Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Tourism Matters
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Coughlan: 25 years in cruise, from galley to gangway and into the world of entrepreneurship | 18 Jun 2026 | 01:07:10 | |
Join Carmen as she speaks with James Coughlan, founder of Shorex Australia, about his 25-year journey through the cruise industry. James began his career as a chef, working in high-pressure kitchens before joining Crystal Cruises and stepping into life at sea. What started in the galley eventually led him into shore excursions, where he discovered a new side of the cruise industry: guest experience, destination knowledge, local operators and the complex world that sits just beyond the gangway. In this episode, James shares what cruise ship life taught him about standards, service and resilience, and how saying yes to opportunities shaped his career. He also talks about the shift from ship life to shore-side roles, the impact of COVID on the cruise and tourism sector, and the decision to launch Shorex Australia in 2023. This conversation is a fascinating look inside cruise tourism, but it is also a story about career evolution, backing yourself, building trust, and understanding the value of local tourism experiences. What you’ll take away
About James James Coughlan is the founder of Shorex Australia and has spent around 25 years working across the cruise and tourism industry. His career began in hospitality and commercial kitchens, including time at Bathers’ Pavilion in Sydney, before he joined Crystal Cruises as a chef. While working at sea, James moved from the galley into shore excursions, where he discovered the world of destination experiences, guest service and cruise operations. After more than a decade at sea, James transitioned into shore-side cruise operations and spent many years working with inbound cruise programs across Australia. In 2023, he launched Shorex Australia, a locally focused business delivering shore excursion programs and destination experiences for cruise lines visiting Australia. James brings deep practical knowledge of cruise tourism, local product development, guest experience and the importance of building strong relationships across the industry. Connect with James on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-coughlan/ Discover more about Shorex Australia: https://www.shorexaustralia.com Organisations and resources referenced
Episode chapters 00:00 Introduction and tourism operator call-out | |||
| Stephen Ekstrom: Learning, Storytelling and Better Tourism Experiences | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:50:16 | |
EPISODE DESCRIPTION This week on Tourism Matters, I sit down with Stephen Ekstrom, CEO, co-founder and self-described nerd whisperer at Learn Tourism. Learn Tourism is a non-profit academy creating smart, immersive learning and promotional experiences for tourism professionals, destination marketers, trade associations and communities around the world. This conversation takes a slightly different path from the usual Tourism Matters format. It is open, thoughtful and wide-ranging, touching on sustainable tourism, economic viability, storytelling, workforce development, career pathways, AI, frontline teams and the role of human connection in great visitor experiences. Stephen and I explore what sustainability really means in tourism, not just environmentally, but socially, culturally and economically. We also talk about why tourism businesses need to be commercially sound, why learning should sit at the heart of strong tourism teams, and why storytelling can completely change the way visitors experience a place. We also get into one of my favourite topics: tourism careers. Why do so many people fall into this industry rather than intentionally choose it? Why do we lose talented people? And how can we help people see the skills, pathways and possibilities available in tourism? WHAT YOU’LL TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EPISODE • Why sustainable tourism must include people, place and profitability ABOUT STEPHEN Stephen Ekstrom is the CEO and co-founder of Learn Tourism, a non-profit academy supporting tourism professionals, destination marketers, trade associations and communities through immersive learning experiences. Stephen has worked across sales, product development, consulting, attractions, experiences and destination development. His work has taken him into communities and destinations across North America and beyond, helping tourism organisations think differently about learning, visitor experience, economic development and sustainable tourism. CONNECTING WITH STEPHEN Learn Tourism: https://learntourism.org CONNECT WITH CARMEN Website: https://www.carmenbold.com EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and setting the scene | |||
| Thomas Worry: From Seasonal Work to a Sustainable Tourism Career | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:09:49 | |
