Tourism Matters

In the first episode of Tourism Matters for 2026, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Kate Gibson about her journey from horse riding and personal training to founding Hike Collective, a tourism business focused on meaningful outdoor experiences.

Kate shares how Hike Collective began as a mental health initiative built around hiking and connection with nature, and how it evolved into a successful adventure tourism business. The conversation explores the power of human connection in tourism, the role of tour guides in creating memorable experiences, and how the business adapted and grew during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What you'll take away from this episode

 • How Kate transitioned from personal training into founding a tourism business
 • Why connection with nature, community and self sits at the heart of Hike Collective
 • How COVID-19 created new opportunities for local tourism experiences
 • The growing importance of tour guides in shaping meaningful travel experiences
 • What Kate looks for when hiring and mentoring tourism guides
 • Why giving back and supporting the next generation of tourism professionals matters

About Kate

Kate Gibson is the founder of Hike Collective, an adventure tourism company based in Western Australia that creates guided hiking experiences focused on connection with nature, self and community.

Originally launched as a mental health initiative encouraging people to get outdoors together, Hike Collective has grown into a recognised tourism brand. Kate is also passionate about mentoring emerging tourism professionals and contributing to the broader tourism industry.

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn

Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn

Organisations and industry references mentioned

Hike Collective: https://www.hikecollective.com.au/

Episode Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and early influences
 02:30 Growing up with horses and early career ambitions
 05:00 Transition into events and fitness careers
 08:00 Moving into personal training and coaching
 10:00 The idea behind Hike Collective
 13:00 Building a purpose-driven tourism business
 19:00 Entering the tourism industry and learning the sector
 24:00 Networking and building tourism relationships
 29:00 Growth and recognition in tourism
 31:00 Navigating COVID-19 and opportunities in local tourism
 34:00 The three connections: self, community and place
 38:00 Building a strong community of tour guides
 42:00 Distribution and understanding tourism channels
 46:00 The evolving role of tour guides
 55:00 Hiring guides and building the right team
 01:00:00 Giving back and supporting the tourism industry

In this episode of Tourism Matters, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Penny Brand about building a career in tourism that spans adventure tourism, international tour guiding and destination marketing.

Penny shares how her early roles—from performing as a SeaWorld mascot to managing skydiving operations and guiding tours across Europe—helped build the skills that later led her into destination marketing and tourism development at Gate 7. The conversation explores the importance of networking, industry relationships and genuine enthusiasm when building a career in the tourism industry.

What you'll take away from this episode

 • How diverse experiences can shape a successful career in tourism
 • Why networking and industry relationships are critical in tourism careers
 • The role destination marketing plays in attracting visitors and increasing spend
 • What it’s like working as a Tourism Development Director
 • Practical advice for young professionals entering the tourism industry
 • Why passion and enthusiasm remain essential in tourism careers

About Penny

Penny Brand has built a diverse career across tourism guiding, adventure tourism, event management and destination marketing. Her experience includes roles as a European tour guide with Contiki, managing adventure tourism operations and working in destination marketing with Gate 7.

Today she works in tourism development and destination marketing, helping destinations grow visitor numbers and awareness through strategic partnerships and global tourism promotion.

Connect with Penny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-brand-44349231/

Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-bold/

Organisations and industry references mentioned

Gate 7: https://gate7.com.au
Contiki: https://www.contiki.com
SeaWorld: https://seaworld.com
Travel South USA: https://travelsouth.visittheusa.com/en-au/
IPW Trade Show: https://www.ipw.com
Nomads / Australian Backpacking Network: https://www.nomadsworld.com

Episode Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Penny Brand and her tourism career
 01:00 Early roles including SeaWorld mascot and expressive performance work
 02:30 Moving into adventure tourism and managing skydiving operations
 03:30 Tour guiding in Europe and working with Contiki
 05:00 Managing international tour groups and cultural experiences
 06:00 Returning to Australia and involvement in the Olympics
 07:00 Moving into destination marketing with Gate 7
 08:30 How destination marketing promotes regions and increases visitor spend
 10:00 Building strong tourism industry networks
 11:30 The role of a Tourism Development Director
 13:00 The importance of trade shows, industry events and famils
 14:30 Recruitment tips and how to stand out in tourism interviews
 16:00 Passion, resilience and the post-COVID tourism industry
 17:30 Encouragement for young professionals entering tourism

In this episode of Tourism Matters, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Nic Cooper about his journey from working in tourism from a young age to founding Wild Adventures Melbourne, an eco-tourism company focused on sustainable travel experiences.

