.facebook.com/Tourism-Hub-Podcast-101388458353231
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZ8GpfkPC7Add4S9VkVM8g

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We have a chat with Maria Ulas from Artelia Jewellery.

Artelia is a jewellery house founded by our passion for unique, personal and exceptional quality jewellery. Our background in manufacturing means that we have generations of experience in making the highest quality Melbourne engagement ring and other pieces, designed to last a lifetime of love and affection.

Some key point we discuss are:

Believing in yourself
Understand what your core value is in your heart and use that to connect with your customers
It's about connecting with another human as opposed to B2B, be authentic.
It's meant to be, it's up to me!
https://www.facebook.com/arteliajewellery/
https://www.instagram.com/arteliajewellery/

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

This program is brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with The Insititute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

Follow and connect with us:

https://www.instagram.com/BeExcellentHQ/
https://twitter.com/desikaratzias
https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/
https://www.facebook.com/BeExcellentHQ
https://www.facebook.com/DespinaKaratzias
https://www.facebook.com/Tourism-Hub-Podcast-101388458353231
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZ8GpfkPC7Add4S9VkVM8g

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We chat with Rhianwen Seiter from MacKenzie Quarters.

MacKenzie Quarters is your entertainment quarter, creating space for people to connect, socialise, laugh and celebrate in the heart of Bendigo.

Located in central Bendigo in the heart of The Arts Precinct, MacKenzie Quarters has been lovingly restored to embrace its 141 year old history in a contemporary context.

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

This program is brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with The Insititute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

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We chat with Evonne Oxenham from Gold Mine Bendigo.

The key to Central Deborah Gold Mine's success as a tourist destination has always been the passion of our staff and tour guides, which include some of the grandchildren and relatives of the original Central Deborah miners. They literally bring Bendigo and Central Deborah's golden heritage to life as they passionately regale our visitors with stories of what life was really like during the harsh gold rush era of 1851-1954.

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

This program is brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with The Insititute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

Follow and connect with us:

https://www.instagram.com/BeExcellentHQ/
https://twitter.com/desikaratzias
https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/
https://www.facebook.com/BeExcellentHQ
https://www.facebook.com/DespinaKaratzias
https://www.facebook.com/Tourism-Hub-Podcast-101388458353231
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZ8GpfkPC7Add4S9VkVM8g

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We chat with Daniel Rutherfurd from Bendigo Tramways.

You can find more information on the Bendigo Tramways website over at https://www.bendigotramways.com/contact

#TourismHub #BeExcellent

Join us every Saturday afternoon at 2pm live and be part of the conversation.

Show hosted by Despina Karatzias.

This program is brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with The Insititute Of Excellence. #BeExcellent

Follow and connect with us:

https://www.instagram.com/BeExcellentHQ/
https://twitter.com/desikaratzias
https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituteofexcellence/
https://www.facebook.com/BeExcellentHQ
https://www.facebook.com/DespinaKaratzias
https://www.facebook.com/Tourism-Hub-Podcast-101388458353231
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZ8GpfkPC7Add4S9VkVM8g

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We speak with Amanda Ralph from Country Heart and Home based in Bright.

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Welcome to Tourism Hub Podcast Episode 10! Thrilled to present the first interview part of the RACV Victoria Tourism Awards Winners Series brought to you by Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC). In November 2017, the Victorian Tourism Awards gala night at Crown Palladium celebrated 30 categories of winning tourism businesses in their respective categories! This was the second Victorian gala event I conducted live interviews after winners were announced. As an extension to the mini-interviews with a selected few experience makers on the night of nights, I will bring the winner journeys in their business and career on the Tourism Hub Podcast to share their story with you. Lakshmi Cashmore, Industry Training and Development Manager at Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine was the winner of 2017 Tourism Education and Training category. In Episode 10, I deep dive with Lakshmi to discover what motivated her to enter the tourism awards, how she tackled the process, what she learned and her career journey to date. Podcast Highlights:

Key insights shared in this episode include: * When you're passionate about what you do it's easy to write and talk about your work. * Feel the fear and follow through on your ideas. * Melbourne Tourism Leadership Program and the impact it has had on Lakshmi personally and professionally. * The benefits of starting a project with a blank canvas * Working at Disney World and key highlights (and lowlights) from that experience. * The importance of having a mentor to help you get out of your brain. * Being nervous is good for you because it means you are doing something that is important to you! * The habit of being organised.