Episode Description In this episode of Tourism Matters, Carmen Bold speaks with Thomas Worry, a Canadian tourism professional whose career has been built across seasonal roles, international experience, and corporate tourism operations. Thomas shares how he navigated working across Canada’s Yukon — from guest services and RV rentals to guiding Northern Lights tours — and what it really takes to build a career in an industry defined by seasonality. The conversation explores the realities of tourism careers that don’t follow a straight path, the importance of proactively creating opportunities, and how networks often matter more than formal job pathways. Thomas also reflects on the bigger picture — from sustainability and crisis recovery to the growing need for stronger alignment between education and industry — and what this means for the future of tourism careers. What You'll Take Away From This Episode • What a tourism career actually looks like in practice — not theory • How to navigate seasonality through multiple roles and income streams • Why career progression in tourism is driven by initiative, not structure • The role of education alongside hands-on experience • How sustainability and industry challenges are shaping future careers About Thomas Thomas Worry is a Canadian tourism professional with experience spanning seasonal tourism operations, international travel, and corporate roles. He has worked across a wide range of tourism settings, including guest services, RV rentals, cruise tourism, and guided Northern Lights experiences in Canada’s Yukon. Thomas has built his career by combining practical, on-the-ground experience with formal study in tourism management, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both the realities of the industry and its future direction. His work and interests focus on sustainability, industry development, and the evolving relationship between tourism education and real-world application. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn Organisations Referenced Royal Roads University: https://www.royalroads.ca/ Yukon Tourism: https://travelyukon.com/ Episode Chapters 00:54 Thomas’s Background and Entry into Tourism 03:09 Navigating Seasonal Work in the Yukon 07:52 Working Across Cruise and Winter Tourism 10:50 Building Networks and Creating Opportunities 16:48 Education, Career Planning and Industry Entry 20:55 Working in Remote Tourism Environments 29:01 The Growth of Winter Tourism and Northern Lights Experiences 35:01 Soft Skills and Career Development in Tourism 43:45 Moving into Corporate Roles and Career Progression 55:40 Sustainability, Industry Challenges and Future Thinking | |||
| Linda Tillman: Why Regional Events Are Struggling (And What Needs to Change) | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:52:51 | |
Episode Description In this episode of Tourism Matters, Carmen Bold speaks with Linda Tillman - Managing Director of Tilma Group and co-founder of the Australian Centre for Regional Events - about the realities of building tourism and events capability in regional Australia. Linda shares how a university assignment on rural tourism resulted in a 20-year career working alongside regional communities, and how she built a business focused on helping destinations grow through tourism and events. The conversation explores the critical role events play in regional economies, why so many events are under pressure, and the persistent challenges that haven’t changed in decades. Linda also introduces a bold idea for the future — regional support hubs designed to take pressure off event organisers and allow them to focus on what actually matters: creating great experiences. What You'll Take Away From This Episode • Why events are critical to regional tourism and community development About Linda Linda Tillman is the Managing Director of Tilma Group, a consultancy she founded in 2008 to support regional and rural communities through tourism and events. She has spent nearly 20 years working across Australia on destination development, event strategy, and industry capability building, partnering with government, regional tourism organisations, and local communities. Linda is also the co-founder of the Australian Centre for Regional Events, which focuses on strengthening the long-term sustainability of events through training, mentoring, and capability development. Her work sits at both the strategic and grassroots level — helping shape big-picture tourism strategies while working directly with operators and communities on the ground. Connect with Linda on LinkedIn Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn Organisations Referenced Tilma Group: https://tilmagroup.com.au/ Episode Chapters 01:48 Getting to Know Linda | |||
| Professor Anne Hardy: Why Tourism Research Matters - Behaviour, Data and Antarctica | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:12:44 | |
In this episode of Tourism Matters, Carmen Bold speaks with Professor Anne Hardy — tourism researcher, consultant, academic, and Chair of Destination Southern Tasmania — about how research can shape tourism decisions. Anne shares the story of her career in tourism academia, from studying tourism’s impacts on communities to leading innovative projects like Tourism Tracer, which used smartphone technology to track how visitors move through destinations. She also discusses her research in Antarctica exploring whether travel experiences can influence environmental behaviour. The conversation explores why tourism operators rarely access academic research, how behaviour change theories can improve visitor experiences, and why the industry needs stronger connections with universities. Anne also reflects on redundancy after a 20-year academic career and her mission to help researchers communicate their work more effectively with industry. What You'll Take Away From This Episode • How tourism researchers study visitor behaviour and decision-making About Anne Professor Anne Hardy is a tourism researcher whose work focuses on tourism behaviour, mobility, sustainability, and research communication. Across a 20-year academic career she has published more than 80 journal articles and four books, with her research cited over 3,000 times. Her work has been presented at international forums including the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the United Nations Environment Program. Anne is particularly known for pioneering projects such as Tourism Tracer, which tracked visitor movement across destinations using mobile technology, and for her research exploring how travel experiences — particularly in Antarctica — can influence environmental behaviour. She is currently Chair of Destination Southern Tasmania and now works to bridge the gap between tourism research and industry practice. Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn Organisations Referenced Destination Southern Tasmania: https://southerntasmania.com.au/ Omineca Consulting: https://www.ominecaconsulting.com/ Antarctic Treaty System: https://www.ats.aq/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/ University of Tasmania: https://www.utas.edu.au/ Episode Chapters 02:58 Travel Preferences and Experiences | |||
| Matt Scott: Tour Guiding, Product Development and Building a Global Tourism Career | 04 Mar 2026 | 01:18:03 | |
In this episode of Tourism Matters, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Matt Scott about his journey through international tourism, tour guiding and product development. Matt shares how early travel experiences and cultural exposure led him into the tourism industry, including years guiding tours across Europe and developing high-end travel experiences. The conversation explores the importance of training, customer service and adaptability in tourism, along with insights into product development, river cruising and sustainable tourism practices. What you'll take away from this episode • How international travel and cultural exposure shaped Matt’s tourism career About Matt Matt Scott has built an international career across tour guiding, tourism product development and regional tourism. His experience includes guiding tours across Europe, developing travel products and working within the cruise and tourism sectors. Matt has also worked across tourism development roles in Australia, contributing to projects focused on sustainable tourism, regional development and cultural tourism initiatives. Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn Organisations and industry references mentioned Fat Tire Tours: https://fattiretours.com 00:00 Introduction and early travel experiences | |||
| Emma Rhoades: Tourism Careers, Networking and Navigating Workforce Challenges | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:41:50 | |
In this episode of Tourism Matters, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Emma Rhoades about her career journey and her current work supporting tourism businesses through workforce development at the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC). Emma reflects on returning to university later in life, re-entering the workforce after raising children, and finding her place in the tourism industry. The conversation explores workforce challenges across tourism, the importance of networking and building relationships, and practical advice for people looking to start or grow their careers in the industry. What you'll take away from this episode • Why networking is one of the most powerful tools for building a tourism career About Emma Emma Rhoades works as a workforce advisor with QTIC, supporting tourism businesses across Queensland with workforce development, industry challenges and career pathways. Her career journey includes returning to university later in life and re-entering the workforce after raising children. Emma is passionate about helping people navigate careers in tourism and connecting industry operators with the support they need. The Industry Workforce Advisor Program is supported and funded by the Queensland Government. Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn Organisations and industry references mentioned Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) https://www.qtic.com.au Accor Heartist Ethos: https://group.accor.com/en/group/people-at-our-heart/our-heartist-ethos Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and early career aspirations | |||
| Sarah-Jane Tilbury, Leadership, Commercial Accumen and do penguins have knees? | 17 Feb 2026 | 01:16:43 | |
In this episode of Tourism Matters, join Carmen Bold as she chats with Sarah-Jane Tilbury about building a career in tourism that spans international travel, operational leadership and general management. Sarah-Jane shares her journey from growing up in the UK and entering the tourism industry through travel and car rental, to moving to Australia and stepping into senior leadership roles. The conversation explores leadership, team dynamics, commercial thinking and the challenges of managing tourism businesses through major disruptions such as COVID-19. What you'll take away from this episode • Why leadership in tourism is about empowering teams to succeed It’s funny. It’s honest. And underneath the laughter is a really sharp conversation about what modern tourism leadership actually looks like. About Sarah-Jane Sarah-Jane Tilbury is a tourism leader with experience across travel operations, hospitality and visitor attractions. Her career has taken her from