This week we take a look at the highlights from conversations I have had with a fantastic mix of podcast guests. We revisit the valuable insights for success offered by Nick Ellis, the General Manager of Ovolo Inchcolm. Some great information is extracted from my chat with Laura Cocking, the Business & Park Development Manager at Top Parks, including our …
Accessibility, Sustainability & Communicating Effectively with Guests
Matt Bruckner is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for NRMA Parks and Resorts, we’ve known each other for many years. My wife Casey and I secured our first park management contract through Australian Tourism Park Management (ATPM). Around the same time Matt landed a role in the ATPM accounting management team. Casey and I moved away from ATPM and explored …
The Evolution of Reviews, Amplifying Complaints to Benefit Your Business & Reading Between the Lines of Feedback
Avril Carter is a Sales Director with ReviewPro, responsible for business acquisition and support within Australasia. ReviewPro provides guest intelligence solutions to hospitality businesses, with a focus on managing online reputations and delivering improved guest experiences. I was really looking forward to chatting to Avril about her role, as everyone knows how much I love reviews. I wasn’t disappointed. The …
Caravanning and Camping, ‘Anti-Social’ Social Media & What Kids Won’t Learn in School
Craig ‘Macca’ McGown is a host on the Australian travel television show ‘What’s Up Downunder’, which celebrates all things caravanning and camping. I was lucky enough to catch up with Macca for the 80th episode of the ‘That Bad Review’ podcast series. We have a great chat about caravanning and camping and how Macca’s TV career began. We get serious …
Everyone has a Story, Tips for Success & How to Effectively Scale Your Business
For this week’s episode of ‘That Bad Review’ Podcast we do things a bit differently. Instead of asking the questions, I’m interviewed by Michael Vincent for The Seachange Business Podcast. Through his podcast, Michael seeks to understand the back story behind what makes business owners successful. I was honoured have a chat with Michael about my own experience and the knowledge I’ve gathered along the way. …
Increase in Pet Friendly Tourist Parks, Tips for Accommodating Pets & Connecting Guests through Music
After years of operating council owned caravan parks, in 2015 Sandi-Kate Hutchins and her husband purchased their own park, Prime Pet Friendly Tourist Park in Lakes Entrance, Victoria. The park was run down and only offered a couple of worn cabins to accommodate guests traveling with pets. Over the last four years, Sandi-Kate and her husband have transformed the park. …
How to Soar to the Top on TripAdvisor, the Importance of Word-of-Mouth and the Pros & Cons of Mobile Check-In
Robert Zatta’s family have owned the multi-award winning Best Western Bluegum Motel in Dubbo since it’s construction thirty-five years ago. In 2014, Robert and his wife Amanda, decided to take over the management of the hotel. With Amanda’s keen eye for design and Robert’s IT and sales background they embarked on a renovation of the hotel’s infrastructure and an overhaul …
Personal Transformation, Operating at a High Frequency and Questioning Social Norms
Kate Mitchell, ex-holiday park manager, is the co-owner of City Centre Motor Inn Armidale. Kate is constantly on the lookout for innovative tourism ventures and progressive self-development opportunities. In particular activities that will help Kate advance through to her own personal transformation. One such opportunity recently presented itself, which involved Kate setting off on a trans pacific adventure. I was …
Fundamentals for Life, Working in a Data Rich, Process Poor Industry & the Benefits of Online Travel Agents (OTAs)
Colby Hutchinson – Director of Customer Experience (CX) & Brand Management Administration at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts. Despite being in the hospitality game for over 25 years, Colby Hutchinson wakes up excited to go to work. His enthusiasm is infectious. I caught up with Colby when he flew in from the United States for the Best Western Australasia National …
Freedom Camping Issues Tackled with Technology, Secrets to Success & Discovering Your Passion
Adam Hutchinson is the founder of CamperMate and GeoZone, two digital solutions reshaping the Caravan & Camping Industry within New Zealand. I was excited to get my geek on and chat to Adam about his business ventures and secrets to success, born from the simple desire to connect tourists with camping facilities. Freedom Camping Issues Tackled with Technology The Rugby …