In this empowering episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias explores the transformative power of intentional networking. Drawing from her own journey in the tourism industry, Despina shares a unique framework she calls "Net," designed to help listeners connect more strategically and purposefully. She reflects on her recent speaking engagement at the City of Monash and Eastern Innovation Business Centre, where she inspired a group of women entrepreneurs to elevate their networking game.

Listeners will discover the three essential steps of the Net framework: narrowing your focus to identify key connections, engaging digitally to maintain relationships, and trading value first to foster genuine connections. Despina emphasises that networking is not merely about collecting contacts but about weaving meaningful relationships that can lead to opportunities and collaborations.

With insightful anecdotes and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their networking skills and build a supportive community. Tune in and learn how to cast your net with intention, creating connections that truly matter.

00:00 - Welcome back to the Tourism Club podcast

01:05 - Networking is foundational to business, yet often misunderstood

02:47 - Networking is about purposeful, intentional and strategic networking

10:44 - E is for engaging digitally. This is where most people drop the ball in networking

14:35 - Trade value first. The golden rule. Networking isn't about what you can get

16:41 - Your network is your net worth, according to the classic networking quote

17:33 - Building a network is all about authenticity, not charisma

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Website: Institute of Excellence
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Stay connected, stay intentional, and remember to share your networking journey with the world!

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.

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence
LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias
Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast

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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!

In this insightful episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias dives deep into the crucial topic of seasonality in tourism, exploring how it can be both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses. Drawing from her own experiences in the hot air balloon industry, Despina shares valuable strategies on how small businesses can effectively manage seasonal fluctuations and thrive throughout the year.

Listeners will learn the importance of understanding and anticipating seasonal trends by analysing data and booking patterns, enabling them to make informed decisions about staffing, promotions, and marketing. Despina emphasises the power of diversifying offerings, encouraging operators to think creatively and extend their services to cater to different audiences during off-peak times.

The episode also highlights the significance of targeting shoulder season visitors, building loyalty programmes, and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Collaboration within the local business community is underscored as a key strategy to enhance visibility and value, while planning off-season events and promotions is presented as a fun and effective way to attract visitors year-round.

With inspiring examples and actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for tourism professionals eager to adapt and innovate in the face of seasonal challenges. Tune in and ignite your passion for excellence in the tourism industry!

00:00 - Seasonality, one of the most important features of tourism demand
02:46 - Understanding and anticipating your seasonal trends is a powerful business strategy
05:27 - Building loyal and reward programmes can help you attract loyal customers
06:28 - Use technology to maximise high season and soften dips during low season
09:55 - This is the 71st episode of the Tourism Hub podcastConnect with

Article: 6 Seasonal Strategies For Small Businesses in 2025

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence
LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias
Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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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!

In this enlightening episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with ne Lewis from Ecotourism Australia to discuss the vital intersection of agritourism and sustainable practices. Corinne shares her experiences from the recent ART 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.

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence
LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias
Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast

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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!

In this engaging episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias uncovers the transformative power of film tourism and its profound impact on travel destinations. Despina takes listeners on a journey from the iconic Crocodile Dundee to the modern-day phenomenon of Mamma Mia and the critically acclaimed series The White Lotus, exploring how these cultural touchstones have shaped travel trends and influenced tourism in their respective locations.

Delving into the concept of discoverability, Despina highlights the role of digitisation and convergence in making destinations more accessible to potential visitors. She discusses the Mamma Mia effect on Greek tourism, illustrating how the film turned the islands of Skopelos and Skiathos into must-visit spots for fans of the musical. Similarly, she examines the surge in interest for locations featured in The White Lotus, showcasing the importance of strategic marketing by tourism boards to capitalise on this momentum.

However, the episode also serves as a cautionary tale, reflecting on the environmental consequences of over-tourism as illustrated by the impact of the film The Beach on Thailand's Maya Bay. Despina emphasises the need for responsible tourism practices to ensure that the excitement generated by film tourism does not come at the cost of ecological sustainability.

Listeners are encouraged to find their own 'Mamma Mia' moments, leveraging the power of storytelling and digital platforms to promote their unique destinations. Despina provides actionable takeaways for tourism professionals, urging them to embrace creativity, optimise discoverability, and plan for sustainability in their marketing strategies.

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence
LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias
Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

Stay inspired, stay innovative, and remember to share your story with the world!

In this thought-provoking episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias explores the evolution of tourism and the complex interplay between technology and societal change. Despina delves into the concept of systems thinking, urging listeners to look beyond superficial solutions to understand the deeper dynamics at play in the tourism industry. She challenges the notion that technology alone drives change, introducing three critical frameworks: technological determinism, the social construction of technology, and actor-network theory. Each perspective offers a unique lens through which to examine how innovation is perceived and implemented within the tourism sector.

Listeners will gain practical strategies to audit their own innovation stories, map their networks, and challenge deterministic views of technology. Despina emphasises the importance of long-term thinking in shaping sustainable tourism practices that benefit communities and environments alike. This episode is a clarion call for tourism professionals to embrace their role as innovators, shaping the future of the industry with intention and purpose.

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence
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Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

Stay curious, stay connected, and keep creating and innovating with purpose!

In this empowering episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias dives into the legacy of the iconic Frida Kahlo, exploring how her life and art can inspire bold action in the tourism industry. As we celebrated International Women's Day, Despina reflects on Frida's resilience and creativity, sharing insights on how we can channel her spirit to elevate our own businesses and experiences.

Despina discusses Frida's journey through pain and adversity, highlighting her ability to transform suffering into powerful self-expression. She draws parallels between Frida's artistic legacy and the challenges faced by today's entrepreneurs, urging listeners to embrace action and defy societal expectations. The episode features compelling stories of other trailblazing women, such as Amelia Earhart, Madame C.J. Walker, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, each of whom exemplified the courage to act and make their mark on history.

Listeners will discover five fearless strategies to accelerate action in their own ventures, from storytelling in sales to creating unforgettable customer experiences. Despina emphasises the importance of not waiting for the perfect moment but seizing the present to drive change and innovation. This episode is a call to action for anyone in the tourism sector seeking to ignite their passion and create a lasting impact.

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence
LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias
Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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Facebook: Institute of Excellence | Tourism Hub Podcast

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Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

In this captivating episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias welcomes the inspiring Rose Wright from Regionality to explore the burgeoning field of agritourism in Australia. Fresh from the inaugural Agritourism Forum for Tourism Australia, Rose shares her journey and insights into how agritourism is transforming the landscape for farmers and rural communities.

Rose delves into the evolution of agritourism, a movement she has championed for over 20 years, highlighting the significant shift towards recognising its value. She discusses the critical role of agritourism in creating value chains that benefit farmers, allowing them to innovate and diversify their offerings. With a focus on education, business planning, and strategic development, Rose emphasises the importance of regulatory changes to support farmers in creating sustainable and profitable ventures.

The episode features compelling case studies, such as the story of Rich Glen Olive Estate, illustrating how agritourism can drive economic development and enhance community engagement. Rose also touches on the importance of local food systems and the potential for food tourism to become a key component of regional economies.

Tune in to discover how agritourism is paving the way for a more resilient and vibrant future for Australia's farming communities, and learn about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

01:49 Regionality Consultancy for Agriculture, Food and Tourism

08:49 Regulation and legislation make it difficult for individual farmers to do certain things

17:44 Connecting Agriculture and Tourism Together

21:51 Queensland needs an agri tourism planning policy for food tourism

27:16 Food tourism has brought fresh, local, seasonal food to the consumer

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence

LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias

Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

Stay passionate, stay excellent, and keep your fire burning!