Links and Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Live interview with Lakshmi at the 2017 Victorian Tourism awards.

Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine Christmas Video

Follow Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine: Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine Facebook Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine Twitter Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine Linked In

Subscribe to Tourism Hub Podcast Tourism Hub is a weekly podcast dedicated to you and your Tourism Excellence.

If you want to help ignite the tourism industry with a message of greatness ‘Subscribe on iTunes‘ and stay connected with special experience maker interviews, insights and inspiration to grow your tourism business and career. You can also join a private community of tourism industry professionals on the Your Tourism Excellence Facebook Group.

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"Love what you do, who you work with, and the region you are promoting - what a happy life!" was one of many gold nuggets in this exclusive podcast with Elizabeth Curtain. I had the pleasure of interviewing Elizabeth just before her final day of a 24-year career managing the Geelong Visitor Information Centres. In a fabulous farewell article from the team at Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, Farewell Elizabeth.

A legend Retires, in the time she has led visitor servicing in the region they had four offices, seven prime ministers and reinvented the whole organisation from Geelong Otway Tourism to Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine. "Elizabeth has been a constant, leading a merry band of volunteers that now number 130 across seven visitor information centres in Geelong and The Bellarine. Every day, there are 22 shifts on the rosters to be filled. And that’s just the start. Elizabeth has coordinated innovations over the years including greeters for cruise ships, train passengers for special events and flights at Avalon Airport. She’s implemented seasonal information outlets and features at public and trade events." I have been humbled to have had this up close and personal time with Elizabeth and so excited to share her story. In this episode, we talk about what led her to tourism, how she attracted and retained such a large number of volunteer staff across multiple Visitor Information Centres and the importance of loving your work!

Podcast Highlights:

Key insights shared in this episode include:

Volunteers work for free but not for nothing.
No individual awards for volunteers - we have always been a team.
A successful career is shaped by the many hours beyond the call of duty.
Never send an email that you don't want the world to see.

Favourite Quote: My only regret is that I didn't drink more champagne.

Follow Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine:

Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine Facebook Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine Twitter Tourism Geelong and The Bellarine Linked In

Subscribe to Tourism Hub Podcast

Tourism Hub is a weekly podcast dedicated to you and your Tourism Excellence. If you want to help ignite the tourism industry with a message of greatness ‘Subscribe on iTunes‘ and stay connected with special experience maker interviews, insights and inspiration to grow your tourism business and career. You can also join a private community of tourism industry professionals on the Your Tourism Excellence Facebook Group.

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In this episode, 'How to Build a Business and Look After You' with Jo Surkitt I explore with the Victorian-based wellness expert why she left a successful career in travel to start her own business. Jo has studied a vast range of Professional development specialities and natural therapies and has practised with professionals around the world. She has co-owned a successful natural therapy college in Melbourne and has treated 1000’s of clients throughout her 15-year professional career. Since 2002, Jo's business Revitalize Lifestyle has been changing the lives of people all over the country. Jo Surkitt and her team have extensive knowledge and years’ of experience to create programs individually designed to bring you great health, balance and wellness. In this episode, we talk about what led Jo to change careers, start her own business and her love of combining wellness with unique experiences.

 Podcast Highlights:           Key insights shared in this episode include:       * Focus goes where focus grows

Your health is not something you handball the responsibility to others to heal
Best way to start a business is to just start
FUCCESS: The understanding that failure is necessary to succeed

Links and Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Microsoft One Note Linchpin Seth Godin Shamash Alidina

Follow Revitalize Lifestyle Revitalize Lifestyle Website  Revitalize Lifestyle Facebook Revitalize Lifestyle Instagram   Tourism Hub is a weekly podcast dedicated to you and your Tourism Excellence.  If you want to help ignite the tourism industry with a message of greatness ‘Subscribe on iTunes‘ and stay connected with special experience maker interviews, insights and inspiration to grow your tourism business and career. You can also join a private community of tourism industry professionals on the Your Tourism Excellence Facebook Group.

