Visit Sunshine Coast Head of Marketing, Kelly Ryan, said she has the pleasure of working with a passionate marketing team and tourism industry to promote the Sunshine Coast’s natural attractions and experiences to leisure visitors.
Find out what else Kelly had to say in this week’s Talking Travel.
How have you tackled the difficulties caused by COVID-19?
The marketing team at Visit Sunshine Coast have been extremely nimble – planning for different scenarios with an understanding of what is most important to visitors and how we can best meet their needs – and hopefully give them something to look forward to during these tough times.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Getting to experience first-hand all that a destination has to offer – which may take some time given the breadth and depth of experiences on offer here on the Sunshine Coast!
What are the biggest challenges for you in your profession (outside of COVID-19)?
There is so much data at our fingertips. The ability to distil all this information, to uncover unused marketing insights – those ‘ah ha!’ moments – that provide actionable benefits to both visitors and industry will continue to be a challenge (but also provide immense opportunities)!
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
Outside of the ongoing challenges we face due to Covid-19, I think technology remains at the top of the list of marketing challenges for many industries. Both the rate of change and its influence on how we effectively (and authentically) communicate with visitors will continue to remain a challenge.
What do you think will be the biggest game changer in the travel industry in the next 12 months’?
That’s a tough question…if this morning’s news report detailing Richard Branson’s trip to the edge of space and back is anything to go by, I don’t think I can go past space travel!
What destination/travel trend do you think is the next big thing?
There is a lot of research that points to people travelling as a force for good – good for themselves as well as for the world around them. Tourism Australia’s consumer research supports this ‘force for good’ trend, showing that 91 percent like to travel to become more open-minded and knowledgeable about the world, and 74 percent are actively seeking out travel experiences that allow them to give back to a destination.
What are your thoughts on responsible travel and how do you try to implement this in your workplace?
Preserving the resources and culture of a place ensure it will be there for future generations to experience and enjoy. Our workplace advocates to ‘travel like a local’ – to appreciate and respect the lifestyle and culture of the place you are visiting.
Who inspires you most and why?
I don’t think I can narrow it down to one person! Everyday someone inspires me – from the humble learnings of home through to the Richard Branson’s of the world. Inspiration can strike anywhere and anytime.
What is your must pack travel item(s)?
Well, if I am travelling with my 7-year-old daughter it is definitely travel snacks! It is as much about the journey as it is the destination so ensuring we all arrive well-fed and happy (as opposed to hangry) is key.
Who would you invite on your next holiday if you could choose anyone and where would you go?
I would choose my two-favourite people – the hubby and the daughter. I think it would be remiss of me to not to say the scenic Sunny Coast!
Contact Email – kelly.ryan@sunshinecoast.com.au
