Shows
Inside DownunderTalking Tourism & The Tropics with Mark OlsenIn this episode of Inside Downunder, we sit down with Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), for a relaxed and insightful conversation about his tourism industry journey from studying in regional Queensland to leading one of Australia’s most respected destination marketing organisations. Mark shares some of the defining moments and mentors that have shaped his leadership style and we chat about what it means to lead with purpose in a region where tourism is deeply connected to community and culture.We also dive into the Lifetime of Greatness project, a global movement...2025-07-171h 00Inside DownunderATE – Bonus Episode “Please move to your next appointment”!The ATE Bonus edition “Please move to your next appointment” is here….filled with tradeshow floor interviews and a special highlight with the new gAyTE Queen of Queensland Monsoon Mossy, AKA Jason Heffernan! Join Ben, Lisa, Nikki and Brian as they take breaks between appointments and at a very happy happy hour to chat with industry legends including Peta Zietsch, Taryn Welsh, Tony Bridgewater, Kate Shilling, Jill Abel, Joel Katz & more! We have to give a big shout out to our very first sponsor Book Me! Thanks so much to Greg and team for supporting our pod...2025-05-3147 minInside DownunderBonus Banter: Ready for gAyTE??Get ready for our cheeky, behind-the-scenes BONUS episode of Inside Downunder just in time for ATE! Recorded out of studio at the Destination Australia Conference, this laidback ep features a fabulous chat with Dingo Hampel (aka Barbara Mitzvah, last year’s Queen of Victoria at gAyTE), plus a heartfelt conversation with Mark Abercromby and his daughter Kate Marinovich from A & A Travel Services. We wrap with highlights from ATEC’s “Get Ready for ATE25” webinar, thanks to Cairns Adventure Group’s Lisa Chambers and ATEC’s Dave Atherton. Don’t forget...2025-04-1638 minInside DownunderBonus Banter: Ready for gAyTE?Get ready for our cheeky, behind-the-scenes BONUS episode of Inside Downunder just in time for ATE! Recorded out of studio at the Destination Australia Conference, this laidback ep features a fabulous chat with Dingo Hampel (aka Barbara Mitzvah, last year’s Queen of Victoria at gAyTE), plus a heartfelt conversation with Mark Abercromby and his daughter Kate Marinovich from A & A Travel Services. We wrap with highlights from ATEC’s “Get Ready for ATE25” webinar, thanks to Cairns Adventure Group’s Lisa Chambers and ATEC’s Dave Atherton. Don’t forget...2025-04-1659 minInside DownunderAll Aboard with James Coughlan!Welcome aboard! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of cruise tourism in Australia with none other than James Coughlan, the Managing Director & Founder of Shorex Australia. With 25 years of experience in the cruise industry, James is a true expert in inbound cruise tourism and has played a key role in shaping shore excursion experiences across the country. Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges in Australia’s cruise industry, from must-visit destinations to the evolving trends shaping the future of cruising and the guest experience. But it’s not just busin...2025-03-0957 minInside DownunderJingle Bells and Ho Ho Holiday Chats with Industry in North America!Every podcast needs a Christmas episode right? No need to get your sleigh bells in a knot, we have you covered with special guest Brian Hennesy visiting the studio to take over the reigns for this very festive edition. That’s right, Brian is back and has been newly anointed as our “Foreign Correspondent” – in this episode he not only asks the questions of Ben, Nikki and Chambers but also takes his mic on the road all the way to North America.This episode includes some chats from across the Globe with much loved industry legends who are...2024-12-191h 01Inside Downunder“Happiness, Good Health, Friendship & Long Life with WA Skålleagues Ash Munn & Michael Collins”This episode is all about the Western state of our beautiful country where we chat with tourism legends Ash Munn and Michael Collins. We explore all the wonderful opportunities and some of the challenges of the tourism landscape in WA and leave no icon of the state unmentioned, you can be sure of quokka, WACA and wine stories aplenty! Both Ash and Michael are leaders within the Skål community in Australia, with Ash serving as the current National President and Michael as the President of Perth. If you are a Skålleague, enjoy some robust conversation about the vi...2024-11-0455 min
