Tabetha Beggs: Building a Tourism Career Through Curiosity, Risk and Storytelling
Episode Description
Tabetha Beggs hasn’t followed a straight path — no, no.
In this episode of Tourism Matters, Carmen sits down with Tabetha Beggs, Tourism Experiences Lead at Destination Perth, to explore a career shaped by curiosity, risk-taking, and a willingness to step into opportunities before feeling fully ready.
From early ambitions in the arts to roles across tourism, local government, and destination development, Tabetha shares how each experience — expected or not — has contributed to where she is today.
This is a conversation about backing yourself, listening deeply to communities, and understanding that tourism is ultimately about people and stories.
What You’ll Take Away
Why applying for jobs you’re not “qualified” for can change your career
The role of lived experience in shaping tourism professionals
Why community voice matters in destination marketing
How regional tourism organisations are evolving beyond marketing
The value of saying yes to unexpected opportunities
Why no experience is ever wasted — even the ones that don’t make sense at the time
The importance of storytelling in tourism and place-making
About Tabetha Beggs
Tabetha is the Tourism Experiences Lead at Destination Perth, with a career spanning tourism, arts, local government, and destination development.
She has previously held roles with Tourism Western Australia and the City of Perth, and is deeply passionate about community engagement, storytelling, and creating meaningful tourism experiences.
Tabetha is also an active mentor, supporting emerging leaders through the Women in Tourism & Hospitality WA Mentorship Program.
Connecting with Tabetha
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabetha-beggs-a57a2771/
Organisations Referenced
Destination Perth: https://www.destinationperth.com.au/
Tourism Western Australia: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/pages/home
Royal Society of Arts: https://www.thersa.org/
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Tabetha Beggs
00:30 – From cheese counter to career beginnings
01:20 – Applying for roles before you’re ready
02:16 – Travel, perspective, and curiosity
03:51 – Growing up in Perth Hills
06:43 – Early career ambitions and work experience
09:47 – Arts, theatre, and life experience
12:51 – The unexpected value of early jobs
16:16 – Moving to the UK and career pivots
18:39 – Taking risks and saying yes
20:35 – Why you should apply anyway
22:34 – Working across the UK in exhibitions
25:00 – Returning to Australia and career challenges
29:34 – Kalgoorlie and unexpected opportunities
36:30 – Transition into tourism
41:28 – Strategic roles and industry involvement
45:00 – Community voice in tourism
55:00 – Mentorship and career growth
60:43 – Networking and volunteering
66:18 – Open-minded travel and learning
68:43 – Storytelling in tourism
75:14 – The evolving role of RTOs
77:30 – Final reflections