Giselle Whitaker: Saying Yes, Global Tourism Careers and Unexpected Opportunities

Episode Description

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