Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy , Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Patrick Kaler, President & CEO at Visit Buffalo Niagara . Patrick talks about his first destination job, he explains why he cares about all of Erie County so much, and he shares what he’s learned from other DMOs. The Business Class Podcast is powered by Group Travel Odyssey. Business Class...

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy , Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Josh and Andrew from AGAR . Josh gives us the background on how AGAR came to be, Andrew talks about a business professional he looks up to, and we learn about how each of their kids are most like them. The Business Class Podcast is powered by Group Travel Odyssey. Business Class is brought to y...

Benjamin Maddy, one of the most lovable people in tourism and your contact at Fogo de Chao ,  joins The Tourism Academy 's Chief Strategist, Stephen Ekstrom, to discuss Stephen's newest adventure as a full-time tourist. Together they talk about Stephen's decision to sell his home and everything in it, buying and outfitting an RV and the first few stops along his epic North American...

Kicking off Season 2 in Beaufort, South Carolina, with this story from Aunt Pearlie Sue, Anita Prather. Anita is the founder and a member of the musical performance group, The Gullah Kinfolk, Gullah Traveling Theater, Inc …among many other things. Aunt Pearlie Sue is a creation of Anita, a native of the Sea Islands. Based on her grandmother, Aunt Pearlie Sue’s character has entertained audiences w...

Keith Snode, COO and Lead Navigator at Group Travel Odyssey , joins The Tourism Academy 's Chief Strategist, Stephen Ekstrom, to discuss Stephen's newest adventure as a full-time tourist. Together they talk about Stephen's decision to sell his home and everything in it, buying and outfitting an RV and the first few stops along his epic North American road trip. Business Class is bro...

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy , Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Gabriella Ribeiro from TRUMarketing . Gabriella shares advice she would give to someone wanting to enter the travel industry, she talks about the first flight she took after the pandemic, and she explains why staying calm in stressful situations is critical. The Business Class Podcast is powere...

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy , Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Patti Golden from The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island . Patti discusses her passion for events, she shares which golden girl she would be, and she describes a motivational phrase that she would put on a billboard to inspire others. RELATED: Find A Keynote Speaker For Your Next Event RELATED:...

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy , Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Jeremy Sampson, CEO of The Travel Foundation . Jeremy discusses his switch from journalism to tourism, he talks about why he moved to Spain, and he describes some of his best habits. RELATED: Find the perfect speaker for your next event or meeting RELATED: Get more support from your community w...

"Be fearless," says Tony Hoover, founder of Red Line Tours - a Los Angeles based walking tour and storytelling business. Tony joins Business Class host, Stephen Ekstrom, for this fun, enlightening and inspiring talk about resilience, reinvention and becoming fearless.   RELATED: Find the perfect speaker for your next event or meeting RELATED: Get more support from your community with Tou...

"We're competing for the visitors' time and loyalty," says John Bridge, Director of TravelBeat - a UK based trade representation and business development firm. John is this week's guest on Business Class with host, Stephen Ekstrom. Together they talk about what it takes to launch new products, break into new markets and who they look for at networking events.    RELATED: F...

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy , Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Tico Soto from Tourism Tactics by Tito . Tico shares his thoughts on tattoos, he discusses how he got his start in tourism with the Lake Charles Tourism Bureau, and he talks about his decision to launch his own business. RELATED: Find The Right Speaker for Your Next Event RELATED: Up-skill and...

Haley Woods, full-time nomad and founder of the 1.2 million-member Girls LOVE Travel Facebook community joins The Tourism Academy 's Stephen Ekstrom for this episode of Business Class. How a simple goal to make new friends and travel with them opened new doors and spawned amazing, over-the-top travel experiences on all seven continents. RELATED: Improve Visitor Experiences with Tourism Ambass...

