Talking Tourism - The Podcast for Tourism Operators & Professionals

10/08/2021

New Episode Alert - 101 on How to Open a New Hotel in the Middle of a Pandemic

About:

You've been appointed to your first GM role of a brand new hotel being developed by a local investment group in a regional City.

You're recruiting and appointing staff, and putting the finishing touches on the property getting ready to welcome your first guests..... .when a global pandemic hits, closing borders and bringing your entire customer market to a sudden halt.

This is Kate Bucknell's experience when she was appointed inaugural General Manager of the new Hotel Verge in central Launceston.

Armed with years of experience in hotel sales and management, Kate has had to navigate the completely unchartered waters of opening a brand new 86 room hotel in the middle of the most uncertain circumstances ever experienced by the accommodation sector.

In this episode of Talking Tourism Kate shares her experiences with TICTs Luke Martin - how she appointed and then stood down her staff, delayed opening, and then gradually opened rooms as markets resumed.

This is great listening for anyone in the Tasmanian tourism industry, or in the accommodation sector anywhere.

Available to stream at www.TICT.com.au - or search for Talking Tourism wherever you find your podcasts

28/07/2021

We’ve just dropped a very timely and relevant episode of Talking Tourism recorded this morning and relevat to everyone in Tasmania’s tourism industry.

It's been another disruptive week for everyone in tourism, with the borders shutting to Victoria and New South Wales, and our hopes again turning to the Tasmanian community to get around the State and support our operators and destinations through the latest challenges.

In this context, TICT CEO Luke Martin sat down with Tourism Tasmania's CEO, John Fitzgerald to unpack the roller coaster ride that is tourism in Tasmania in 2021.

John shares his insights on the national outlook. Tourism Tasmania's strategic approach right through COVID. The NZ strategy, and why we should be feeling optimistic about Tasmania's tourism outlook in a new COVID normal.

Listen here, or wherever you find your podcasts.

‎Show Talking Tourism, Ep Talking Tourism Episode 79 - Checking-In with Tourism Tasmania's John Fitzgerald - 27 July 2021

21/05/2021

FRESH NEW EPISODE ALERT!

Winter and the quieter months are the perfect time for all tourism operators to review and update their digital assets.

What are your customers saying about your product? How's your online reputation? Are you using Google Adwords effectively, is it time to refresh your website?

Taihlaura Denman-Francis, from award winning Tasmanian marketing consultancy, Kingthing Marketing, is a digital media guru, who luvvvvs this online stuff.

Taihlaura steps you through in simple practical language some of the effective and affordable things you can do over winter to polish-up and refresh your digital marketing.

This episode is pitched to owner-operator SME tourism businesses wanting a quick and simple run through of the basics you can do from your own computer and at minimal cost.

You can steam this episode directly off the TICT website here: https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

Or search for Talking Tourism wherever you find your podcasts!

02/05/2021

New Episode Alert!

Fresh off the launch of Hobart's first international commercial flight in two-decades, Hobart Airport new CEO, Norris Carter, sat down with Rachel Williams to talk all things aviation.

Norris outlines Tasmania's growing aviation networks out of COVID, the works underway at Hobart Airport to welcome back international flights, and his expectations for the ongoing recovery of air travel across Australia.

Listen here https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

Or search for Talking Tourism wherever you get your podcasts.

25/04/2021

Now live👇

Talking Tourism in the 2021 Tasmanian State Election.

With one week remaining until Tasmanians go to the polls, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO, Luke Martin, sits down with Rachel Williams to talk all things tourism in the election.

Luke outlines TICTs priorities in the election, and the major tourism policies announced so far by both major parties.

How are we tracking as an industry? What are the TICTs priorities through the campaign, and how have our political parties responded so far?

With one week remaining until Tasmanians go to the polls, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO, Luke Martin, sits down with Rachel Williams to talk all things tourism in the election. Luke outlines TICTs priorities in the election, and the major ...

08/03/2021

Fresh episode alert!

Regenerative Tourism. What is it and why does it matter?