Nic reflects on the many stages of his tourism career, from tour guiding and destination marketing to launching his own tourism business during the challenges of COVID-19. The conversation explores sustainability, climate responsibility in tourism, and how small tourism businesses can play a powerful role in shaping a more responsible visitor economy.

What you'll take away from this episode

 • How Nic’s tourism career evolved from tour guiding into business development and entrepreneurship
 • Why sustainability and responsible tourism are becoming essential in the visitor economy
 • The challenges of launching a tourism business during the COVID-19 pandemic
 • How small tourism operators can play a major role in addressing climate change
 • Why tourism has the power to inspire positive change in travellers
 • Advice for the next generation of tourism professionals entering the industry

About Nic

Nic Cooper is the founder of Wild Adventures Melbourne, an eco-tourism company focused on creating meaningful outdoor experiences while promoting responsible tourism practices.

Alongside running Wild Adventures Melbourne, Nic also works as a consultant helping tourism businesses improve their sustainability practices and environmental impact. His work is driven by a strong belief that tourism can be part of the solution to climate change when operators embrace transparency, collaboration and responsible travel principles.

Connect with Nic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niccooper/

Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-bold/

Organisations and industry references mentioned

7 Generations Tourism: https://www.7gt.com.au/
Wild Adventures Melbourne: https://wildadventuresmelbourne.com/

Episode Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Nic Cooper and his tourism career
 03:00 Early influences and starting in tourism at a young age
 07:00 Backpacking, ski seasons and discovering tourism opportunities
 10:00 Moving into tour guiding and building industry experience
 12:00 Career growth through business development roles
 21:00 Moving to Australia and exploring new tourism opportunities
 26:00 Destination marketing and tourism industry insights
 28:00 Pursuing entrepreneurship and starting a tourism business
 30:00 Launching Wild Adventures Melbourne
 32:00 Navigating COVID-19 as a new tourism business
 36:00 Responsible tourism and ethical travel practices
 39:00 Sustainability consulting and industry collaboration
 42:00 The role of small tourism businesses in climate action
 48:00 Creating meaningful tourism experiences through eco practices
 57:00 Inspiring the next generation of tourism professionals

In this episode of Tourism Matters, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Ged Brown about his journey through the global travel industry and the idea that led him to found Low Season Traveler.

Ged shares insights from a career that spans tour operators, aviation, route development and industry events. The conversation explores how the concept of low season travel could help address overtourism, support destinations year-round and reshape how the tourism industry thinks about seasonality.

What you'll take away from this episode

 • How Ged’s career evolved from tour operators into aviation and tourism strategy
 • Why seasonality is one of the biggest challenges facing the tourism industry
 • How low season travel can help reduce overtourism and support sustainable tourism
 • The role of storytelling, media and industry platforms in influencing tourism change
 • Why trusting your instincts and embracing every step of your career journey matters

About Ged

Ged Brown is the founder of Low Season Traveler, a global initiative encouraging travellers to explore destinations outside peak tourism periods. His work focuses on helping destinations manage seasonality, reduce overtourism and create more balanced tourism economies.

Ged’s career spans tour operators, aviation route development and international tourism events, giving him a unique perspective on how the global travel ecosystem operates.

Connect with Ged on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gedbrown/
Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-bold/

Since recording this episode, Ged has launched The Travel and Tourism Seasonality Blueprint containing everything he has learned since founding the low season travel movement, you can access it here:  https://seasonalitysummit.com/the-tourism-seasonality-blueprint/

Organisations and industry references mentioned

Low Season Traveler: https://lowseasontraveller.com
Tourism Seasonality Summit: https://seasonalitysummit.com/
Routes Online: https://www.routesonline.com

