Articles, Blogs & Case Studies

Business Growth & Strategy Sarah Colgate Business Growth & Strategy Sarah Colgate

Is your tourism business busy but Not Profitable? 

Many tourism operators rely on financial reports to measure success, but those reports only show what has already happened. They rarely explain why profits are leaking, why staff feel overwhelmed, or why strong bookings don’t translate into stronger margins. In this article, we explore how a Business Analysis connects financial results with daily operations, helping tourism businesses uncover inefficiencies, identify their most profitable products, and make smarter decisions for sustainable growth.

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Case Study: A Family's Transformational Journey: Driving to the Grand Canyon in December

Driving to the Grand Canyon in December became far more than a family holiday, it was a transformational journey. From the anticipation of the road trip to staying inside the park at Yavapai Lodge, and waking before dawn to witness a breathtaking canyon sunrise, every moment deepened our connection as a family.

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Tourism Trends & Consumer Insights Sarah Colgate Tourism Trends & Consumer Insights Sarah Colgate

How “Trump Tower” Could Damage the Gold Coast Tourism Brand

The Gold Coast has built one of Australia’s strongest tourism brands: sunshine, fun, energy and broad appeal. But with reports of a proposed 91-storey Trump International Hotel & Tower at Surfers Paradise, the conversation shifts from infrastructure to brand association.

In tourism, perception moves faster than planning approvals. And when a globally polarising name enters a destination narrative, the commercial impact isn’t about politics — it’s about positioning, sentiment and long-term demand.

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Tourism Trends & Consumer Insights Sarah Colgate Tourism Trends & Consumer Insights Sarah Colgate

Exploring the Unique Challenges and Opportunities of Travelling in the USA for Australians

Travelling to the United States has long been an aspirational journey for Australians. But in 2025, new visa requirements, social media screening proposals, rising travel costs and expanded border policies are reshaping the experience. While iconic destinations like Hawaii and New York still attract visitors, long-term trends reveal declining volumes and shifting outbound preferences toward Asia and more accessible destinations.

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Tourism Business Strategy Sarah Colgate Tourism Business Strategy Sarah Colgate

Local Culture in Action: How New York’s Art and Music Scene Adds Transformational Value

What turns a trip into a transformational experience? It’s not just landmarks, it’s emotional connection. Using New York’s art and music scene as inspiration, this article explores how tourism operators can leverage local culture to create high-value, story-rich experiences that attract the right guests and drive profitability.

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Superstars vs Rock Stars in Tourism

One of the biggest mistakes tourism business owners make is assuming everyone on their team wants the same thing. They don’t. Using Kim Scott’s Superstars vs Rock Stars framework, this article shows how understanding different motivations helps you build high-performing teams without burnout, resentment, or turnover.

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Case Study: Attracting Affluent Australian Travellers to Overseas Destinations

This case study explores how tourism destinations can attract affluent Australian travellers by aligning with their values for transformational experiences, purpose-driven luxury, extended stays, and wellbeing. It outlines key traveller motivations, spending behaviours, and practical destination strategies to drive high-yield, long-stay visitation from Australia.

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Case Study: From Wilderness to Wellness — How Tasmania Became a Nature-First Adventure Capital

This case study explores how overseas destinations can attract and retain affluent Australian travellers by aligning with their demand for transformational experiences, purpose-driven luxury, extended stays, authenticity, and wellness-led travel. It outlines key traveller behaviours, motivations, and practical destination strategies to build high-yield, long-stay visitation from Australia.

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Case Study: How Christmas Cities Turn the Festive Season into a Tourism Powerhouse

Christmas has become one of the most powerful drivers of seasonal tourism worldwide. From Europe’s historic Christmas markets to Australia’s summer celebrations, leading destinations are transforming culture, tradition, and placemaking into high-yield visitor experiences. This case study examines six globally recognised Christmas cities and reveals what destinations can learn about seasonality, storytelling, visitor spend, and sustainable growth.

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Case Study: How Disney Made Orlando the Tourism Capital

Orlando wasn’t always the tourism giant it is today. With the arrival of Walt Disney World, the city unlocked a powerful economic engine, sparking jobs, infrastructure investment, new attractions, and a thriving ecosystem of small businesses. This case study explores how Orlando diversified beyond theme parks, built resilience through events and business tourism, and created a destination model that other regions can adapt to drive sustainable growth.

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The Opportunity Before Us: How Australia Can Capitalise on Declining US Tourism Demand

With US international visitor numbers declining, Australia has a rare opportunity to capture high-value tourists. From Canadian snowbirds to British families and growing Asian markets, Australian tourism operators can benefit by highlighting ease of entry, authentic experiences, and regional attractions. Strategic marketing, operational readiness, and targeted campaigns can turn this temporary shift into sustainable growth for 2025–2026 and beyond.

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Case Study: Off‑Season, On‑Brand

Tasmania turned winter from a low-demand period into a distinctive, commercially valuable season. By embracing cold, darkness, and wild weather, the Off Season campaign created immersive, emotion-led experiences, highlighting food, culture, and slow travel, while uniting local operators. This case study reveals a step-by-step approach for destinations worldwide to own their low season and drive stronger results.

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Case Study: Tasmania Turning Harsh Histories into Hero Experiences

Tasmania has transformed its harsh penal history into one of Australia’s most compelling cultural tourism experiences. By presenting the past with truth, care, and emotional depth, sites turn difficult histories into powerful, reflective journeys. Visitors engage with real stories, layered across history, landscape, and emotion, creating meaningful and memorable experiences. For destinations worldwide, Tasmania offers a model for leveraging complex heritage responsibly, driving visitation, deepening understanding, and building long-term cultural and economic value.

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