Inside Downunder“Revelations and Reflections with Ron and Robbie”In Episode 5, we sit down with tourism legends and all-around larrikins, Ron Livingston and Robbie Bastion. With decades of experience in inbound tourism and the travel trade, these cherished industry figures bring a treasure trove of stories from the days before the internet and the Euro, when tourism was an adventure fuelled by friendships and genuine connections. Their light-hearted charm and wealth of experience infuse this episode with vibrant energy and intel, making their reflections not just interesting, but truly captivating. As passionate advocates for selling Australia, Ron and Robbie skilfully weave tales that capture the spirit of this...2024-09-2556 min
Inside Downunder“Keepy Uppying With Kim McConnie” Group Executive Marketing at Tourism & Events QueenslandIn Episode 4, we delve into the wonderful world of destination marketing, sports, creativity and QLD’s new “Bluey’s World For Real Life” with guest Kim McConnie. We discuss Kim’s career journey from the wonderful world of international sports to leadership and marketing at Tourism and Events Queensland and enjoy banter-filled discussions around the impact and opportunities of the Olympic Games, the importance of events and the outlook for destination marketing in the future.We’d love it if you connect with us on our socials and join in on conversations with tourism industry legends:Instagram...2024-08-2451 min
Inside Downunder“Keepy Uppying With Kim McConnie” Group Executive Marketing at Tourism & Events Queensland. Step into the vibrant world of Australian tourism with Inside Downunder, your passport to the heart of the industry. Produced in the vibrant city of Cairns (Gimuy), hosts Ben Woodward, Lisa Chambers, and Nikki Giumelli invite you on a journey deep into the inner workings, captivating stories and evolving trends of Aussie tourism. Join us as we shine a spotlight on remarkable professionals and enthusiastic newcomers, celebrating their dedication to crafting unforgettable experiences for visitors to Oz!In Episode 4, we delve into the wonderful world of destination marketing, sports, creativity and QLD’s new “Bluey’s World For Re...2024-08-1851 min
Inside Downunder“Trailblazing & Tourism” edition with special guest John O’Sullivan (JOS) Chief Executive and Executive Director of Experience Co. Step into the vibrant world of Australian tourism with Inside Downunder, your passport to the heart of the industry. Produced in the vibrant city of Cairns (Gimuy), hosts Ben Woodward, Lisa Chambers, and Nikki Giumelli invite you on a journey deep into the inner workings, captivating stories and evolving trends of Aussie tourism. Join us as we shine a spotlight on remarkable professionals and enthusiastic newcomers, celebrating their dedication to crafting unforgettable experiences for visitors to Oz!In Episode 3, we delve into the stellar career of JOS – doesn’t require much of an introduction as he is well...2024-07-0851 minInside Downunder“Let’s Talk Marketing” edition with special guest Susan Coghill, CMO at Tourism AustraliaStep into the vibrant world of Australian tourism with Inside Downunder, your passport to the heart of the industry. Produced in the vibrant city of Cairns (Gimuy), hosts Ben Woodward, Lisa Chambers, and Nikki Giumelli invite you on a journey deep into the inner workings, captivating stories and evolving trends of Aussie tourism. Join us as we shine a spotlight on remarkable professionals and enthusiastic newcomers, celebrating their dedication to crafting unforgettable experiences for visitors to Oz!In Episode 2, we explore the realm of Destination Marketing with special guest Susan Coghill, Chief Marketing Officer at Tourism Australia...2024-06-1350 min
Inside DownunderThe ATE/gAyTE edition with special guest Brian HennessyWelcome to the inaugural episode of Inside Downunder, the podcast that takes you deep into the heart of the Australian tourism industry. Produced in the vibrant city of Cairns (Gimuy), hosts Ben Woodward, Lisa Chambers and Nikki Giumelli delve into the internal workings, stories and trends of the Aussie tourism industry, spotlighting remarkable professionals & bright-eyed newcomers and celebrating their stories, passion and dedication to providing unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the globe.Wanting to get an exclusive sneak peek into this year’s gAyTE, with a hint on some of the participants vying to become th...2024-05-1651 min