Episode Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Ged Brown and his tourism career
 03:00 Early career and discovering the travel industry
 08:00 Working with major tour operators and managing global accounts
 15:00 Industry changes and navigating redundancy in tourism
 22:00 Moving into aviation and route development
 33:00 Understanding airline, airport and destination relationships
 42:00 Creating platforms and influencing tourism conversations
 51:00 Managing rejection and building trust in global industry networks
 60:00 Personal reflection and the spark behind Low Season Traveler
 62:00 The concept of low season travel and tackling overtourism
 67:00 COVID-19 and accelerating the mission
 75:00 Building the Low Season Traveler brand and media platform
 77:00 Launching the Tourism Seasonality Summit
 80:00 Trusting instincts and embracing the steps along the way
 82:00 Final reflections on the future of tourism

In this episode of Tourism Matters, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Giselle Whitaker about building a career across multiple countries, industries and unexpected opportunities in the tourism sector.

Giselle shares stories from a career that has taken her from tourism and marketing roles in Tasmania to working internationally in Japan and Dubai, including leadership roles in hospitality and tourism. The conversation explores adaptability, career pivots, and why saying yes to opportunities can open doors across the global tourism industry.

What you'll take away from this episode

 • Why saying yes to unexpected opportunities can shape tourism careers
 • How international experience builds resilience and cultural understanding
 • The value of developing skills across tourism, marketing, PR and communications
 • How to navigate career uncertainty during major disruptions like the global financial crisis and COVID-19
 • Practical advice for early career professionals entering tourism and hospitality
 • Why adaptability and curiosity are essential for long-term career growth

About Giselle

Giselle Whitaker has built an international career spanning tourism, hospitality, marketing, journalism and public relations. Her professional journey has taken her across six countries, including roles in tourism marketing, international hospitality and cultural exchange.

Through a diverse range of experiences—from teaching English in Japan to leadership roles in global tourism and hospitality organisations—Giselle has developed a career defined by adaptability, curiosity and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.

Connect with Giselle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellewhiteaker/

Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-bold/

Organisations and industry references mentioned

Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET): https://jetprogramme.org
Ski Dubai: https://www.skidxb.com
Couchsurfing: https://www.couchsurfing.com

Episode Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Giselle Whitaker and her global career
 03:00 Early career interests and studying languages
 07:00 Moving to Japan and teaching English through cultural exchange
 12:00 Discovering opportunities in tourism and marketing
 18:00 Tourism marketing and PR roles in Tasmania
 24:00 Working at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo and consular roles
 30:00 Crisis management and challenging international roles
 36:00 Building a career in Dubai and working with Ski Dubai
 42:00 International leadership and managing diverse teams
 48:00 The power of saying yes to opportunities
 54:00 Navigating the global financial crisis and career uncertainty
 60:00 Volunteering, travel blogging and entrepreneurship
 70:00 Lessons from global travel and international work
 86:00 COVID-19 and reshaping career direction
 99:00 Returning to Australia and new opportunities in hospitality
 105:00 Leadership style, mentoring and encouraging innovation
 111:00 Advice for young professionals entering tourism
 117:00 Final reflections on careers, travel and embracing opportunity

In this episode of Tourism Matters, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Zac Watson about building a career in tourism, from studying tourism management at Lincoln University to working across tourism attractions, regional tourism development and digital marketing.

Zac shares insights from roles with organisations including Merlin Entertainments, Haka Tourism Group, Auckland Unlimited and Maverick Digital. The conversation explores networking, leadership, mentorship and the growing role of digital marketing and distribution in the visitor economy.

What you'll take away from this episode

 • How studying tourism can lead to opportunities across many parts of the industry
 • Why networking and industry involvement matter for building tourism careers
 • The value of entry-level roles in developing sector knowledge and experience
 • How digital marketing and distribution channels influence tourism growth
 • Leadership lessons from sport, teamwork and building strong workplace culture
 • Practical advice for young professionals entering the tourism industry

About Zac

Zac Watson has built his career across tourism attractions, regional tourism organisations and digital marketing. His experience includes roles with Merlin Entertainments, Haka Tourism Group, Auckland Unlimited and Maverick Digital, working across tourism product development, destination marketing and digital strategy.

Zac has also been actively involved in the tourism industry through organisations such as the Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand, supporting leadership development and networking across the visitor economy.