Throughout COVID the concept of Regenerative Tourism has gained strength as a guiding principle for the future of tourism in destinations like Tasmania.

Regenerative tourism takes the concept of sustainability in tourism to another level; the idea that visiting a destination should always make a positive contribution to the economic, social and ecological wellbeing of that destination.

Tasmanian Tourism Champion Sarah Lebski sits down with Rachel Williams to explain the concept of Regenerative Tourism and why she believes its central to Tasmania's tourism future.

Sarah is one of Tasmania's leading tourism consultants and thought-leaders, with over three decades experience working with destinations and operators across the State. Sarah is Deputy Chair of Visit Northern Tasmania.

You can listen to Sarah’s conversation with Rachel Williams streaming directly
off the TICT website, or search for “Talking Tourism” wherever you access good podcasts.

18/02/2021

Two of Tasmania's leading tourism gurus, Jake Smith and Sam Denmead share their presentation to the 2020 Tasmanian tourism conference ; 10 Things every Tourism Operator Should Be Doing Right Now as we work our way through COVID.

Sam and Jake's rapid fire 10 key practical tips and insights were down very well at the tourism conference, and really is essential listening for every SME tourism operator.

Get a pencil paper to take notes, and strap yourself in, as Sam and Jake drop some pearlers of wisdom that you immediately start implementing in your business.

Listen to Jake and Sam streaming straight off the TICT website, or search for Talking Tourism wherever you find your podcasts.

About Sam:

Green Hat Tourism's Sam Denmead is one of Tasmania's leading tourism specialists, with experience as an operator, business consultant, marketer and tourism advocate.

Sam works with tourism operators across the State on their produce development and market positioning. She has also served as the Tasmanian Tourism Awards coordinator over the past few years working with some of the industry's leading operators.

About Jake:

Jake Smith recently stepped down as General Manager of the Australian tourism award-winning MACq01 Hotel.

Jake has been with the Federal Group for over 15 years working his way up at Saffire Freycinet and the Henry Jones Art Hotel, before being entrusted as the inaugural General Manager for the opening of MACq01 Hotel.

05/02/2021

Fresh Episode Now Streaming!

Tourism and Tasmania’s climate future.

2020 Tasmanian Australian of the Year, Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas delivered the keynote address at the Hobart-leg of the 2020 Tasmanian tourism conference in November.

One of Australia's leading marine scientists, Jess is a leading researcher shaping Australia's response to climate change and emission reduction.

Jess speaks about Tasmania's climate future; the risks, realities and opportunities. This includes her views on the opportunity for Tasmania to emerge as one of the world's first carbon positive visitor destinations.

Jess talks about the touch points for operators to contribute to carbon reduction and positioning their business and Tasmania as a destination as a global leader in responsible carbon tourism.

Hear Jess on the latest edition of Talking Tourism.

Stream directly off the TICT website at https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

Or search for Talking Tourism wherever you stream your podcasts

19/01/2021

Today’s fresh new episode!

Tassie's own Truffle Superstars! - The Terry Family have helped pioneer the truffle industry in Tasmania

Anna and Henry share their family's story in cultivating a niche industry in Tasmania. Their views on how tourism and agriculture can work better together in Tasmania, and their aspirations for Tasmania's emergence as a culinary destination.

Listen at www.tict.com.au/talkingtourism

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-tourism/id1466182411?i=1000505717711

21/12/2020

Unwrapped today - a special Christmas edition of Talking Tourism!

Deck the halls with bounds of yummy award-winning cheese!

The founder of Bruny Island Cheese Co. & Bruny Island Beer Co., Nick Haddow, is one of the pioneers of Tasmania's burgeoning reputation as a foodie destination.

After working throughout Australia and the world and studying artisan cheese making, Nick settled on Bruny Island to bring some of the purest dairy produce anywhere in the world into outstanding and unique cheese. He is also Chair of the Brand Tasmania Council Tasmanian, responsible for Tasmania's brand development.

Nick shares his story, and what he believes Tasmania must do to elevate our reputation as a foodie destination, and reduce some of the barriers for niche producers to develop their products and markets.

