Leading through complexity: Why curiosity matters in tourism
11 August 2026
As the tourism industry navigates rapid technological, environmental and economic change, leadership is becoming increasingly important in helping organisations plan for the future.
For Liz Savage, Chair of the Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT) Advisory Board, success in today’s tourism sector depends on curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to keep learning.
“Curiosity, adaptability and resilience are more important than ever.”
Drawing on a career across aviation and tourism, Ms Savage has seen the industry evolve through periods of disruption and transformation. Today, she believes organisations need to balance immediate priorities with long-term thinking.
As Australia’s largest tourism research institute, Griffith Institute for Tourism helps industry, governments and destinations turn research into action through evidence-based decision-making.
“What excites me most is GIFT’s ability to bridge academia and industry in a practical and meaningful way.”
Based on the Gold Coast, the Institute works at the intersection of research, industry and policy, helping organisations better understand emerging trends, evaluate opportunities and build resilience.
Research and collaboration for the future
Ms Savage believes collaboration between industry and academia will become even more important as the pace of change accelerates.
“The best partnerships between industry and academia are increasingly collaborative, practical and future-focused.”
She says the most successful partnerships start early, with organisations openly sharing challenges and opportunities and engaging researchers as strategic partners.
At the same time, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities across visitor forecasting, destination management and personalised travel experiences.
Yet technology is only part of the story.
“Visitors increasingly want authenticity, meaning and positive impact over volume alone.”
Ms Savage sees growing demand for sustainable, community-connected and experience-rich travel, presenting significant opportunities for innovation across the sector.
Curious leaders will shape what’s next
Having observed changing leadership styles throughout her career, Ms Savage believes the best leaders are those who listen, collaborate and remain open to new ideas.
“Stay curious and keep listening. Some of the best ideas and insights come from unexpected places.”
Through world-leading research and industry collaboration, Griffith Institute for Tourism continues to support organisations seeking to navigate complexity, embrace innovation and create a more resilient future for tourism.
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