The Tourism Hub Podcast
The business podcast for Australian tourism.
For anyone whose business does better when visitors come to town, from operators, accommodation and cafés to wineries, venues, events, retailers, councils and tourism bodies. Hosted by Despina Karatzias, founder of the Institute of Excellence.
Listened to in 60+ countries · On air since 2016 · Hosted by Despina Karatzias
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Driving Regional Tourism Through Technology, Data, and Innovation with Gary Fog
In this episode, recorded live at the Australian Regional Tourism Convention in Adelaide, Despina Karatzias sits down with Gary Fog of Bookeasy to talk technology, distribution and the visitor economy. Gary shares his 20-plus years across commercial tourism, from the…
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Three recent episodes that show what the show is about.
All episodes
Driving Regional Tourism Through Technology, Data, and Innovation with Gary Fog
Measuring What Matters, The Data Story with Dave Hockly
Building a Business Under the Stars with Kelly Kuhn
The Future of Accessible Tourism with Vacayit
Bridging the Gap: Tourism, Agriculture and Community
THRIVE 2030, Australian MotoGP and Building What You Actually Own
Planning 2026: Here's What 2025 Actually Revealed
Eventfolk: Building a Collective Voice for Regional and Rural Events
Governance and the AICD Advantage with Greg Ewing
Why Tourism Is a Career Worth Choosing with Lucy Dewhurst
What AI Can and Can't Do for your Tourism Business
CTRL+ALT+DELETE: AI, Algorithms & the Attention Economy
Social Value of Regional Events with Linda Tillman
Reset. Realign. Reignite for Financial Year 25/26
The Social Impact of Tourism with Dana Ronan
The Power Of Your NETwork
Building Tourism Networks Across Australia: Melissa Souter Robertson’s ART Convention Experience
Navigating Seasonality in Tourism Business Operations
Navigating the Path to Sustainable Tourism with Corinne Lewis
From Crocodile Dundee to White Lotus: How Film Tourism Is Reshaping Travel Trends
Rethinking Innovation in Tourism – From Complexity to Connection
Accelerate Action – Frida Kahlo, Women & Business in Motion
Sustainable Growth: How Agritourism is Transforming Australia's Food and Tourism Sectors
Unlocking Melbourne's Visitor Economy with Experience Melbourne 2028
Innovating Tourism: Travel, Tech, and Transformation with Hamish Fell
Crisis 101: Building Resilience for Uncertain Times
Revolutionising Regional Tourism Marketing with Hannah Statham
Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025 Part 7 - Investing in Yourself and Your Business: Budgeting for Growth
Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025 Part 6 - Beyond Social Media: Diversifying Marketing Channels
New Year, New Questolutions: 12 Powerful Questions to Reflect, Recharge, and Reignite
Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025 Part 5 - Customer Loyalty Over Acquisition: Retaining Your Best Customers Through Personalisation and Relationship Management
Magical Sunset Dreams: Greek Island Luxury Sailing Experiences with Maria Tsalkos
Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025 Part 4 - Digital Accessibility: Inclusive Marketing for All
Building Resilience and Setting Records: Queensland's Tourism Journey
Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025 Part 3: Digital-First Strategies - Essential Tools and Tactics
Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025 Part 2: Branding vs. Marketing - Getting Your Messaging Right
Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025 Part 1: Building a Strong Marketing Plan
Crisis Preparedness in the Tourism Industry
Boosting Marketing and Business Efficiencies Using AI – Meet DespinAI
The Evolving Experience Economy in Australia and New Zealand
Highlights from the WTTC Global Summit: Conversations with ICF's Top Aviation and Tourism Experts
Visitor Servicing 2.0: Bridging Online and In-Person Experiences
Throwback to ARTful Conversations from the Australian Regional Tourism Convention