Listen to Nick’s story here https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-tourism/id1466182411 =Buzzsprout-6942815

Or wherever you find your podcasts.

18/11/2020

In our sparkling new Talking Tourism Podcast, Wine Tasmania Wine Queen Sheralee Davies' takes you through the heavy reds and the cheeky characteristics of Tasmania's outstanding wine sector, and its own recovery from COVID.

Sheralee also offer her insights into the future for Wine tourism in Tasmania and the opportunity for the State to be elevated as a wine destination.

Wine Tasmania is the peak industry body for Tasmania's wine industry.

Check out Sherelee’s Podcast streaming from the Talking Tourism website https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

Or wherever you find your good podcasts..

03/11/2020

Freshly cracked - two brand new episodes of Talking Tourism recorded at last week’s Tasmanian Tourism Conference!

In our first episode of Talking Tourism after Tasmania's borders have re-opened to COVID-Safe States, Rachel Williams sits down with the Tom Wootton & Chris Griffin, the Chief Executive's of Tasmania's Northern and North-West Regional Tourism Organisations.

Tom and Chris share their thoughts on Tasmania's tourism recovery out of the COVID, their priorities for drive journeys and growing Tasmania's agritourism potential.

Episode 2 features Sara Barnes outlining her concept of Experiential Tourism.

Sara and her husband, James, are building a business based on the principle of experiential travel - personalised, intimate experiences where visitors feel genuinely connected with places, products and people.

Their tour business, Experiential Tasmania, takes visitors behind the scenes with some of the our leading producers - meeting the makers, sampling the producer and visiting sites not usually available to the general visitor.

Sara's vision is shaped by her background working as a high end tour guide in Tasmania, and interstate, and with uber-premium lifestyle brand, Abercrombie & Kent.

Sara also outlines her aspirations for Tasmania as an experiential tourism, and the opportunities for start-up businesses in a post-COVID visitor market.

Listen to both episodes - and all 65 Talking Tourism episodes - directly off the website here: https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

Or search for “Talking Tourism” wherever you find your podcasts.

30/06/2020

Yesterday we record three fresh new podcast episodes on Tasmanian tourism's recovery from the COVID shut-down.

With Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein indicating Tasmania's border restrictions are expected to be lifted from July 24, TICT CEO Luke Martin sat down with Hobart Airport's Acting CEO, Matt Cocker, to learn more about planning underway to restore Tasmania's aviation access to Pre-COVID levels.

How many flights can we expect from late July? Who will be flying and where to? Where are things at with planning for a direct Trans-Tasman service to New Zealand?

Matt talks through the challenges for his Airport, and Tasmania generally, in restoring our aviation capacity.

With Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein indicating Tasmania's border restrictions are expected to be lifted from July 24, TICT CEO Luke Martin sat down with Hobart Airport's Acting CEO, Matt Cocker, to learn more about planning underway to restore Ta...

17/06/2020

Tourism Tasmania’s research and insights guru, Dr Allison Anderson, takes us through what she has been learning about customer behavior, wants and needs coming out of COVID-19 and how operators might be able to respond in their own business.

Dr Anderson also shares the key insights on recent on the Tasmanian intrastate visitor market, based on research influencing Tourism Tasmania's new Intrastate Marketing Activities.

Listen here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tourism/id1466182411?uo=4

16/06/2020

With tourism businesses across the State gearing up for re-opening, initially for Tasmanian's, and soon for interstate visitors, we thought it would be insightful to hear the lived experience of re-opening for a couple of prominent tourism operators with very different types of businesses.

Chief Operating Officer of RACT Destinations, Andrew Paynter, speaks on the first day of his businesses’ reopening about his team’s journey, why he believes his team is coming out of COVID-19 stronger and more connected and how the business is planning for a busy weekend ahead. RACT Destinations operate some of Tasmania's most iconic visitor experiences, including Freycinet Lodge, Strahan Village, Gordon River Cruises and the Cradle Mountain Hotel.

