Inside Downunder

We are back and with none other than with Robin Mack!In this episode of Inside Downunder, we’re joined by Robin Mack, one of the Australian tourism industry’s most respected figures and the newly appointed Managing Director of Tourism Australia.Robin reflects on the evolution of Australia’s inbound tourism industry, his entry into tourism as a teenager and the relationships and experiences that shaped his career. There are plenty of cheeky laughs along the way as we unpack the human side of the industry and why so many people stay connected to it for life.We also discuss ATE as more than just a trade event, but an important gathering point for Australia’s tourism community, along with Tourism Australia’s future direction and the “Green Is Our Gold” industry-wide commitment to sustainable tourism. https://www.tourism.australia.com/en/resources/campaign-resources/green-and-gold.htmlWe’d like to acknowledge that this podcast was recorded in March 2026. Since then, the situation in the Middle East has continued to evolve. We recognise the significance and impact of what many communities and our tourism industry are experiencing in relation to the evolving events of 2026 and we want to acknowledge that respectfully.Want to sponsor or feature on an edition of the Inside Downunder Podcast? It’s a fabulous way to showcase your product to a rapidly growing industry audience across Australia and beyond. Reach out to one of our hosts or connect with us on socials to learn more or to recommend a future guest via our website www.insidedownunder.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Inside Downunder, we’re joined by George Josevski of Explore Australia Tours and one of the Australian tourism industry’s true innovators. George is known for creating the hugely successful Official Neighbours Tours and Neighbours Nights, a pioneering concept that fused television, entertainment and tourism long before “experience-led tourism” became industry jargon. But as George shares in this conversation, Neighbours was just the spark, not the whole story. We unpack what it really takes to build standout tourism experiences, the role of timing, creativity and innovation in creating something iconic and how culture and entertainment can be turned into commercially successful tourism products. George also speaks candidly about entrepreneurship the risks, reinvention and resilience required to keep evolving in a fast-changing industry and why fun, personality and purpose matter just as much as the numbers. You can catch up with George on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-josevski-13936357/ or visit Explore Australia Tours here https://www.exploreaustraliatours.com.au A massive thank you to our episode sponsor Book Me! Huge thanks to Greg and the team for supporting Inside Downunder. Book Me is a brilliant OTA delivering smart distribution solutions and real opportunities for operators. Learn more here: https://www.bookme.com.au/operators/home — legends. Sponsoring an episode of Inside Downunder is a great way to reach a fast-growing global tourism audience. Get in touch via our socials if you’d like to be involved. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-downunder-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus edition of Inside Downunder, we hit the road with our foreign correspondent Brian Hennessy, jumping between Cologne, Germany and Jaipur, India, to catch up with the incredible trade partners and industry legends who sell Australia every single day. This episode brings you fresh insights and real stories from the front line of inbound tourism. You’ll hear what excites global markets about Australia, how demand is shifting and what our trade partners are doing to help promote us down under! We dive into their candid experiences working with the Australian tourism industry, what’s resonating in market, the trends shaping 2025 travellers and the human connections behind strong trade relationships. We also need to give a massive shoutout to our episode sponsor Book Me! Thanks to Greg and the team for supporting Inside Downunder. Book Me is a brilliant OTA delivering clever distribution solutions and great opportunities for operators, check out what they offer here: https://www.bookme.com.au/operators/home Thanks so much for your amazing support of our podcast and industry! LEGENDS! Sponsoring an edition of Inside Downunder is a fab way to get your product in front of a fast-growing trade and industry audience across the globe! Reach out on our socials or drop us a message if you’d like to get involved or nominate a future guest. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-downunder-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Inside Downunder, we shine a spotlight on two of tourism’s brightest emerging leaders: Josh Basir, BDM at Journey Beyond and Mithwa Warrier, Project Manager at the Australian Cruise Group. Both bring fresh perspectives, sharp insights and inspiring personal stories of carving out successful careers in a rapidly evolving industry.In this conversation, we dive into their experiences navigating the tourism industry, from the pivotal challenges that shaped their leadership to their perspectives on artificial intelligence and the future of work. They explore the human skills that remain at the heart of the industry and the highlights of working in amazing destinations with outstanding products. Looking ahead, they share their passion for inspiring the next generation of tourism professionals, encouraging curiosity, resilience and confidence in those ready to step into leadership.We also have to give a big shout out to sponsor Book Me! Thanks so much to Greg and team for supporting our podcast! We all love working with the team at Book Me, a stellar OTA with lots of great solutions for suppliers and industry! To find out more about Book Me check out their website where you can find out