Inside Downunder

We are back and with none other than with Robin Mack! In this episode of Inside Downunder, we’re joined by Robin Mack, one of the Australian tourism industry’s most respected figures and the newly appointed Managing Director of Tourism Australia. Robin reflects on the evolution of Australia’s inbound tourism industry, his entry into tourism as a teenager and the relationships and experiences that...

In this episode of  Inside Downunder , we’re joined by George Josevski of Explore Australia Tours and one of the Australian tourism industry’s true innovators.   George is known for creating the hugely successful Official Neighbours Tours and Neighbours Nights, a pioneering concept that fused television, entertainment and tourism long before “experience-led tourism” became industry jargo...

In this special bonus edition of Inside Downunder, we hit the road with our foreign correspondent Brian Hennessy, jumping between Cologne, Germany and Jaipur, India, to catch up with the incredible trade partners and industry legends who sell Australia every single day.   This episode brings you fresh insights and real stories from the front line of inbound tourism. You’ll hear what excites g...

In this episode of Inside Downunder, we shine a spotlight on two of tourism’s brightest emerging leaders: Josh Basir, BDM at Journey Beyond and Mithwa Warrier, Project Manager at the Australian Cruise Group. Both bring fresh perspectives, sharp insights and inspiring personal stories of carving out successful careers in a rapidly evolving industry. In this conversation, we dive into their experien...

In this episode of  Inside Downunder , we sit down with  Mark Olsen,  CEO of  Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ),  for a relaxed and insightful conversation about his tourism industry journey from studying in regional Queensland to leading one of Australia’s most respected destination marketing organisations. Mark shares some of the defining moments and mentors that...

The ATE Bonus edition “Please move to your next appointment” is here….filled with tradeshow floor interviews and a special highlight with the new gAyTE Queen of Queensland Monsoon Mossy, AKA Jason Heffernan! Join Ben, Lisa, Nikki and Brian as they take breaks between appointments and at a very happy happy hour to chat with industry legends including Peta Zietsch, Taryn Welsh, Tony Bridgewater, Kat...

Get ready for our cheeky, behind-the-scenes BONUS episode of Inside Downunder just in time for ATE!   Recorded out of studio at the Destination Australia Conference, this laidback ep features a fabulous chat with Dingo Hampel (aka Barbara Mitzvah, last year’s Queen of Victoria at gAyTE), plus a heartfelt conversation with Mark Abercromby and his daughter Kate Marinovich from A & A Travel...

Welcome aboard! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of cruise tourism in Australia with none other than James Coughlan, the Managing Director & Founder of Shorex Australia. With 25 years of experience in the cruise industry, James is a true expert in inbound cruise tourism and has played a key role in shaping shore excursion experiences across the country.   Join us as we...

Every podcast needs a Christmas episode right? No need to get your sleigh bells in a knot, we have you covered with special guest Brian Hennesy visiting the studio to take over the reigns for this very festive edition. That’s right, Brian is back and has been newly anointed as our “Foreign Correspondent” – in this episode he not only asks the questions of Ben, Nikki and Chambers but also takes his...

This episode is all about the Western state of our beautiful country where we chat with tourism legends Ash Munn and Michael Collins. We explore all the wonderful opportunities and some of the challenges of the tourism landscape in WA and leave no icon of the state unmentioned, you can be sure of quokka, WACA and wine stories aplenty! Both Ash and Michael are leaders within the Skål community in A...

In Episode 5, we sit down with tourism legends and all-around larrikins, Ron Livingston and Robbie Bastion. With decades of experience in inbound tourism and the travel trade, these cherished industry figures bring a treasure trove of stories from the days before the internet and the Euro, when tourism was an adventure fuelled by friendships and genuine connections. Their light-hearted charm and w...

In Episode 4, we delve into the wonderful world of destination marketing, sports, creativity and QLD’s new “Bluey’s World For Real Life” with guest Kim McConnie. We discuss Kim’s career journey from the wonderful world of international sports to leadership and marketing at Tourism and Events Queensland and enjoy banter-filled discussions around the impact and opportunities of the Olympic Games, th...

Step into the vibrant world of Australian tourism with Inside Downunder, your passport to the heart of the industry. Produced in the vibrant city of Cairns (Gimuy), hosts Ben Woodward, Lisa Chambers, and Nikki Giumelli invite you on a journey deep into the inner workings, captivating stories and evolving trends of Aussie tourism. Join us as we shine a spotlight on remarkable professionals and enth...

Step into the vibrant world of Australian tourism with Inside Downunder, your passport to the heart of the industry. Produced in the vibrant city of Cairns (Gimuy), hosts Ben Woodward, Lisa Chambers, and Nikki Giumelli invite you on a journey deep into the inner workings, captivating stories and evolving trends of Aussie tourism. Join us as we shine a spotlight on remarkable professionals and enth...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Inside Downunder, the podcast that takes you deep into the heart of the Australian tourism industry. Produced in the vibrant city of Cairns (Gimuy), hosts Ben Woodward, Lisa Chambers and Nikki Giumelli delve into the internal workings, stories and trends of the Aussie tourism industry, spotlighting remarkable professionals & bright-eyed newcomers and celebra...