Episode notes
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…
Podcast
Inside Downunder
Ben Woodward, Nikki Giumelli & Lisa Chambers · Business · English
A podcast focusing on the stories from within our tourism industry. Every month we will interview "legends of our industries" and hear their stories of their successes and achievements along with the bits that perhaps didn't go so well. This podcast is to share the stories, the records and hopefully
More from Inside Downunder All episodes →
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S2 · E6 · 30 Nov 2025 · 35 min
BONUS EPISODE: Global Trade Tales…From Cologne to Jaipur!
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…
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S2 · E5 · 31 Aug 2025 · 48 min
Next Gen Tourism - Working With Hearts and Smarts
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…
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S2 · E4 · 17 Jul 2025 · 1 hr
Talking Tourism & The Tropics with Mark Olsen
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…
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S2 · E3 · 31 May 2025 · 47 min
ATE – Bonus Episode “Please move to your next appointment”!
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…
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S2 · E2 · 16 Apr 2025 · 38 min
Bonus Banter: Ready for gAyTE??
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…
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S1 · E7 · 19 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
Jingle Bells and Ho Ho Holiday Chats with Industry in North America!
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…
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S1 · E6 · 4 Nov 2024 · 55 min
“Happiness, Good Health, Friendship & Long Life with WA Skålleagues Ash Munn & Michael Collins”
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…
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S1 · E5 · 25 Sep 2024 · 56 min
“Revelations and Reflections with Ron and Robbie”
In Episode 5, we sit down with tourism legends and all-around larrikins, Ron Livingston and Robbie Bastion. With decades of experience in inbound tourism and the travel trade, these cherished industry figures bring a treasure trove of stories from the days before the internet and the Euro, when tourism was an adventure fuelled by friendships and genuine connections. Their light-hearted charm and wealth of experience infuse this episode with vibrant energy and intel, making their reflections not just interesting, but truly captivating. As passionate advocates for selling Australia, Ron and…
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S1 · E4 · 23 Aug 2024 · 51 min
“Keepy Uppying With Kim McConnie” Group Executive Marketing at Tourism & Events Queensland
In Episode 4, we delve into the wonderful world of destination marketing, sports, creativity and QLD’s new “Bluey’s World For Real Life” with guest Kim McConnie. We discuss Kim’s career journey from the wonderful world of international sports to leadership and marketing at Tourism and Events Queensland and enjoy banter-filled discussions around the impact and opportunities of the Olympic Games, the importance of events and the outlook for destination marketing in the future. We’d love it if you connect with us on our socials and join in on conversations with tourism industry legends:…
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S1 · E3 · 8 Jul 2024 · 51 min
“Trailblazing & Tourism” edition with special guest John O’Sullivan (JOS) Chief Executive and Executive Director of Experience Co.
Step into the vibrant world of Australian tourism with Inside Downunder, your passport to the heart of the industry. Produced in the vibrant city of Cairns (Gimuy), hosts Ben Woodward, Lisa Chambers, and Nikki Giumelli invite you on a journey deep into the inner workings, captivating stories and evolving trends of Aussie tourism. Join us as we shine a spotlight on remarkable professionals and enthusiastic newcomers, celebrating their dedication to crafting unforgettable experiences for visitors to Oz! In Episode 3, we delve into the stellar career of JOS – doesn’t require much of an…
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