Join us on this captivating episode of "Business Class," hosted by Stephen Ekstrom, CEO & Co-Founder of The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org, as we sit down with a true trailblazer in destination marketing, Kristen Esposito. Kristen is not only the founder of Esposito Global Partners, a renowned destination marketing firm, and a distinguished member of the Brand USA Board of Directors. In this exclusive interview, Kristen Esposito delves into the Origins of her passion for destination...

In this captivating episode of The Tourism Academy Podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom, CEO & Co-Founder, sits down with Fred Dixon, the CEO of NYC Tourism and Chair of Destinations International. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary career journey of a visionary leader and gain exclusive access to his invaluable insights into the world of tourism and destination industries. Fred Dixon takes us on a riveting trip through the milestones of his career, sharing the pivotal moments that...

In this heartwarming episode, join us as we embark on an incredible journey with the extraordinary Bud Geissler, an ardent traveler, and advocate for exploration. Bud's passion for discovering new destinations and connecting people through travel has made him a renowned figure in the industry. As the Chair of the prestigious 2024 American Bus Association Marketplace Event, Bud has dedicated himself to fostering a vibrant travel community that embraces the true essence of adventure. Prepare to...

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Craig Davis, the visionary CEO of Visit Dallas, the official tourism organization responsible for showcasing the incredible diversity and energy of the dynamic city of Dallas. Join The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom as we delve into the exciting aspects that make Dallas the perfect host city for the highly anticipated 2023 Destinations International Conference. Craig Davis, an industry leader with extensive experience in tourism and destination...

Join us for a captivating episode of the Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Business Class Podcast as we delve into the world of collaboration and the inherent goodness of people with our esteemed guest, Alana Cooper, CEO of Discover Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana. In this episode, Alana shares her insights and experiences in fostering collaboration and community spirit in the tourism industry. Alana Cooper, a visionary leader and passionate advocate for her community, guides us through...

In this captivating episode, Stephen Ekstrom, the host of The Tourism Academy's Business Class podcast, sits down with Jack Johnson, the esteemed Chief Advocacy Officer at Destinations International. Join us as we delve into a deep conversation about Jack's remarkable work, passions, and the significant initiatives undertaken by the D.I. Foundation. As a true champion of the tourism industry, Jack Johnson has dedicated his career to advancing destination advocacy on a global scale. With an...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast! In this episode, we uncover the incredible synergy between STEM education and tourism development as host Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Michael Hensley, a visionary leader from Visit Great Lakes Bay. Join us as Stephen and Michael delve into the captivating world of incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning into the realm of tourism. They explore how the Great Lakes Bay...

In this captivating episode of our podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom sits down with the brilliant mind of Joseph St. Germain, Ph.D., President and Partner at Downs & St. Germain Research. With an impressive academic background and extensive experience in the field of research, Joseph has made a significant impact on understanding human behavior. Stephen and Joseph embark on a thought-provoking journey, beginning with Joseph's educational milestones—a Bachelor's degree in Applied Science in...

Welcome to the Business Class Podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of travel, tourism, and destination marketing. In today's episode, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with a distinguished guest, Marc Garcia, the President and CEO of Visit Mesa. Marc Garcia is a recognized leader in the tourism industry, with a wealth of experience and insights into destination marketing. As the head of Visit Mesa, the official destination marketing organization for Mesa, Arizona, Marc has played a pivotal...

Welcome to this inspiring episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the world of sustainable tourism and philanthropy. In today's interview, we have the honor of hosting Bruce Beckham, the visionary founder of Tourism Cares, a renowned non-profit organization at the forefront of transforming the way we approach travel and its impact on local communities. During our conversation, Bruce takes us on a remarkable journey, sharing his insights, experiences, and profound understanding of...