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 Institute of Excellence Despina Karatzias with Charles Davidson from Peninsula Hot Springs[/caption] Peninsula Hot Springs is an award-winning Victorian attraction located 90 minutes from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula. I say attraction yet the hot springs have become a destination unto themselves. Over the years I have visited with girlfriends on a girls day out, have visited with hubby before kids, as a family post kids and most recently all by myself (check out my solo soak bliss video here). The Penisula Hot Springs was the brainchild of Charles Davidson and his brother Richard which they founded together in 1997 and what a treat it was to share a herbal tea and chat with Charles a few weeks ago. Due to the leadership continually shown by the entire team at Peninsula Hot Springs, in not just the tourism industry, but world-leadership in the spa, wellness and hot springs industries I had the pleasure also to interview Marketing Manager Ashley Kay during a Destination Melbourne Partnership Marketing Workshop I facilitated a couple of years ago.. (Watch the Partnership Marketing Interview with Ashlee Kay) Admittedly, because I have admired Charles from afar, as well as being new to podcasting I was a tiny little bit nervous for this one. While nervous to start with, hanging out with this entrepreneurial, experience making mind behind the hot springs I walked away inspired and probably needed another two hours, maybe a part two! Passionate, purposeful and grounded would be the three words I would use for Charles, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.  Podcast Highlights:           Key insights shared in this episode include: Here is a snapshot of a few of the takeaways I took from my conversation with Charles: * There is no such thing as an overnight success, starting a business needs patience and perseverance. It took eight years of digging and construction before the doors opened at Peninsula Hot Springs.

Invest in research and planning. Charles has visited hot springs in over 36 countries and continues to invest in research and development to not just improve his business but the greater good of his industry.
At the core of Charles passion is a love of hot springs and the medicinal benefits they bring to peoples mental and physical well being. A vision is nothing without passion and love for what you.
Running a business with a universal mission and many projects on the go can be all-consuming. Book a holiday in advance, make the time for friends and family (and yourself) always to have something to look forward to.
Business Awards like the Victoria Tourism Industry Council RACV Victorian Tourism Awards are not just about winning. They are an excellent way to keep your business on top of your own game. The team at Penninsula Hot Springs continuously raise the bar. Charles is a firm believer in co-opetition and despite winning Hall of Fame multiple times continues to enter the awards under new categories to establish gaps and improve the business.

Links and Resources Mentioned In This Episode: * Living Water: Viktor Schauberger and the Secrets of Natural Energy

Follow Peninsula Hot Springs Peninsula Hot Springs Website Peninsula Hot Springs Facebook Peninsula Hot Springs Instagram Peninsula Hot Springs YouTube   Tourism Hub is a weekly podcast dedicated to you and your Tourism Excellence.  If you want to help ignite the tourism industry with a message of greatness ‘Subscribe on iTunes‘ and stay connected with special experience maker interviews, insights and inspiration to grow your tourism business and career. You can also join a private community of tourism industry professionals on the Your Tourism Excellence Facebook Group.

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 Hashtag 101 for Tourism episode delves into the topic of #Hashtags and the importance of using hashtags strategically in your tourism business. Are you using hashtags in your social media marketing and campaign managing? Is there a method to your hashtag madness or are you writing hashtags wherever, whenever and hoping they attract followers and leads to your business? Is there a method to your hashtag madness? or are you writing hashtags wherever, whenever and hoping they attract followers and leads to your business? Or are you writing hashtags wherever, whenever and hoping they attract followers and leads to your book, buy or sign up pages? In this episode, I want to help you take the guesswork out of hashtags and help you plan our your own hashtag strategy as well share some of the tools and best practices. When I deliver training around creating and cultivating smart collaborations and partnerships, hashtags play a huge role in this and in the next 45 minutes will love the opportunity to give you an insight into the important role of hashtags in your digital and social media tourism marketing. Podcast Highlights:           Key insights shared in this episode include: * Introduction to hashtags

How to research and complete your own hashtag strategy for your tourism organisation
How to create a hashtag strategy and brand-specific hashtags for your business
Hashtag tools of the trade

Links and Resources Mentioned In This Episode: * Hashtagify.me * Tagboard * TweetBinder * Trello * Schedugram

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In this episode, I chat to Adrian Byrt, Relationship Consultant & Events at Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC).

This is Victoria’s peak leadership organisation talking all things 'Visitors, Values and Victoria Tourism Industry Council'.
First of all, in mid-2016 I had an opportunity to join the VTIC team to manage the Victorian state program. It is called ATAP which is the acronym for Australian Tourism Accreditation Program.