Connect with Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zdwatson/

Connect with Carmen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-bold/

Organisations and industry references mentioned

Tourism Industry Aotearoa: https://www.tia.org.nz
Lincoln University: https://www.lincoln.ac.nz
Young Tourism Export Council: https://www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz/ytec/
Auckland Unlimited: https://www.aucklandnz.com
Merlin Entertainments: https://www.merlinentertainments.biz
Haka Tourism Group: https://hakatours.com
Maverick Tourism: https://maverick-tourism.com/

Episode Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Zac Watson and his tourism career
 04:00 Studying tourism at Lincoln University and early industry exposure
 08:30 Entry into the tourism industry and early roles in attractions
 13:00 The value of studying tourism and understanding the sector
 17:00 Mentorship, recruitment and building strong teams
 22:00 Destination development and regional tourism roles
 27:00 Industry networking and the Young Tourism Export Council
 32:00 Digital marketing and tourism distribution channels
 37:00 Data, seasonality and targeted tourism marketing
 43:00 Leadership style and building a positive workplace culture
 48:00 Mentorship, relationships and industry involvement
 54:00 Recruitment advice and hiring for attitude
 62:00 Professional development and learning from mentors
 71:00 Building high-performing tourism teams
 78:00 Advice for young professionals entering tourism
 86:00 Reflections on the tourism industry and future aspirations

In this episode of Tourism Matters, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Claire Baxter about building a career across archaeology, tourism, government and travel technology.

Claire’s career journey has taken her through some fascinating spaces – from working in tourism product development with Intrepid Travel, to tourism policy roles in government, and now into travel technology as Senior Data Operations Manager at Rome2Rio.

In this conversation Claire reflects on how curiosity, serendipity and a willingness to explore different opportunities have shaped her career. We also talk about transferable skills, navigating career transitions, and how technology, AI and human insight are reshaping the tourism industry.

For anyone wondering whether careers in tourism have to follow a straight line, Claire’s story offers a refreshing perspective.

What you'll take away from this episode

• Why many successful tourism careers are non-linear and evolve through curiosity and opportunity
 • How transferable skills can help you move between tourism, government, and travel technology roles
 • What it’s like working across global tourism organisations, policy environments and tech platforms
 • Why curiosity, adaptability and soft skills are becoming increasingly valuable in the tourism industry
 • How technology, data and AI are beginning to shape the future of tourism and travel platforms
 • Practical advice for applying for roles even when you don’t meet every requirement

About Claire

Claire Baxter has built a diverse career across tourism, government policy and travel technology. Her experience includes roles with global tourism company Intrepid Travel, tourism policy and strategy work in government, and most recently working in travel technology as Senior Data Operations Manager for Rome2Rio.

Claire’s career path highlights the breadth of opportunities across the tourism and visitor economy, and how skills developed in one area of the industry can open doors in completely different parts of the sector.

Connect with Claire on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairelbaxter/

Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-bold/

Organisations and industry references mentioned

Rome2Rio: https://www.rome2rio.com
Intrepid Travel: https://www.intrepidtravel.com

Episode Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Claire Baxter and her career journey
 01:00 Early interests in travel, history and archaeology
 02:30 Discovering tourism while studying and travelling
 04:00 Working with Intrepid Travel and global tourism experiences
 06:00 Returning to study archaeology and balancing work
 08:30 Moving into tourism policy and government roles
 10:30 Tourism policy, cultural tourism and community engagement
 13:00 Recognising burnout and reassessing career direction
 15:00 Transitioning from government into travel technology
 18:00 Serendipity in careers and the “turtles” moment
 20:30 Lessons from public sector and government environments
 23:00 Skills that help candidates stand out in tourism careers
 25:30 Curiosity, exploration and developing career pathways
 27:30 Navigating bureaucracy and government systems
 28:00 Transferable skills from public sector experience

In this episode of Tourism Matters, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Edward Kwek about careers in the business events and tourism industry, and what it really takes to get your foot in the door.

Ed has spent more than two decades working across tourism, business events, and tourism education in Southeast Asia and Australia. In this conversation he shares insights from across his career, including how the business events sector has evolved, what happens behind the scenes of major conferences and incentive programs, and the skills that matter most for people wanting to build a career in tourism, hospitality, or events.

