Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Join us in this insightful episode of Business Class as we sit down with Sarah Benoit, co-founder and lead instructor of JB Media Institute in Asheville, North Carolina. With over 22 years of experience in tourism marketing, Sarah shares her journey from big-city travels to falling in love with the hidden gems of rural America. Discover how her passion for connecting with communities and untold stories has shaped her work in touris...

In this episode, we sit down with Katherine O'Donnell, the newly appointed President and CEO of Richmond Region Tourism. Katherine shares her remarkable 22-year journey with the organization, revealing how she transitioned from publications coordinator to the helm of a major destination marketing organization. Discover how her unexpected career path led to a deep passion for tourism, community engagement, and strategic leaders...

Rising Through the Ranks: A Journey in Marketing and Experience with Amber Jones

In this episode of the Business Class podcast, Steve interviews Amber Jones from Searchwide Global. Amber discusses her career progression from Marketing Manager to Chief Marketing and Experience Officer. She compares working in an executive search firm to her previous roles in Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), shares insights on ind...

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 career, and why she transitioned from ...

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 Embassy Suites led to a front desk job, ...

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 waste and promote sustainable prac...

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 explains the diverse membership, which ...

In this episode of the Business Class podcast, 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 stewardship in promoting local Indigenous cult...

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 to be uncovered, and the secrets beh...

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, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership, ultim...

In this episode of a podcast hosted by Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and Co-founder of the Nonprofit Tourism 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 diverse groups and companies to foste...

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 of inclusivity, storytelling, and su...

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 insights from his extensive ex...

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 Factor, her transition from communic...

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 visitor experiences.

Business Class is...

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 transformative tenure at Travel Butle...

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 forefront of creativity in earned med...

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 management in enhancing visitor expe...

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 sense of unity.

Highlighting the impor...