072 Building Tourism Networks Across Australia: Melissa Souter Robertson’s ART Convention Experience
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This episode is brought to you by the Australian Regional Tourism (ART) Network recorded live at the ART 2024 Convention in Mackay, a dynamic gathering of regional tourism leaders and innovators.
Australian Regional Tourism (ART) is the peak body representing regional tourism practitioners, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation to drive sustainable growth in regional destinations. We’re also excited to share details about the 2025 Australian Regional Tourism Convention (ARTC), which will be held in the stunning Adelaide Hills from October 14–17, 2025. Hosted in the historic German town of Hahndorf, the event will offer an inspiring blend of world-class cellar door experiences, pristine nature, and agritourism gems. It’s the perfect opportunity for tourism professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and shape the future of regional tourism.
In this vibrant episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias chats with Melissa Souter-Robertson from the Shire of Collie, WA, as they discuss her experiences at the recent ART convention in Mackay. Melissa shares her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the inspiring speakers and invaluable insights gained from the agritourism conference, which has sparked her interest in implementing similar initiatives in her region.
Listeners will discover the unique features of Collie, a picturesque town located just two and a half hours south of Perth, known for its stunning bushland, converted lakes, and extensive trail networks. Melissa elaborates on the town’s transformation into an official trail town, boasting over 160 kilometres of mountain biking, hiking, and horse riding trails, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
The conversation also delves into the importance of networking within the tourism industry, as Melissa reflects on the connections made during the convention and the wealth of knowledge shared among peers. She emphasises the value of collaboration and support among tourism professionals, encouraging listeners to embrace these opportunities for growth and innovation.
As Melissa prepares to explore the local mountain biking trails and national parks, she expresses her excitement to return to Collie with fresh ideas and insights to share with her team. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their tourism offerings and foster community connections.
SAVE THE DATE for the 2025 Australian Regional Tourism Convention
Don’t forget to save the date for the 2025 Australian Regional Tourism Convention, October 14–17 in the stunning Adelaide Hills. Despina will be there for the fourth consecutive year, capturing content and all the gold nuggets from the convention including live broadcast interviews across the Australian Regional Tourism Network Facebook and Linked In Pages. Who knows, you could be the next guest sharing your insights on regional tourism. If you are a tourism professional working in the Australian regional tourism industry this is a convention you want to add to your budget and don’t want to miss. I look forward to seeing you in 2025, and don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform, to tune in to monthly Australian Regional Tourism ARTful Chats!
01:00 – Introduction to Melissa Souter Robertson
03:15 – Key Takeaways from the ART Convention
06:45 – The Unique Features of Collie, WA
10:30 – Collie’s Transformation into a Trail Town
15:00 – The Importance of Networking in Tourism
20:20 – Exploring Local Trails and Future Plans
Connect With Melissa Souter-Robertson:
LinkedIn: Melissa Soute-Robertson
Website: https://www.collie.wa.gov.au/
Connect with Despina Karatzias:
Website: Institute of Excellence
LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias
Instagram: @despinakaratzias
Follow us on social media for updates:
Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast
Instagram: @instituteofexcellencehq | @tourismhubpodcast | @despinakaratzias
YouTube: Institute of Excellence | Despina Karatzias
Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.
Stay inspired, stay connected, and remember to share your tourism journey with the world!
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