Tara Howell is Director of Blue Derby Pods Ride, a premium mountain biking experience in Derby. Tara is the Convener of the new Tasmanian Mountain Biking Network, and was recently elected to the TICT Board. Tara talks through how she has expertly managed her marketing and social media during lock-down and is now welcoming Tasmanian's to her business over the next six weeks.

Listen to Andrew and Tara Talking Tourism:

www.buzzsprout.com/318554/4192052

19/05/2020

Fresh new Talking Tourism episodes now available!

Some of our most downloaded COVID podcasts are those featuring the insights and lived experiences of tourism operators and stakeholders working through the different stages of the crisis. In this episode, TICT CEO Luke Martin, sits down with his t...

04/05/2020

This morning we’ve launched four fresh new Talking Tourism conversations recorded yesterday with individuals from very different parts of our visitor economy sharing their experiences COVID-19.

Listen now to conversations with:
- Australian Tourism and travel dynamo, Brett Godfrey
- Tasmania’s Shadow Minister for Tourism, who is also Leader of the Labor Party, Rebecca White MP
- Tourism Tasmania’s resident social media guru, Liza-Jane Sowden
- Operator perspectives with the owners of the award-winning Ashdowns of Dover hosted B&B, and McDermott's Coaches

Tune in now at www.tict.com.au

Or wherever you find your podcasts.

21/04/2020

They’re probably Tasmanian tourism’s best known industry stalwarts, and have each heavily shaped the growth and development of Tasmanian tourism over the past four decades.

TasVacations and Innkeepers Tasmania Managing Director, Ian Rankine; and Pumphouse Point Visionary, Simon Currant, candidly offer their own perspectives on the Covid-19 emergency, the immediate and long term outlook for the Tasmanian tourism industry, and the steps they have taken to secure their own businesses through the crisis.

Simon and ‘Ranks’ sit down with Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO, Luke Martin, in this new Talking Tourism Podcast.

Listen now:
https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

21/04/2020

On Monday 20 April, Tasmania's Premier and Tourism Minister, Peter Gutwein, stepped away briefly from his demanding role overseeing Tasmania's management of the Covid-19 crisis, to speak directly with Tasmanian tourism and hospitality operators about the outlook for our industry.

The Premier speaks candidly about his expectations for when visitor activity could return in the State and border controls lifted; and the need for industry to be geared-up around business safety and 'Covid-readiness'.

This is important listening for every Tasmanian tourism operator and professional.

Thanks to Tourism Tasmania's Amy Hills for speaking with the Premier on our behalf.

On Monday 20 April, Tasmania's Premier and Tourism Minister, Peter Gutwein MP, stepped away briefly from his demanding role overseeing Tasmania's management of the Covid-19 crisis, to speak directly with Tasmanian tourism and hospitality operators...

17/04/2020

On Monday we’ll be recording our next series of special COVID-19 Talking Tourism - The Podcast for Tourism Operators & Professionals episodes.

We’re inviting our business and finance gurus, Andrew and Rob, from Collins SBA back on to answer the Frequently Asked Questions about Job Keeper and the other State and Federal Government support packages.

Got a burning question about any of the support packages you still haven’t quite been able to find the answer for? Chances are you’re not alone.

Post them below, or send us a DM, and we’ll have them answered for you on Monday’s episode.

09/04/2020

Mark Bowles from the Tasmanian Government’s Business Tasmania Team, sits down with TICT CEO Luke Martin to walk listeners through the Tasmanian Government’s grants, no interest loans and other concessions to support businesses through the COVID-19 crisis.

Good listening for any operator trying to make sense of the different packages being made available by the Tasmanian Government.
Visit www.business.tas.gov.au for all the details and to apply.

TICT CEO, Luke Martin, sits down with Mark Bowles from the Tasmanian Government's Department of State Growth, to talk through the package of grants, loans and concessions the Tasmanian Government is making available now for businesses impacted by ...

07/04/2020

Join Coal River Farm Operator and Tourism Industry Council Tasmania Chairman Daniel Leesong, and the First Lady of Tasmanian Hospitality, Stillwater Restaurant Co-Owner, Kim Seagram AM, for a conversation about business resilience and innovation in the face of Covid-19.

