Talking Tourism

Making Data Work for You: Smarter Decisions & Better Guest Experiences with Tourism Tasmania

Making Data Work for You: Smarter Decisions and Better Guests with Tourism TasmaniaIn this episode of Talking Tourism, host Tracy Mallett speaks with Alexis Clarke and Paul Fleming from Tourism Tasmania’s research and insights team about how data can help tourism operators not just survive, but thrive.Recorded live at the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Conference, Alexis and Paul unpack how Tourism Tasmania’s decades-long visitor surveys, trend analysis, and segmentation tools are shaping smarter, more sustainable tourism across the state. They explain how operators can tap into this free research to attract the right audiences, tailor experiences, improve award submissions, and build resilience in a changing market.You’ll also hear practical ideas for operators — like setting up feedback loops with guests, tracking repeat visitation, reviewing online testimonials for trends, and using segmentation tools to speak directly to high-value visitors who care about local experiences.This episode is proudly sponsored by Tourism Tasmania.

Soap, Sustainability and Smarter Tourism with Josh Howard

In this inspiring episode of Talking Tourism, host Lauren Cameron (TICT’s Carbon & Sustainability Advisor) is joined by Josh Howard - founder of Single Use Ain’t Sexy and a leading voice in sustainable personal care - to explore how small changes in tourism operations can lead to big environmental wins.Josh shares the journey of growing his dissolvable soap tablet startup into an international success, recently acquired by global hospitality supplier Buzz Products. He explains why shifting away from single-use plastics isn’t just better for the planet, it’s also better for the bottom line - some hotels are saving up to 60% by switching to bulk refillable amenities.From automation and refill tech to the rise of scent branding and ‘sleep tourism’, Josh dives into emerging trends, practical strategies, and easy wins for businesses of all sizes looking to lighten their environmental footprint. He shares actionable ideas for tourism operators, including reducing single-use plastics, trialling innovative sustainable products, and using clear guest communication to encourage responsible behaviour during their stay.Recorded live at the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Conference, this episode is a must-listen for any operator ready to future-proof their guest experience.This episode is proudly sponsored by TICT Partner, Aurora Energy.

From Local to Legendary: Telling Tasmania’s story with Barb McGregor

Recorded live at the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Conference, this episode of Talking Tourism features a conversation with storytelling expert Barb McGregor, who shares powerful insights on how Tasmanian tourism operators can craft meaningful, authentic brand stories that truly connect with visitors.Hosted by Tracy Mallett, this conversation explores the unique elements that set Tasmania’s tourism brand apart — from its wild-yet-serene landscapes to its deep cultural heritage and strong sense of custodianship. Barb introduces her practical “4 Ps” framework — People, Place, Product and Performance — and shows how these can be used to build rich, emotive narratives that go beyond just listing features.Whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh your brand messaging, Barb offers strategies for finding your business’s storytelling voice, using sensory language to spark emotional engagement, and standing out in a saturated digital landscape. She also highlights the importance of storytelling imagery, emotional hooks, and user-generated content that aligns with the authentic Tasmanian experience.This episode is proudly supported by TICT Major Partner, Business Events Tasmania, the peak body championing Tasmania’s business events sector and helping deliver world-class experiences across the state.

Content that Clicks: Story-selling for tourism operators with Hannah Statham

In this episode of Talking Tourism, host Rachel Williams is joined by content marketing powerhouse Hannah Statham, founder of Media Mortar, to unpack how storytelling isn't just a nice-to-have—it’s your biggest competitive edge.With 16 years in tourism and lifestyle marketing, Hannah shares why it’s critical for tourism operators to clearly define their unique story, how to transform everyday visuals into scroll-stopping content, and why quality imagery is often the best ROI you can make.Hannah also dives into recruitment marketing—highlighting how social media can be a game-changer when traditional job ads fall flat, and why businesses should be ‘always on’ with their employer brand. If you’ve ever struggled to articulate your business’s point of difference or wondered how to attract the right staff, this episode is packed with gold.Recorded live at the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Conference, and proudly supported by the Tasmanian Hospitality and Tourism Academy.

Making AI Work for Tourism with Steve Wiggers

In this eye-opening episode of Talking Tourism, host Tracy Mallett chats with Steve Wiggers—Managing Director of SCALA The Training Company and leadership trainer—to break down what AI really means for Tasmanian tourism operators. Far from the doom-and-gloom headlines, Steve offers a practical and empowering take on how artificial intelligence can be used as a helpful assistant—not a threat.Recorded live at the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Conference, Steve explains how even the smallest operator can save time, reduce admin, and enhance their guest experience by using everyday AI tools. Whether it’s crafting a marketing campaign, building a customer persona, or generating social media content, Steve outlines real-world ways AI can free up your time so you can focus on what matters most—delivering memorable visitor experiences.He also shares how operators can get started with simple steps, such as asking AI tools to help write itineraries, generate customer service responses, test new ideas, or create staff rosters and training plans. Most importantly, Steve emphasises the value of keeping “a human in the loop”—using critical thinking and personal connection to complement the tech.This episode is proudly sponsored by Hostplus.