070 Navigating the Path to Sustainable Tourism with Corinne Lewis

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 enlightening episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with Lewis from Ecotourism Australia to discuss the vital intersection of agritourism and sustainable practices. Corinne shares her experiences from the recent Australian Regional Tourism conference, highlighting the inspiring stories of local farmers who are blending their agricultural roots with tourism, all while navigating the unique challenges of this evolving sector.

Listeners will gain insights into the certification process offered by Ecotourism Australia, which helps operators understand their sustainability journey through a structured scorecard system. Corinne emphasises the importance of not just achieving certification but also effectively communicating these sustainable practices to potential travellers. She encourages operators to showcase their commitment to sustainability and community engagement, reinforcing that it’s not merely about having a certificate, but about embodying these values in every aspect of their business.

As the conversation unfolds, the episode explores the growing demand for authentic travel experiences and the role of local communities in shaping these offerings. Corinne’s passion for supporting both small operators and larger hotel chains in their sustainability efforts shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the tourism industry looking to innovate and thrive.

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!

Connect with Corinne Lewis:

Website: Eco Tourism Australia

LinkedIn: Corinne Lewis

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 engaged, stay sustainable, and remember to share your journey with the world!