Daniel and Kim share their thoughts on the immediate future for the industry, the outlook for Tasmanian tourism, and the measures they have undertaken in their own businesses to weather the storm.

Listen to a Covid-19 special Talking Tourism with Kim Seagram and Daniel Leesong on the TICT Website here https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

Or wherever you access good podcasts.

07/04/2020

Talking Tourism COVID-19 Podcasts Now Live

Yesterday TICT recorded four fresh new 'Talking Tourism' Podcasts on key issues and questions coming from the Tasmanian tourism industry on the COVID-19 crisis.

The episodes feature conversations with experts and industry leaders on some of the pressing issues all tourism operators are dealing with in responding to the current crisis conditions, and questions about government support and assistance.

We encourage you to take the time over coming days to listen-in. They're FREE, easy to stream and the conversations are all from the perspective of small and medium sized tourism operators.

Today's New Talking Tourism COVID-19 Podcasts:

Tourism Tasmania CEO, John Fitzgerald, provides an industry update on the response to the crisis, assistance being made available, and planning underway for our eventual recovery.

Andrew Pearce from leading Tasmanian Accounting and Business Advisers, Collins SBA, answers industry questions about the Australian Government's 'Job Keeper' Wage Subsidy

Mark Bowles from the Department of State Growth steps listeners through the Tasmanian Government's grants, loans and other assistance for businesses disrupted by COVID-19

Industry Leaders Daniel Leesong and Kim Seagram AM, share their thoughts on the tourism response to COVID-19, along with the changes they have made in their own businesses to get through the crisis.

How to listen:
• You can stream the Podcasts directly off the TICT website now
• Apple iOS users can listen on their device here. (Please note Apple takes a few hours to update their services)
• Spotify users can listen here.
• Or wherever you get your podcasts, search for 'Talking Tourism'

Do you have some industry colleagues that are maybe not regular Podcast listeners? Give them a nudge to give these a go. They're packed with useful information and insights relevant to everyone in the industry right now.

Special thank you to the Tasmanian Government for sponsoring this series of podcasts. Amy Hills for hosting, and Caleb Miller from MAC 40 Music for production.

We are aiming to release a series of new podcasts every fortnight through the COVID-19 crisis on issues and updates relevant to all operators.

Have any ideas for topics, speakers, or questions you want answered? Email us your suggestions.

https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

23/03/2020

Yesterday Tourism Industry Council Tasmania and Tourism Tasmania recorded a series of Talking Tourism podcasts especially for Tasmanian tourism operators on the current COVID-19 crisis.

The podcasts cover highly topical and relevant issues all tourism operators are grappling with:

- The tourism outlook and industry response
- Business support and accessing the stimulus packages
- Industrial Relations and managing your employees
- Managing your mental well-being

We urge you to access the podcasts for very up to date and relevant information for you and your business.

In this episode Tasmanian Tourism Champion and self employed accommodation operator, David Reed, sits down with Rob Cameron and Andrew Pearce from Collins SBA to talk all things business continuity, finance and the State and Federal Government’s business support packages.

Collins SBA are a Tasmanian accounting, business and financial advice firm, who specialise in working with small and medium tourism businesses. Rob and Cameron are advising dozens of tourism and hospitality businesses through the current crisis.

This is essential listening for any small business or self-employed tourism operator trying to navigate these uncertain waters, to be able to come out the other sides

You can listen to David, Andrew and Rob by streaming directly off the TICT Talking Tourism Website here: https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

On your iOS device through Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-tourism/id1466182411

Through Spotify Podcasts here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KEO59u4kt7Z74gkNykB5T?si=SLOB-EIJT86BI9_kWHu9Qw

Or wherever you find your great podcasts.

Thanks to all for helping to bring this together so quickly.

23/03/2020

Yesterday Tourism Industry Council Tasmania and Tourism Tasmania recorded a series of Talking Tourism podcasts especially for Tasmanian tourism operators on the current COVID-19 crisis.