"Whatever job you start in, especially in tourism, be a sponge - keep your eyes open, pay attention to what you do to learn things along the way," says Kristina Wilson, JD and Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org advisor. In this episode, Kristina joins host Stephen Ekstrom to share some of her favorite travel experiences and how that love for learning has helped her build a business that supports tourism. Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of...

She's been able to "make a career out of selling fun." In this episode, Beth Gendler from Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism joins the nonprofit Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org Co-Founder, Stephen Ekstrom, for a lively chat. Beth shares her view on stewardship, creating a culture of adaptability, and her own leadership style. It's worth a listen.  Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to...

Like most on The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org team, Paradise Advertising and Marketing's Barbara Karasek comes from a family of educators. She's both a sports fanatic and an academic who values lifelong learning. As she puts it, "constantly learning from ourselves, others & those around us."  There's an air of wonderment around Barbara, the team she's built and her wonderfully diverse career that includes brands like NASCAR, Busch Gardens and countless household names. In this...

Dr. Canny has nearly three decades of experience in higher education as a senior administrator as well as a faculty member.  He is a faculty member at the University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education in the Doctoral Programs for Organizational Change Leadership and Education Leadership. Dr. Canny has also taught at Stetson University and Grand Canyon University.  In this episode, he joins The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org CEO, Stephen Ekstrom, to discuss developing...

Maura Gast, Executive Director of the Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau and former Destinations International Chair, met The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org Co-Founder and CEO, Stephen Ekstrom, nearly 20 years ago.  They reconnect and share stories of how their career paths have come to cross again Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable...

Joining The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom for this episode is Scott White from Visit Greater Palm Springs. Since 2010, Scott White has served as President and CEO at Visit Greater Palm Springs. Scott previously served as the Executive Director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau where he oversaw the promotion of San Antonio’s $11 billion visitor industry.  Scott also served as the Executive Vice President of the Greater Phoenix Convention &...

Don Welsh, CEO of Destinations International shares the origins of his passion for this work, key moments in his career and lessons learned along the way.  Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at tourismacademy.org.  Support the show

"Your reputation travels with you," says Monica Smith, President & CEO at Southeast Tourism Society, in this conversation with The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom. Monica shares memories of her favorite travel experiences, leadership advice and her thoughts on the friendships she's made along her professional journey.  Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the...

Nan Marchand Beauvois is U.S. Travel Association’s senior vice president of membership and industry relations. She is also general manager for U.S. Travel’s Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO). In this episode, she shares her story with The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build...

Ryan George has held one job in his time at Simpleview — a responsibility he took on when he founded the company in February 2001. As CEO, he provides strategy and direction for the company, oversees its growth and operations through a cadre of highly skilled executives, and works to build industry knowledge and leadership in employees throughout the company. He joins The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom for this episode of Business Class.  Business Class is brought to...

Growing up in the travel business, Melyssa never thought she'd be leading a DMO for 20+ years. Now, she counts destination marketing peers among her close friend group. In this episode, Melyssa Reeves from Visit Vacaville, and Destinations International Board member,  shares her story with the Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom.  Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance...

With a background in business psychology and behavioural economics, and a love for Applebee's, Visit Corpus Christi's Brett Oetting, also a member of the Destinations International Board, shares his insight on growing quality of place, stronger teams, and more sustainable tourism economies.  Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn...

A lifetime learner, passionate educator, and leader amongst destination marketers, Gary Sherwin, CEO of Newport Beach & Company and member of the Destinations International Board, shares his experience and hopes for the future with The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom. Gary shares how attracting more visitors is the result of educating consumers and breaking preconceptions. Take a listen... Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the...

Taking risks, discovering one's own potential, and finding gratitude in her destination, Discover Long Island's Kristen Reynolds, also a member of the Destinations International Board, shares her experience and climb to leadership with The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn...

Visit Tampa Bay's Santiago Corrada, who's also a member of the Destinations International Board, joins The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom to discuss what it takes to unlock a destination's hidden gem, double hotel revenue and build a brand that others admire.  Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to...