Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation

In this powerful episode of Business Class , host Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Dawnielle Tehama, a Senior Associate Principal at Coraggio Group and an enrolled Klamath Tribal member, who shares her remarkable journey from a homeless teen to a leader in the tourism industry. Dawnielle opens up about the challenges she faced growing up, how her deep connection to her Indigenous roots shaped her ca...

In this episode, we chat with Lisa Bethea, Director of Destination Services for Visit Frisco. From a broadcast news career to a leading role in tourism, Lisa’s journey is a story of resilience and passion. Join us as we explore her unique path and the lessons she's learned. From Broadcast News to Hospitality Lisa’s shift from broadcast news to hospitality was unexpected. A chance visit to Emb...

In this episode of the Business Class Podcast, host Steve Ekstrom welcomes Mat Woods, the CEO of Destination Queenstown in New Zealand. Mat shares his unexpected journey from running a retail chain specializing in outdoor gear to becoming the CEO of a regional tourism office. He highlights his passion for the outdoors and his commitment to environmental stewardship, detailing his efforts to reduce...

In this episode of the Business Class Podcast , host Steve Ekstrom sits down with John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA , to explore the dynamic intersection of sports tourism and adventure. John shares the rich history of the Sports Events and Tourism Association, detailing its evolution from a small group of 12 sports commissions in 1992 to a robust network of over 700 members today. He ex...

In this episode of the Business Class podcas t, host Steve Ekstrom talks with Colin Carson, CEO of Tourism Prince George , a destination nestled in the heart of British Columbia. Colin shares insights into his journey from university to Denmark to China and back to Canada, all while discovering his passion for tourism. They discuss the importance of curiosity in travelers and the role of stewardsh...

Just days before the destination marketing community converges on the vibrant landscape of Tampa Bay for the annual Destinations International Conference, Steve Ekstrom revisits his engaging conversation with Santiago Corrada, President & CEO at Visit Tampa Bay . Santiago shares his passion for the industry, his insights on the rebranding journey that transformed Tampa into a treasure waiting...

Welcome to another episode of the Business Class Podcast with your host, Steve Ekstrom. Today, we delve into the vibrant world of destination marketing with a special guest who knows it intimately. Joining us from the heart of New Orleans is Alice Glenn, Executive Vice President of New Orleans and Company . Alice brings a wealth of experience shaped by her unique journey through politics, fundrais...

In this episode of a podcast hosted by Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and Co-founder of the Nonprofit T ourism Academy | tourismacademy.org , Keith Douglas from KD & Co Advisors discusses the importance of spontaneous networking, community involvement, and sustainability within the tourism industry. They delve into the successes of Out Professionals, a networking group led by Keith that brings together...

In this episode, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and Co-Founder of Tourism Academy, has a conversation with John Marshall, Founder and Chief Stewardship Officer at NYC Borough Pass. John shares his extensive journey in the tourism industry, the creation and mission of the NYC Borough Pass, and his efforts to promote and preserve New York City's diverse cultural experiences. He discusses the importance o...

The following broadcast is an excerpt of a recent live lecture presented by The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom to a group of entry-level hospitality students studying hotel and restaurant skills to aid in sustainable tourism development of their communities, which border on UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Steve Ekstrom, CEO and co-founder of the Tourism Academy, recently shared valuable insi...

Join us for an insightful conversation between Stephen Ekstrom, CEO of Tourism Academy, and Cassandra McAuley, industry expert and managing director at MMGY Global, as they delve into their unique career journeys and the transformative power of storytelling in tourism. In the first segment, Cassandra shares his diverse path from the science center to emergency services and eventually to MMGY Next...

Richard Peterson, President of the U. S. Cultural and Heritage Marketing Council, shares insights on cultural tourism, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, community engagement, and visitor experiences. He discusses the intersection of culture and heritage in tourism, the evolving traits of cultural travelers, and the significance of local engagement and personal connections in enhancing vi...