The podcasts cover highly topical and relevant issues all tourism operators are grappling with:

- The tourism outlook and industry response
- Business support and accessing the stimulus packages
- Industrial Relations and managing your employees
- Managing your mental well-being

We urge you to access the podcasts for very up to date and relevant information for you and your business.

The first one we’re releasing this morning features Tourism Tasmania’s Amy Hills speaking with Tourism Tasmania CEO John Fitzgerald, and TICT CEO, Luke Martin.

John and Luke share the latest industry strategies, the immediate government and industry support available, and some insights into the planning already underway on our eventual recovery.

You can listen to John and Luke by streaming directly off the TICT Talking Tourism Website here: https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

On your iOS device through Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-tourism/id1466182411

Through Spotify Podcasts here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KEO59u4kt7Z74gkNykB5T?si=SLOB-EIJT86BI9_kWHu9Qw

Or wherever you find your great podcasts.

Thanks to Amy, John, and Caleb Alan Miller for helping to bring this together so quickly.

10/03/2020

He's one of Tasmania's favourite sons, and has been officially recognised as an Australian tourism legend.

Rob Pennicott and his family, along with their team of dedicated Tasmanian staff, have over 20 years transformed their love of the sea and Tasmania's coastline into one of Australia's most awarded and celebrated tourism empires.

In our latest Talking Tourism Episode 'Champion Tales', Rob sits down with David Reed to share his story, and his widely successful approach to immersive visitor experiences.

Rob is his typical inspiring, honest, funny, insightful and charming self in this must-listening for anyone who loves a good yarn about great tourism, bold entrepreneurs and successful start-up businesses.

Talking Tourism - Champion Tales with the legendary Robert Pennicott.

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Listen to Talking Tourism live now directly off the TICT website https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

Or your AppleDevice here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-tourism/id1466182411

Or through Spotify Podcasts here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KEO59u4kt7Z74gkNykB5T?si=SLOB-EIJT86BI9_kWHu9Qw

26/02/2020

The big scary world of inbound tourism:

Distribution. Commissions. Inbound Tour Operators, Wholesalers. OTAs. ATEC. ATE....

What do all these terms mean? Where do you start in navigating the complex but lucrative world of inbound tourist trade?

Karen Fraser is Tasmania's most experienced inbound tourism guru, who has been working in the tourism trade market for over 30 years. Karen knows her stuff, and explains it in a simple, digestable and engaging manner.

Karen sits down with our Sam Denmead in today's fresh new Talking Tourism Episode to explain the basic of inbound tourism to Tasmania, and how any operator can start engaging in the tourist trade market.

Talking Tourism with Karen Fraser can be streamed directly off the TICT website here: https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

Through Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KEO59u4kt7Z74gkNykB5T?si=SLOB-EIJT86BI9_kWHu9Qw

Or off your Apple iOS device here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-tourism/id1466182411

Talking Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Industry Council Tasmania - the peak body for Tasmania's world leading tourism industry.

28/01/2020

Ever wondered why some tourism businesses so are successful at attracting media, and others aren’t?

In today's fresh new Talking Tourism episode, host Sam Denmead, speaks with journalist and author Alice Hansen about all the ways you can find your story and pitch it to the media the right way to get noticed.

We also discuss the future of the 'Press Release' and whether or not this is the way to go to get your business noticed.

Alice is the founder of Tailored Tasmania, a launch pad for exploring the island like a local. The book and sister website has become a trusted Tasmanian voice, packed with secrets on the best places to eat, play, shop and stay. The curated content brims with tourist trails less traveled.

Alice has contributed to magazines including Gourmet Traveller, Peppermint Magazine, Luxury Travel, Audi Magazine, Australian Traveller, Herald Sun, Jetstar, Italian Vogue and the national Escape travel lift-out.

This is essential listening for any operator wanting to enter the world of tourism PR and influencers....

You can listed to our Talking Tourism Podcast with Alice Hansen by streaming directly off our website: https://tict.com.au/talking-tourism/

Or by streaming off Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-tourism/id1466182411

Or Spotify Podcasts here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KEO59u4kt7Z74gkNykB5T?si=SLOB-EIJT86BI9_kWHu9Qw