Industry Leaders to Know: Kellie Goggins

We caught up with Kellie Goggins, Marketing Manager at the Korea Tourism Organization’s Sydney office, to chat about her journey into tourism, what keeps her inspired, and the trends she thinks travel agents should watch in 2025. Spoiler: it involves food (lots of it).

Kellie, tell us a bit about your background and your role in the travel industry.

“My path to tourism wasn’t exactly a straight line. I actually started out in video game marketing, but everything changed after a trip to Korea where I completely fell in love with the country. That one visit turned into five years living there, learning the language, and completing my master’s degree.

Kellie Goggins, Marketing Manager at the Korea Tourism Organization’s Sydney office

Now, I’m back in Australia helping others discover the Korea that stole my heart. In my role, I work with the travel trade across Australia and New Zealand to promote Korea through events, campaigns, partnerships, and famils.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in travel, and what keeps you passionate about it?

“I actually wanted to work at Flight Centre when I was younger but never got the job! Travel has always been such a big part of my life, and I’ve been lucky to explore some incredible countries.

I didn’t set out to work in the travel industry, but now that I’m here, it feels like the perfect fit. I get to combine my love for travel with my love for Korea. And Korea is one of those destinations that keeps surprising you—there’s always something new to learn about its culture, people, food, and hidden gems.”

What’s one trend or innovation you think agents should focus on in 2025?

“Food-focused tours! With food content exploding on Instagram and TikTok, travellers are making sure they tick off must-eats and viral food experiences.

Seeing the big attractions is great, but food often takes centre stage. In destinations like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, food is such a key part of the culture—it helps travellers connect on a much deeper level. Even if people aren’t across all the latest trends, exploring a destination through its food is such a memorable way to understand it. And when people miss a place, it’s usually the food they crave most.”

Finally, tell us something fun about you that not many people know.

“I’ve never watched Squid Game, not even one episode! I know, shocking… especially since we’ve run Squid Game-themed events. But I’m a total wuss when it comes to thrillers or anything gory. I’m more of a soft Korean rom-com fan!”

Kellie’s passion for Korea is infectious, and it’s clear she’s helping inspire a whole new wave of travellers to experience the country beyond the usual highlights. With her insights, we’re sure agents will be serving up plenty of food-for-thought itineraries in 2025 and beyond.