We also talk about the role of industry education, why networking is still one of the most powerful tools in tourism careers, and how innovation and sustainability are shaping the future of business events.

What you'll take away from this episode

• A clearer understanding of the business events sector and how it fits within the broader tourism industry
 • How the industry has evolved from traditional MICE terminology to the modern business events landscape
 • The complexity behind delivering large conferences, exhibitions, and incentive travel programs
 • The skills, experience and mindset that help people get started in tourism and events careers
 • Why networking, referrals and industry relationships are so important in tourism career pathways
 • Practical advice for young professionals on CV building, interviews, volunteering and gaining industry experience
 • How innovation, digital technology and sustainability are reshaping the future of the business events industry

About Edward

Edward Kwek has more than 20 years of experience across the tourism, hospitality and business events sectors, working across Southeast Asia and Australia.

Alongside his industry experience, Ed is also involved in tourism and hospitality education, helping prepare the next generation of tourism professionals for careers in the visitor economy. His work spans industry practice, education, and research, giving him a unique perspective on how tourism careers develop and how the industry continues to evolve.

Connect with Edward on Linkedin

Organisations and industry references mentioned

Melbourne Convention Bureau: https://www.melbournecb.com.au/
RMIT University: https://www.rmit.edu.au
Tourism Victoria (Visit Victoria): https://www.visitvictoria.com
Sabre Global Distribution System: https://www.sabre.com

Episode Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Ed’s background in tourism
 00:30 Understanding the business events industry and the evolution from MICE
 02:15 Industry innovation and new technology in event delivery
 04:00 The complexity of coordinating conferences and incentive programs
 07:20 Skills and experience needed for tourism and events careers
 09:40 The importance of networking in the tourism industry
 12:00 How industry changes shape career pathways
 15:00 Advice for newcomers entering tourism and events
 18:00 The role of education, volunteering and practical experience
 21:00 Cultural and regional nuances in tourism markets
 25:00 Sustainability and digital transformation in events
 30:00 Recruitment, hiring and career development in tourism
 34:00 Attitude, resilience and continuous learning in tourism careers
 37:00 Reflections on how the industry has evolved

Episode Summary

In this episode of Tourism Matters, Carmen Bold speaks with Cecil Potatau about what a 30-year career in the New Zealand tourism industry actually looks like.

Cecil shares how he moved from working as a chef into tourism, the experiences that shaped his career, and what he’s learned along the way about building relationships, staying curious, and finding opportunities in the industry. We also talk about his current role leading the All Blacks Experience in Auckland, one of New Zealand’s most unique visitor attractions.

This conversation offers a practical look at how tourism careers evolve over time, the importance of networking in the industry, and why experience often matters just as much as qualifications when building a career in tourism.

What you'll take away from this episode

 • Why relationships and networking play such an important role in tourism careers
 • How tourism careers often evolve in unexpected ways over time
 • The balance between formal qualifications and hands-on experience in the industry
 • What it’s like working behind the scenes of a major tourism attraction like the All Blacks Experience
 • Practical advice for people who are considering a career in the tourism industry

About Cecil

Cecil Potatau has spent more than three decades working across the tourism industry in New Zealand. He currently manages the All Blacks Experience in Auckland, an immersive visitor attraction celebrating the legacy of New Zealand rugby.

Throughout his career Cecil has worked across a range of tourism organisations and attractions, building deep experience in sales, partnerships and visitor experiences.

Connect with Cecil on LinkedIn

Resources and organisations mentioned:

Ngāi Tahu Tourism
 https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/

All Blacks Experience
https://www.experienceallblacks.com/

Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
 https://www.kellytarltons.co.nz/

Tourism Holdings
https://www.thlonline.com/

Weta Unleashed
https://www.wetaworkshop.com/tours/auckland

Episode Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and quickfire questions
 02:39 Cecil’s career journey in tourism
 05:32 Transitioning from chef to tourism
 08:18 Education and qualifications in tourism careers
 11:03 Networking and building relationships in the industry
 17:12 Working as a sales manager in tourism
 22:57 Managing relationships and communication
 26:37 Professional development and upskilling
 28:16 The All Blacks Experience attraction
 34:50 Future trends in tourism