the UK to Australia, working across multiple tourism sectors and ultimately stepping into general management roles. Known for her people-first leadership style, Sarah-Jane focuses on empowering teams, building strong organisational cultures and delivering high-quality visitor experiences while maintaining strong commercial performance. Connect with Sarah-Jane on LinkedIn Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn Organisations and industry references mentioned Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa: https://hepburnbathhouse.com/ Belgravia Leisure: https://belgravialeisure.com.au/ SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: https://www.visitsealife.com/melbourne/ SeaLink: https://www.sealink.com.au/ Tourism Holdings Limited: https://www.thlonline.com Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to SJ Tilbury and her tourism career | |||
| Kate Gibson: Hike Collective, Human Connection and Purpose-Driven Tourism | 10 Feb 2026 | 01:05:55 | |
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 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 Carmen on LinkedIn Organisations and industry references mentioned Hike Collective: https://www.hikecollective.com.au/ 00:00 Introduction and early influences | |||
| Penny Brand: From SeaWorld Mascot & 60+ Skydives to Destination Marketing Leader | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:53:22 | |
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 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 00:00 Introduction to Penny Brand and her tourism career | |||
| Nic Cooper: From Tour Guide to Eco-Tourism Founder and the Future of Responsible Tourism | 26 Nov 2025 | 01:02:07 | |
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 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/ Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nic Cooper and his tourism career | |||
| Ged Brown: Low Season Travel, Overtourism and Rethinking When We Travel | 20 Nov 2025 | 01:17:26 | |
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 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/ 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 Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ged Brown and his tourism career | |||
| Solo Episode: Tourism Careers Have a PR Problem | 27 May 2026 | 00:15:04 | |
Episode Description In this first solo episode of Tourism Matters, prompted by a question asked of her on LinkedIn, Carmen Bold explores one of the biggest challenges facing the tourism industry: how do we attract more people into tourism careers when so many of those careers are still invisible from the outside? Carmen shares her thoughts on why tourism has a PR problem, why the industry needs to do a better job of showing the breadth of roles available, and why career conversations need to reach far beyond tourism students and people already inside the sector. She also reflects on the value of education, the importance of lived experience, and the flexibility that makes tourism such a powerful and adaptable career path. This episode is a call to stop talking about tourism careers in narrow, outdated ways and start showing people what the industry really offers. What You’ll Take Away From This Episode
About Carmen Bold Carmen Bold is the host of Tourism Matters and a Tourism Workforce & Industry Capability Specialist. With more than 25 years’ experience across tourism operations, frontline delivery, events, destination management, industry development, partnerships, workforce capability and entrepreneurship, Carmen brings a practical, real-world lens to conversations about the future of tourism. Her work focuses on tourism careers, workforce development, operator capability and the role people play in delivering standout visitor experiences. Organisations Referenced Carmen Bold on LinkedIn: Carmen Bold Website: Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tourism Careers | |||
| Giselle Whitaker: Saying Yes, Global Tourism Careers and Unexpected Opportunities | 11 Nov 2025 | 01:33:43 | |
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 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/
Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET): https://jetprogramme.org 00:00 Introduction to Giselle Whitaker and her global career | |||
| Zac Watson: Tourism Careers, Digital Leadership and Building High-Performing Teams | 04 Nov 2025 | 01:30:14 | |
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 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/
Tourism Industry Aotearoa: https://www.tia.org.nz Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zac Watson and his tourism career | |||
| Claire Baxter: Turtles, Gorillas in Her Inbox and a Career Across Tourism and Travel Tech | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:55:10 | |
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 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 00:00 Introduction to Claire Baxter and her career journey | |||
| Edward Kwek: Business Events, Tourism Education and Getting Your Foot in the Door | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:53:03 | |
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 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/ 00:00 Introduction and Ed’s background in tourism | |||
| Cecil Potatau: Leading the All Blacks Experience and a 30-Year Tourism Career | 12 Oct 2025 | 00:43:50 | |