all about their opportunities to support operators here https://www.bookme.com.au/operators/home LEGENDS!Sponsoring an edition of the Inside Downunder Podcast is a fabulous way to get your product out to a rapidly growing industry audience across Australia and the globe! Contact one of our hosts or connect with us across our socials for more info or to recommend a future guest:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 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 celebrating the Great Barrier Reef’s extraordinary contribution to science, education, conservation and global action. Mark shares why this initiative is so meaningful and how it brings together Traditional Custodians, the tourism industry, Reef communities and global advocates to champion continued protection of this natural wonder. More information on the Lifetime of Greatness Project can be viewed via this link https://alifetimeofgreatness.com/A big thanks to the sponsor of this episode, Mustard Design & Digital. The team at Mustard help us to record and edit the podcast and offer amazing services to industry including social content packages & digital solutions.  Check them out at https://mustard.design/inside - Thanks Kade, Ruth and team….LEGENDS!Sponsoring an edition of the Inside Downunder Podcast is a fabulous way to get your product out to a rapidly growing industry audience across Australia and the globe! Contact one of our hosts or connect with us across our socials for more info or to recommend a future guest:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 podcast! We all love working with the team at Book Me, a stellar OTA with lots of great solutions for suppliers and industry! To find out more about Book Me check out their website where you can find out all about their opportunities to support operators here https://www.bookme.com.au/operators/home LEGENDS!Sponsoring our show is a great opportunity to get your product out to a rapidly growing industry audience across Australia and the globe! Contact one of our hosts or connect with us across our socials for more info or to recommend a future guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-downunder-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunderBen Woodward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwoodward77/Lisa Chambers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-chambers-84650a22/Nikki Giumelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigiumelli/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 it’s not too late to buy your tickets for gAyTE – a MUST ATTEND event on the ATE calendar. For more info visit https://www.facebook.com/gayteaustralia You’ll also hear a brief advert this ep – it’s a great opportunity to sponsor a podcast and get your product out to a rapidly growing industry audience across Australia and the globe! Contact one of our hosts or connect with us across our socials for more info or to recommend a future guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-downunder-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder Do you want to be a guest or a future sponsor? Contact one of our hosts:Ben Woodward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwoodward77/Lisa Chambers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-chambers-84650a22/Nikki Giumelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigiumelli/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 business—James is also a fantastic storyteller, and he shares some incredible behind-the-scenes anecdotes from life on and around cruise ships. So, whether you’re a supplier to cruise, a cruisling, a travel agent, a DMO, or just love a good story from the high seas, this episode is packed with insights, laughter and plenty of cruise inspo and info. All aboard for an unforgettable chat with James! We’d love it if you connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunderFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcastDo you want to be a guest or a future sponsor? Contact one of our hosts:Ben Woodward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwoodward77/Lisa Chambers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-chambers-84650a22/Nikki Giumelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigiumelli/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 working in the North American market. Listen to Jeff Adam, Josh Basir, Kelly Miller & more!We hope you are all on Santa’s “good list” and can’t wait to bring you more of “Inside Downunder” in 2025 with some very special plans for Season 2!We’d love it if you connect with us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunderFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcastDo you want to be a guest or a future sponsor? Contact one of our hosts:Ben Woodward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwoodward77/Lisa Chambers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-chambers-84650a22/Nikki Giumelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigiumelli/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 vision and values both leaders have for driving Skål International Australia forward and if you have only heard whispers about this club called “Skål”, tune in to learn more about what it means to be a Skalleague ….. (Disclaimer – Ben, Lisa & Nikki are all Skalleagues and think it’s an awesome networking organisation to be a part of!)We’d love it if you connect with us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunderFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcastDo you want to be a guest or a future sponsor? Contact one of our hosts:Ben Woodward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwoodward77/Lisa Chambers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-chambers-84650a22/Nikki Giumelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigiumelli/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.