Green and Growing with David Barry from Green Pedal Cycles
Vale Dr Joanne Pyke: A Tribute to a Tourism Leader
The Sparrowly Effect: Building A Better Visitor Economy with Giovanna Lever
The Digital Economy Dilemma: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Cost of Content
Crafting Success: Brewing and Business Strategies with Sarah Poole
Building a Quality Tourism Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Excellence
Focus on Vision: The Eyewear Architects Story
The Future of SEO: Navigating Traditional Search and AI-Driven Models
Family Tourism Business Success with Torie Mackinnon of Moonraker Dolphin Swims
Tourism and Accessibility: Challenge-Based Learning Insights from Curtin University
Creating Sustainable Tourism Experiences With Nic Cooper of Wild Adventures Melbourne
Keep the Fire Burning: NAIDOC Week Inspirations and Business Inspiration for Your Tourism Business
The Cambium Experience: Transforming Business Retreats with Sally Marasco
From Hiatus to Highlights: The Return of the Tourism Hub Podcast032
Igniting Smart Marketing for 2025 Part 7 - Investing in Yourself and Your Business: Budgeting for Growth
Exploring Travelpreneurship with Lauren Bath in the Age of the Gig Economy
Lessons in Collaboration From the Most Important Transnational Tourism Route of The 21st Century
Building Psychological Wellbeing
Do’s and Don’ts of Influencer Marketing for Tourism
Financial Intelligence and Keeping the Lights on for Tourism, Events and Entertainment Business
Digital Digest - Making a Comeback
Tourism in Distress, The Good, Bad, and the Unique Opportunities Ahead
Hidden Secrets to the Business of Tourism, Leadership and Stepping Up
Transform Your Small Business to a Smart Tourism Business
How New Zealand Tour Operator, Take it Easy Tours has Thrived Through COVID
Managing Your Mental Health and Motivation (with Dr Nasrin Parsianie)
Pursuing Passion Projects with Purpose
Smart Tourism Marketing Systems to Grow Your Business (with Fabienne Wintle)
Making the Most of Losing Clients due to COVID (with Nayaz Noor)
ISOlation INSPOration (with Sarah Seddon and Heidi Victoria)
The Values of Artelia Jewellery (with Maria Ulas)
The Global Ballooning Experience (with Kiff Saunders)
MacKenzie Quarters (with Rhianwen Seiter)
Gold Mine Bendigo (Evonne Oxenham)
Bendigo Tramways (with Daniel Rutherfurd)
Christmas All Year (with Amanda Ralph)
Building Industry Greatness (with Lakshmi Cashmore)
Celebrating a Legendary Career in Visitor Services (with Elizabeth Curtain)
How to Build a Business and Look After You (with Jo Surkitt)
Interview with an Experience Maker from Peninsula Hot Springs (with Charles Davidson)
Hashtag 101 for Tourism
Visitors, Values and VTIC (with Adrian Byrt)
Confessions of a Start Up: Launching a New Website and Business
Going Pro with Your Smart Phone Photography (with Mike James)
Transitioning from CEO of ATDW to Chief Entrepreneur of TourismTribe (with Liz Ward)
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Common questions
Who is the podcast for?
The Tourism Hub Podcast is the business podcast for Australia’s visitor economy. It’s for anyone whose business does better when visitors come to town: tourism operators, accommodation, cafés and restaurants, wineries, venues, event organisers, retailers, and the councils and tourism bodies who support them.
Hosted by Despina Karatzias, founder of the Institute of Excellence, each episode looks at what’s changing, what we can act on, and how to respond with clarity. Expect practical insights on digital performance, AI, customer behaviour and business strategy, alongside candid conversations with operators and industry leaders.
The focus is on better decisions, stronger visibility and businesses that perform.
How often do new episodes come out?
New episodes are released regularly. Follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube so you never miss one.
How can I be a guest?
If you have practical experience or insight to share with Australia’s visitor economy, get in touch through the contact page with a short outline of your idea. Go to the contact page.