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 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. Resources and organisations mentioned: Ngāi Tahu Tourism All Blacks Experience Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium Tourism Holdings Weta Unleashed Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and quickfire questions | |||
| Professor Judith Mair: Motherhood, Migration and a Career in Tourism | 20 May 2026 | 00:51:01 | |
In this episode of Tourism Matters, I’m joined by Professor Judith Mair, Academic Director and Associate Dean (Education) at The Hotel School Australia, Southern Cross University. Judith’s career began in Scotland, where she studied languages before finding her way into tourism through visitor information, VisitScotland, tour operations, marketing and hotel business development. After becoming a mother, she moved into academia, completing a PhD and later building a research career across tourism, hospitality and events. In this conversation, Judith shares what it was like to rethink her career after motherhood, move from Scotland to Australia with a young family, and build a new professional life through networks, research and teaching. We also explore Judith’s research into events, sustainability, climate change, mega-event legacies and the social value of events, including the harder-to-measure impacts like community pride, belonging and what we lovingly describe as the “vibe”. Later in the episode, Judith talks through The Hotel School’s flexible delivery model, including six-week terms, reduced cognitive load, industry-connected curriculum and paid internships designed to help students move more smoothly into tourism and hospitality careers. This is a conversation about careers, education, events, motherhood, migration and why tourism and hospitality remain deeply human industries, even as technology and AI continue to change the way we work. What You’ll Take Away From This Episode
About Professor Judith Mair Professor Judith Mair is Academic Director and Associate Dean (Education) at The Hotel School Australia, Southern Cross University. Judith’s research aims to understand and enhance the positive impacts of tourism and events on the communities and societies which host them. Her research expertise lies in fields including mega-event legacies, the future of Connect with Judith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-judith-mair-29778a2a/ Organisations Referenced
Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Professor Judith Mair | |||
| Hannah Pearson: Travel, Startups and Building a Business Through Crisis and Consistency | 13 May 2026 | 00:51:39 | |
In this episode of Tourism Matters, I’m joined by Hannah Pearson, founder of Pear Anderson and co-host of the Southeast Asia Travel Show. Hannah’s career has taken her from studying languages at Oxford to teaching in France and China, corporate London, Kuala Lumpur, travel startups, market representation and founding Pear Anderson, a tourism sales, marketing and market intelligence business focused on Southeast Asia. We talk about winding tourism careers, unexpected opportunities, building a business in travel, and how Hannah’s weekly Southeast Asia travel report became a trusted industry resource during COVID. We also discuss workforce challenges, including the disconnect between education and industry, the need for better training, and why passion matters but cannot replace fair pay, support and development. What you will takeaway...
About Hannah Pearson Hannah Pearson is the founder of Pear Anderson, a tourism sales, marketing and market intelligence company focused on Southeast Asia. Originally from the UK, Hannah studied French and Classics at Oxford before working across China, Malaysia, outbound travel, B2B sales, travel tech, market representation and tourism research. She is also co-host of the Southeast Asia Travel Show. Organisations Referenced
Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Hannah Pearson | |||
| Carmen Bold: From Bungy Jumping to Supporting Entrepreneurs, my Tourism Career, Built One Opportunity at a Time | 07 May 2026 | 01:04:53 | |
Episode Description This one flips the script. For the first time on Tourism Matters, Carmen moves from host to guest, with Sarah Jane Tilbury taking the reins. What unfolds is not a polished career narrative. It’s a real one. From retail floors to reservations desks, bungy platforms to Rugby World Cup operations, entrepreneurship to industry capability work - Carmen’s 25-year career is built on instinct, movement, and saying yes to opportunity. There’s no linear path here. But there is a pattern. Follow your gut. Stay close to the industry. Take the next interesting step. This episode pulls back the curtain on what a tourism career actually looks like - and why the industry has far more depth, opportunity, and longevity than people give it credit for. What You’ll Take Away
About Sarah Jane Tilbury Sarah Jane Tilbury is an experienced tourism and operations leader with a background spanning transport, experiences, and team leadership across Australia and the UK. She brings a sharp operational lens, a strong understanding of people and performance, and just enough humour to keep Carmen on her toes. Organisations & Platforms Referenced
Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and role reversal with Sarah Jane Tilbury | |||
| Tabetha Beggs: Building a Tourism Career Through Curiosity, Risk and Storytelling | 29 Apr 2026 | 01:09:19 | |
Tabetha Beggs hasn’t followed a straight path - no, no.