On this episode, Frances Manzitto from Clarksville, Tennessee joins The Tourism Academy 's Stephen Ekstrom to share her thoughts on how tourism friendships and business relationships helped pave the way toward a fulfilling career. She also talks about her favorite local events, people who have influenced her business philosophy and what she's done to stay connected through turbulent time...

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy , Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Greg DeShields, a member of The Tourism Academy's Advisory Panel, from Tourism Diversity Matters . Greg describes how he launched his career in tourism, he talks about a mentor who inspired him greatly, and he discusses the benefits of having diverse leadership. RELATED: Take a D.E.I. Cour...

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy , Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Vince Accardi, CEO of the Ontario Motorcoach Association . Vince talks about a mentor who’s influenced his career, he describes the biggest challenges his members are facing today, and he explains why self care is critical during a time of crisis. RELATED: 6 Reasons Why eLearning Costs Less Tha...

Susan Marenoff-Zausner, CEO of New York City's Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum joins host, Stephen Ekstrom from The Tourism Academy , to share her thoughts on crafting and perfecting one's management & leadership style. She sheds some light on the programs happening within the Intrepid's steel walls that make STEM education more tactile and meaningful for tens of thousands...

Jeff Kollath, Executive Director of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music , shares how music forms a common thread through history, culture, art and humanity. Jeff shares with Business Class host, Stephen Ekstrom , how an incredible tale of the Stax story, came to life and grew into a powerful exhibit. Plus, Jeff talks about his own career growth and his hopes for the future of Stax. RELATED:  Sc...

Gregg Caren, CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau , joins The Tourism Academy 's Business Class host, Stephen Ekstrom, to share his thoughts on overcoming adversity, finding strength in diversity and representing a wonderfully gritty city. Gregg also describes the way mentorships helped shape his career and who he looks up to. RELATED: Empower & Align Your Stakeholders...

Katinka Friis from Visit Denmark joins host, Stephen Ekstrom , for this episode of The Tourism Academy 's  Business Class podcast. Katinka shares her experience, exploring Copenhagen, getting to know Denmark and translating that passion into a career abroad.  Plus she shares a few tips on how to find authentic local experiences and immerse yourself in local culture. RELATED: Online Destinatio...

"Hop on that plane. Get on that train." says Paul Gauger, Senior Vice President/Deputy Regional Director for Visit Britain . Join host, Stephen Ekstrom , for The Tourism Academy 's  Business Class talk about following one's passion, being a part of major events, history, culture, heritage and intercontinental travel. RELATED: Online Destination Training for Agents & Operato...

Beth Potter, Executive Director at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada , shares her own professional journey with The Tourism Academy 's Chief Strategist and host, Stephen Ekstrom on this episode of Business Clas s. Beth shares insight on the power of tourism to the Canadian economy and how a pretty awful travel experience turned into new lifelong friendships, great food and a cultural...

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy, Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Adele Youngs from Live Travel and Tours . We get to meet Adele’s dog, she describes how being involved in the Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA) has positively impacted her professional growth, and she shares the best advice she’s been given. RELATED: Become SYTA Certified - Get Your CSTP C...

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy , Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Luisa Mendoza ( GTSE , Ukonik , AJL Reps ). Luisa talks about why she launched her digital marketing company, she describes how two important people she’s worked for helped shape her career, and she shares the importance of her Colombian roots. RELATED: Generate Leads And Train Travel Agents To...

Richard Peterson, President & CEO of the US Cultural & Marketing Heritage Council joins The Tourism Academy 's Stephen Ekstrom to shed some light on his remarkable career, building community alignment and learning from his mentors along the way. He also offers a bit of insight on his personal collection of travel memorabilia. RELATED: The Tourism Academy's Advisory Panel RELATED:...

On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Tourism Academy , Steve Ekstrom sits down to interview Olly Nicholls, CEO of Attraction World . Olly talks about innovations he’s seen from attractions over the last 18 months, he describes how he got his start in the industry, and he shares his favorite travel experience. RELATED: Provide Your People With A Curated Learning Experience RELATED: Pla...