We love those acronyms! As a result, I had the opportunity to work in close collaboration with tourism professionals that I have loved and admired for many years.
Consequently, this experience was also a great insight into the inner workings of the visitor economy.
Therefore it was a new experience at corporate level life and a greater appreciation for corporate governance.

Much as I love small business this is something you are not exposed to working in smaller organisations and the experience was invaluable.
Furthermore, I worked with a passionate team. As Adrian rightly points out in our chat together, 'they deliver a mountain of work' for their members and wider visitor economy.

So, this episode is a great insight into Adrian's journey in tourism. In addition, he shares some solid advice and gold nuggets that new and seasoned experience makers will benefit from what Adrian has generously shared.

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Season 1, Episode 3

In this episode, I had the pleasure of capturing first time meeting over a coffee with Mike James, founder of Better Mobile Photos.

I met Mike through Your Tourism Excellence a private group for tourism experience makers and it was such a treat to meet someone like minded and so passionate about his craft with his combined 20 years of experience in photography and mentoring to become a sought after smartphone photography training specialist.

Phone camera technology, combined with Mikes’ practical techniques, tips and recommended apps have made the smartphone a convenient and viable tool for professional photography. He is on a mission to help you become photography literate – without the technical jargon, enabling you to become confident, capturing, creating and sharing the best possible photos in your personal and professional life.

In this episode Mike shares with us his big WHY around starting his business and big why he has left his big expensive camera gear behind to teach the magic of what you can be achieved with a smartphone device.

Connect with Mike on Facebook and Instagram and follow what is set to be a stellar journey ahead!

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Season 1, Episode 4

In this episode of Tourism Hub, you are welcomed into the world of the flying solo life to turn a passion project into a business with passion.

It has been almost three years in my business. As someone that advocates and preaches the importance of a website and a solid content marketing strategy to create regular, inspiring, educational and consistent content that connects you and your message to your audience, I have gone through almost twelve financial quarters of business life without one. It has only been a few weeks since launching instituteofexcellence.com, and it's not until now that I feel I have started something.

Before that, I worked hard in and around my business taking to social media marketing to share and connect with a like-minded community. Social media his has been very successful and could have served me just fine. The problem with that though is that as businesses we own none of that content or community. It is space for rent. No control. No ownership. It's all Facebooks asset, not our business asset.

Your website, however, is your asset, your digital home and your opportunity to showcase your uniqueness and experiences.
Insights shared in this episode are around building a website and to an extent what life has been like as a soloist in a world and a previous life I adored of teams and people, good coffee, Friday night drinks, bosses and partnerships! Take this all away to create something new is no easy feat. More a continuous journey of progress. One foot after the other, taking action and absorbing the lessons learned and sharing them. All through the comfort of my new home at instituteofexcellence.com

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Season 1, Episode 2

An absolute pleasure to invite my first guest, Liz Ward (@lizward_oz) to the Tourism Hub Podcast. A game changer in adopting innovative technologies in the tourism industry Liz led the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) business during its start-up phase in 1999-2001 and then as CEO from August 2004 until February 2015, and previously held senior management positions in Tourism and Events Queensland for 12 years including Director of e-Marketing. Most recently she left the corporate world behind and shares her story about starting her new venture, TourismTribe.com, the online learning hub with over 650 tourism businesses in the network.

In this episode, we take a step back in time to where it all began for Liz. She generously shares what drove her to pursue a career in tourism, what life was like in the corporate world and how it compares to now as she made the transition to start her own business with partners Fabienne Wintle and Wendy Smith. She is a wealth of knowledge and I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. I will definitely have her back - enjoy!

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Season 1, Episode 1

In this very first episode of Tourism Hub I share with you my big why of starting a podcast dedicated to the industry of experiences and making memories.

As an avid listener to many business, social media and entrepreneur inspired podcasts around the world I am very excited to bring to fruition a business and marketing podcast that will inspire and educate us through sharing the success, stories and ideas of the leaders and entrepreneurs of our industry.

In this episode I specifically share why I love podcasts (and you should to), my top favourites I listen to religiously and my committed to delivering an episode each week for your listening and inspirational pleasure. Enjoy!

Tourism Hub Podcast: Recent Episodes

Despina Karatzias

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