About Tabetha Beggs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabetha-beggs-a57a2771/ Episode Chapters | |||
| Birgitta March: Languages, Academia & Why Tour Guides Are More Important Than Ever | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:01:26 | |
Episode Description In this episode of Tourism Matters, Carmen sits down with Birgitta March, a tourism lecturer, PhD researcher, and former international tour guide. Exploring a career that spans continents, sectors, and decades. From guiding high-end clients in the US to interpreting across Australia and now shaping future professionals in higher education, Birgitta shares a grounded and insightful perspective on the tourism industry. The conversation dives into the evolving role of tour guides, the importance of language and cultural intelligence, and the challenges facing the sector today — from workforce perception to technology shifts. Birgitta also shares her current PhD research focused on bridging gaps between tourism education and Indigenous communities, raising important questions about how we teach and represent knowledge in the industry. What You’ll Take Away From This Episode
About Birgitta March Birgitta March is a lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality Management at William Angliss Institute and a PhD researcher focused on tourism education. Her career spans international tour guiding, interpreting, business events, and education. She has worked across Europe, the United States, and Australia, guiding high-end clients, technical delegations, and cultural tours. Birgitta’s research explores the social identity of tour guides and the role of education in shaping a more inclusive and informed tourism industry - particularly in relation to Indigenous communities. Connect with Birgitta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/birgitta-march-tourism-expertise/ Organisations Referenced
Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and episode overview | |||
| Brad Rowe: The Art + Science Behind Memorable Tourism Experiences | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:52:12 | |
In this episode, Carmen is joined by Brad Rowe, a tourism consultant with deep experience across product development, infrastructure, and destination management. We explore his journey from growing up in New Zealand to working on major tourism projects in Queenstown and internationally, including large-scale gondola and chairlift developments. Brad shares practical insights on experience design, what actually drives return on investment in tourism, and how operators can create moments that guests remember and share. What You’ll Take Away From This Episode
About Brad Rowe Brad Rowe is a tourism consultant and the founder of Tourism x Design, where he helps tourism businesses and destinations create innovative visitor experiences. Connect With Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-rowe-nz/ Organisations Referenced
Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome | |||
| Beáta Szablics: From Hungary to Antarctica, and a New Way of Thinking About Tourism | 09 Apr 2026 | 01:02:37 | |
Episode Description In this episode of Tourism Matters, Carmen Bold sits down with Beáta Szablics, whose career has taken her from a small town in Hungary to cruise ships, global product development, launching a luxury expedition brand, and ultimately Antarctica. Beáta shares how a non-linear career — starting in animal husbandry and moving through tourism operations and wellbeing — has shaped the way she now approaches experience design. This conversation explores how personal experiences, skills, and interests compound over time, and how they can ultimately position someone to create entirely new types of tourism experiences. It also opens up a broader discussion on the growing role of wellbeing in tourism, and what it actually takes to translate that into meaningful, place-based experiences. What You’ll Take Away From This Episode
About Beáta Szablics Beáta Szablics is a tourism professional with over two decades of global experience across tour operations, cruise, and product development. She has worked across multiple continents, led high-performing teams, and played a key role in launching new tourism products and brands, including a luxury expedition cruise line. Alongside her tourism career, Beáta has trained in a range of wellbeing modalities including forest bathing, embodiment coaching, and deep rest practices. She now works at the intersection of tourism and wellbeing, supporting businesses and destinations to create more meaningful, experience-led offerings. Organisations Referenced
Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and personal background | |||