Untangling Tourism Tech

Episode 8 Chasing Tourism Excellence

Welcome to Episode 8 of Untangling Tourism Tech! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of tourism excellence, with insights straight from former tourism award judges on what it really takes to succeed.
🔍 Why Listen? Learn how to navigate the tourism awards process like a pro! Discover tips from ex-judges on how to craft a winning submission, from tracking online reputation to showcasing innovation and sustainability. This episode will help you set the foundations for excellence, whether you’re aiming for gold or just want to elevate your business operations.
📊 Key Highlights:
Online Reputation: Why your TripAdvisor and Google ratings are critical, and how to hit that magic 4+ star average.
Business Planning: How to align your goals with regional tourism strategies and impress the judges with solid planning.
Marketing Evidence: The importance of backing up your strategies with data, even as a small business.
Sustainability and Ethics: Why contributing to your community and reducing your environmental footprint is now more important than ever.
👥 About the Judges' Tips: Our special focus is on the expert advice from judges who have seen it all. These tips can help businesses of any size excel in their award submissions and elevate their overall business practices.
🚀 Get Started: Whether you’re a tourism operator thinking of entering the awards or looking for ways to fine-tune your business, this episode is packed with insights you can act on now.
🎧 Listen Now and Subscribe! Don’t miss future episodes of Untangling Tourism Tech. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated on all the latest in tourism innovation! #TourismExcellence #TourismAwards #BusinessSuccess #UntanglingTourismTech

Episode 7 AI Innovations and Expert Directory

Welcome to Episode 7 of "Untangling Tourism Tech"! We're coming to you from the Tourism Innovation Forum at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, where we're diving into the latest in tourism technology and innovation.
🔍 Why Watch? Discover cutting-edge AI applications in tourism, from itinerary generators to advanced booking tools. Learn about TRVLR.AI, an app revolutionising trip planning and booking with AI. Get an inside look at the newly launched Tourism Tribe Expert Directory, designed to connect tourism operators with top industry experts.
📊 Key Highlights: AI Everywhere: Every innovation at the forum involves AI, transforming how tourism services are delivered. Practical AI Tips: How tools like ChatGPT are saving time in content creation and programming. TRVLR.AI: A game-changing app for seamless travel planning and booking. Expert Directory: Introducing a peer-recommended resource to find qualified consultants and service providers in the tourism industry.
👥 About the Forum: The Queensland Government’s Tourism Innovation Forum brings together industry leaders and tech innovators to showcase the latest advancements in tourism technology.
🚀 Get Started: Whether you're a tourism operator, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of tourism, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips.
🎧 Listen Now and Subscribe! Don't miss out on future episodes of "Untangling Tourism Tech." Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications to stay updated! #TourismTech #AI #Innovation #TourismIndustry #TravelPlanning #ExpertDirectory #UntanglingTourismTech

Episode 6 Data driven DMOs with Lou Clifton

Welcome to Episode 6 of "Untangling Tourism Tech"! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of data and analytics in tourism with Lou Clifton, General Manager of Blue Mountains Tourism.
🔍 Why Watch?
Discover how Local Tourism Organisations (LTOs) like Blue Mountains Tourism leverage data to demonstrate their value to councils and visitor information centers.
Learn practical tips on setting up and interpreting Google Analytics to improve your tourism marketing strategy.
Understand the importance of tracking key events and conversions to measure the success of your marketing efforts.
📊 Key Takeaways:
The role of analytics in demonstrating ROI and making data-driven decisions.
Overcoming the challenges of implementing analytics with the right tools and expertise.
Educational insights for tourism managers to present clear, actionable data to stakeholders.
👥 About Our Guest: Lou Clifton shares her journey from PR and press office work in the UK to managing one of Australia’s iconic tourism destinations, the Blue Mountains. Lou’s expertise highlights the transformative power of analytics in promoting and protecting world heritage areas.
🚀 Get Started: Whether you're a tourism operator, a DMO manager, or simply interested in the intersection of tourism and technology, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you harness the power of data in your marketing efforts.
🎧 Listen Now and Subscribe! Don't miss out on future episodes of "Untangling Tourism Tech." Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications to stay updated!
#TourismTech #DMO #Analytics #TourismMarketing #BlueMountains #DataDriven #TourismInsights

Tripadvisor awards and general collabs

Episode 4 - Wellness, Website Security, and Winning USPs

In this episode, Fab and Liz dive into three main topics:
Business Success Hack: Liz shares an inspiring story about a caravan park on the Gold Coast that prioritises staff wellness. The General Manager has implemented a policy where park managers work only five days a week with standard hours, promoting a healthy work-life balance. This approach has led to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover, and significant financial benefits for the business.
Avoiding a Common Business Horror Story: Fab talks about a recurring issue where businesses lose access to their websites because they lack proper administrative logins. They emphasise the importance of maintaining full access credentials to your website, domain, and control panel to prevent such crises. Fab shares a real-life example of a client who faced this issue and provides tips on risk management for digital assets.
Creating a Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Liz and Fab explain the importance of having a clear USP, which is essential for effective communication and marketing. They describe a process for developing a USP, including understanding the value your business offers, identifying your ideal customer, and using tools like ChatGPT to refine your USP. Practical advice is given on where to display your USP, such as on your website, business cards, social media profiles, and email signatures.
Throughout the episode, Liz and Fab engage in a lively conversation, sharing valuable insights and practical tips to help businesses succeed. They also encourage listeners to suggest topics for future episodes and highlight the importance of consistent messaging across all platforms.

Episode 3 - Reimagining Destination Marketing

In this episode, Liz Ward and Fabienne Wintle explore the evolving landscape of destination marketing and share strategies for DMOs to achieve financial independence and enhance visitor experiences. Drawing from their presentation at the Local Government New South Wales Visitor Economy Conference, they highlight the importance of leveraging digital assets and local expertise to transform the business models of DMOs and local government associations. Key Takeaways - Utilise Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to measure leads and bookings generated through your website and Visitor Information Centers (VICs). - Aim for financial independence by becoming the primary source of truth for planning and booking capabilities in your region. - Adopt a commercial approach, modernising booking systems and training staff to be sales-driven and commission-based. - Enhance customer interaction by adding pop-ups or lead magnets on your website, and providing sales training to VIC staff. - Ensure transparency and demonstrate value to local operators by opening up analytics and showcasing the leads and bookings generated. ➡️ All episodes https://www.tourismtribe.com/category/untangling-tourism-tech/ and listen to 'Untangling Tourism Tech' on your favourite podcasting app!

Episode 2 - Smart tech at ATE, CRMs & Trade page

In this Episode, Liz and Fabienne discussed ways to optimise follow-up efforts and lead generation at trade shows, such as ATE.  Liz emphasised the importance of a CRM system and a dedicated trade page on the operator's website, while Fabie suggested using automation and personalisation techniques to keep leads engaged. They agreed that technology can greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these efforts, but also acknowledged the need for a human touch to build meaningful relationships with potential customers.
Key Takeaways
Create a hidden "trade page" on your website with all trade-facing assets like logos and brochures.
Set up your CRM to automate follow ups with segmented emails and use it to schedule follow up tasks.
Take photos with leads at ATE to include in personalised follow up emails.
Consider attending ATE in the future by exhibiting on your tourism organisation's booth

Tourism Tech - TikTok, Chat 4.o and accessibility opportunities

TikTok when council blocks it, ChatGPT 4.0 Omni, and accessibility enhancements.