Women in Travel: Penny Lion, Tourism Australia

Women in Travel: Penny Lion, Tourism Australia
By Daisy Melwani


We chat to Penny Lion, Executive General Manager of Events at Tourism Australia about a work-life balance, good food and why simple is smart, in conjunction with Travel Weekly’s Women in Travel Awards in November.

Selling the world is a glamorous sounding idea and that has appeal for both sexes, although seemingly for more women than men in Australia. I’ve lived and worked in the UK and there was perhaps more of an even mix in the industry there.

In terms of working in travel, equilibrium is essential for me. I met a person once who told me their career was everything to them. They worked all the hours the day gave them. I can’t relate to that. I’m someone who needs time out from work to reset and refresh. I exercise most mornings. I leave the office at a reasonable hour, making sure I’ve achieved my top priorities. I love good food and wine with my partner. All of this helps me do my job better.

Career-wise, over the years my biggest wake up moments were all about being thrown in the deep end and realising I was the only one who could fix it.

I found that to avoid failure, I needed to be solution focused.

I also always try to be genuine in what I say and do. I try to find the most simple way to do things (simple is smart). Plus I try to lead people to be as unstoppable as they can be.

I can say the opportunities for women in the travel industry now are certainly better than they were when I look back to the early part of my career. Today the six-strong executive team at Tourism Australia is comprised of four women and two men.

Travel Weekly is proud to present the Women in Travel Awards in Sydney on 17 November, and are calling on women from any level across the industry to enter.

You don’t have to be nominated to enter, it’s open to all women at any level, and entries are FREE.

Or, if you know or work with any exceptional Women in Travel, be proactive and acknowledge excellence in their field by nominating them to enter by emailing nominations@womenintravel.com.au – be sure to include the nominees email address, and what category you are nominating them for.

The 18 categories are NOW OPEN and individuals can enter in more than one category.

Winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on 17 November in Sydney. Earlybird tickets are on sale.

Read other Women in Travel interviews in this series:

Sarina Bratton, Ponant

Sarah Anderson, GTI Tourism

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