7 November 2024

051 Crisis Preparedness in the Tourism Industry

In partnership with:

Welcome to the inaugural Tourism Hub episode ‘Crisis Preparedness in the Tourism Industry’, which is brought to you in partnership with the Australian Regional Tourism Network.

This episode was recorded live at the 2024 Australian Regional Tourism (ART) 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 compelling episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with Mark Olsen, CEO of Tropical North Queensland, to discuss the critical importance of readiness and resilience in the tourism industry. As regions across Australia prepare for the summer season, Mark shares invaluable insights into the necessity of proactive planning and mental health support for tourism businesses facing climate challenges.

Mark recounts the devastating impact of record-breaking floods in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for the industry to not only focus on attracting visitors but also ensuring their safety. He stresses the importance of holistic support for tourism businesses, considering both financial stability and mental wellbeing, especially in the face of increasing crises.

The conversation delves into the significance of accreditation in crisis management, with Mark advocating for preparedness through the “Get Ready Week” initiative. He underscores the need for clear communication strategies and media engagement to accurately portray the resilience and recovery of affected areas.

Tune in to learn how tourism operators can build robust networks and plans to navigate future challenges, ensuring they are not just surviving but thriving in the ever-evolving tourism landscape.

01:11 – October is Get Ready Week for Queensland’s tourism industry

02:51 – Australian Regional Tourism Collective meeting to discuss response to December flooding

08:57 – The tourism industry needs to take preparedness seriously ahead of December 23rd

11:03 – Mark: The media always focus on the negative. So, we need to be willing to challenge that.

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 Mark Olsen:

Website: Tropical North Queensland

LinkedIn: Mark Olsen

Instagram: @tropicalnorthqueensland

Connect with the Australian Regional Tourism Network:

Website: Australian Regional Tourism Network

LinkedIn: Australian Regional Tourism Network

Instagram: @australiantourism

Connect with Despina Karatzias:

Website: Institute of Excellence

LinkedIn: Despina Karatzias

Instagram: @despinakaratzias

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