Penny Brand: From SeaWorld Mascot & 60+ Skydives to Destination Marketing Leader
Episode Description
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/
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