In this captivating episode of the Business Class Podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom delves into the dynamic world of destination marketing with a special guest, Mark Hecquet, President & CEO of the Springfield Missouri CVB. Mark shares his remarkable journey from his roots in London to his pivotal role in shaping the tourism landscape of Springfield. With over 16 years of experience, including a t...

Join us on this episode of the Business Class Podcast as we dive into the fascinating world of destination marketing with Mary Quinn Ramer, President of VisitLEX, the destination marketing organization in Lexington, Kentucky. Mary Quinn shares her journey into the DMO space, from her beginnings in PR & Communications to her current role leading VisitLEX. Discover how VisitLEX has been at the f...

An interview with Doug Price, President and CEO of Visit Colorado Springs, discussing his career journey in the tourism industry, sustainability efforts in Colorado Springs, key trends in tourism, advice for entering the field, and leadership style. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement in tourism, career growth opportunities in the industry, and the responsibility of destination m...

In this episode, join us for an insightful conversation with Elliott Ferguson, CEO of Destination DC, as we delve into the profound impact of travel on shaping our perceptions and fostering connections across cultures. Ferguson shares his perspective on the transformative power of travel, emphasizing how it enables us to appreciate both our differences and similarities, ultimately galvanizing a se...

In this captivating episode of the Business Class Podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom sits down with the esteemed guest, Domenic Bravo, CEO of Visit Cheyenne, for an insightful conversation on destination marketing and navigating the complexities of environmental conservation and economic impact in a politically charged landscape. Domenic Bravo shares his remarkable background and journey in destination...

In this podcast episode, Fred Dixon, the newly appointed CEO of Brand USA , shares insights into his journey in the tourism industry and his vision for the future. Growing up in the hospitality business, Fred initially wanted to be a lawyer but found his passion in tourism, particularly in destination marketing organizations (DMOs). He reflects on the meaningful moments and challenges of his caree...

Welcome to another episode of the Tourism Academy Podcast! I'm your host, Stephen Ekstrom, the CEO and co-founder of Tourism Academy. Today, we have a fascinating interview with Tammy Canavan, President & CEO of Visit Seattle , a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) space. In this enlightening conversation, Tammy shares her...

In this captivating episode of the Tourism Academy 's Business Class Podcast , your host, Stephen Ekstrom, sits down with Tony Lyle, the Executive Director of Visit Galveston . Join them as they explore Tony's remarkable trajectory from a ski rep in Vermont and Tahoe to leading tourism efforts in the charming town of Galveston. Tony shares insights into the dynamic nature of the tourism...

Welcome to a new episode of the Tourism Academy 's Business Class Podcast, where we connect with inspiring individuals in the tourism industry. In this episode, we had the honor of speaking with Karly, the Senior Marketing Manager of Travel Butler County and a proud member of Destination International's prestigious "30 under 30." Karly shared her incredible experience attending...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Business Class," the podcast that delves into the hidden stories and insights of the tourism industry. I'm your host, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO of Tourism Academy , and today, we have a remarkable guest, Kristin McGrath, the Executive Director of Visit Pasadena, the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau . Kristin has had a fascinating journey,...

In this captivating episode of the Tourism Academy Podcast, your host, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and co-founder of Tourism Academy, embarks on a thought-provoking conversation with Julie Freeman, the EVP & Managing Director of MMGY NJF . Join us as we dive deep into Julie's extraordinary journey in the tourism industry and unveil the intricacies of travel public relations. Julie's story b...

In this captivating episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast, your host, Stephen Ekstrom, the CEO and co-founder of The Tourism Academy , delves into a fascinating conversation with Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of the US Travel Association . Get ready to explore Geoff's remarkable journey and insights into the world of travel and leadership. Geoff Freeman shares his...

Join us in this captivating podcast episode as The Tourism Academy 's Stephen Ekstrom dives into the vibrant city of Cincinnati with a remarkable guest, Julie Calvert, President & CEO of Visit Cincy . Julie's journey into destination marketing is a fascinating tale of serendipity, starting as a journalist and eventually leading her to helm one of the city's most influential orga...