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/InsideDownunderPodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-downunder-podcast

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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/InsideDownunderPodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-downunder-podcast

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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/InsideDownunderPodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/InsideDownunderPodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder

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/

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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-podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcast

Instagram: 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.

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_downunder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcast

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.

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_downunder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcast

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.

We’d love it if you connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcast

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.

We’d love it if you connect with us on our socials and join in on conversations with tourism industry legends:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcast

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.

We’d love it if you connect with us on our socials and join in on conversations with tourism industry legends:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-downunder-podcast

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.

In Episode 3, we delve into the stellar career of JOS – doesn’t require much of an introduction as he is well known within our industry. Heading up Tourism Australia for 5 years before stepping into the CEO role at Experience Co. 

John O'Sullivan, fondly known to the industry as JOS is here with us today to talk about his journey, which is an interesting one and how he got to where he is today, the leader he is today and everything in between. JOS, welcome our show and thank you for joining us. 

In this episode, JOS’ journey to leadership and his memorable tenure at Tourism Australia take centre stage, along with interesting and banter-filled discussions on the nuances of the Aussie tourism industry. Strap in for lots of laughter and some absolute pearlers of insights in this episode!

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In Episode 2, we explore the realm of Destination Marketing with special guest Susan Coghill, Chief Marketing Officer at Tourism Australia. Tune in as we dive into the nuances of the current Tourism Australia “Come and Say G’Day” campaign, delve into Susan’s illustrious career journey with global marketing giants, unpack the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the industry and discuss charting pathways to success within the industry. Susan’s infectious warmth and wit light up the conversation, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the sales and marketing arena or anyone fascinated by the impactful work of Tourism Australia.

For more information on how industry can connect with and work with Tourism Australia please follow this link https://www.tourism.australia.com/en/resources/industry-resources/building-your-tourism-business/working-with-tourism-australia.html

Throughout the series, we’ll dissect the latest trends, tackle pressing industry issues, and share the stories of industry legends from coast to coast. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an eager newcomer, we invite you to listen in! 

You can connect with us and join in on conversations with other tourism industry legends on our socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-downunder-podcast

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.

Wanting to get an exclusive sneak peek into this year’s gAyTE, with a hint on some of the participants vying to become the Queen Of Victoria? Then tune in to a brand new podcast – Inside Downunder – which will take you deep into the heart of the Australian tourism industry. This first episode delves into the wonderful world of ATE and gAyTE with special guest Brian Hennessy, aka Coral Spawn – the reigning Queen of Queensland Tourism! Brian shares insights of his memorable 2023 gAyTE performance, as well as drawing on his experience in over 40 years in travel and tourism.

Connect with Inside Downunder on

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside_downunder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideDownunderPodcast

Do you want to be a guest or a future sponsor? Contact one of our hosts:

Nikki Giumelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigiumelli/

Ben Woodward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwoodward77/

Lisa Chambers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-chambers-84650a22/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.