Tourism Hub Podcast with Despina Karatzias

In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias delves into the critical importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for businesses in 2024 and beyond. Despina shares her personal journey of elevating the Institute of Excellence's content through a search engine optimised lens, focusing on marketing, driving traffic, brand awareness, and educational experiences. Despina discu...

In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with Torie from Moonraker Dolphin Swims to discuss the fascinating journey of running a family-owned marine tourism business on the Mornington Peninsula. Torie shares the origins of Moonraker, started by her parents in 1990, and how she grew up immersed in the business, making it her own. They delve into the importance of...

In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias reflects on her transformative experience at the Curtin University Accessibility Challenge in Perth. Despina shares her journey of pursuing a Master's degree in Digital and Social Media at Curtin and how this challenge has deepened her understanding of accessibility in the tourism industry. Despina discusses the importance of viewi...

In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with Nic Cooper, the founder of Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM). Nic shares his fascinating journey from growing up in a bed and breakfast in England to establishing his own eco-adventure business on the Mornington Peninsula. Discover how Nic's childhood experiences and passion for nature led him to create a tourism busin...

In this special episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias celebrates NAIDOC Week, a time to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Despina reflects on her own journey, marking ten years since the inception of the Institute of Excellence. She shares invaluable lessons learned over the past decade, offering insights to help yo...

In this episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias welcomes Sally, the visionary behind The Cambium, a unique conference and event space on the Mornington Peninsula. Sally shares her inspiring journey from working with big brands like Red Bull in London to creating a sanctuary for growth and change at The Cambium. Discover how Sally's passion for the environment and her background...

In this comeback episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias reflects on her journey and the hiatus since 2020. Despina shares the internal struggles and the drive to reignite her passion project, which connects her to influential figures in tourism, events, and hospitality. She discusses the importance of following through on personal promises, the exhilaration of meeting new peopl...

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,...

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. A...

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...

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 worki...

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 acc...

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. Follow us on social media for updates Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast | Despina Ka...

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 CO...

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...

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 targ...

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 t...

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 ow...

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...

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 i...

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 a...

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.a...

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 ove...

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: Be...

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...