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…

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 …

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 th…

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…

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 network…

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 cultur…

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 To…

Born Slippy (Sam Laxton Remix) - Underworld Cafe Del Mar (Activa Remix) - Paul Oakenfold Need To Feel Loved (Sam Laxton Remix)- Reflekt feat. Delline Bass Set You Free (Jase Thirlwall Remix) - N-Trance Flaming June (Dan Thompson Extended Remix) - BT Big Sky feat. Audrey Gallagher (Andrew Rayel Extended Remix) Behind The Sun (Andy Newtz Energized Bo…

Dark Space (Extended Mix) - Trance Wax Rhythm (Of The Night) (Extended Mix) - Something Good More feat. Elena Pitoulis (Extended Mix) - Elena Pitoulis, Jan Blomqvist On The Beach (Kryder Extended Remix) - York The Space In Between (Ben Bohmer Extended Remix) - Jan Blomqvist Breathe Deep feat. Richard Walters (Extended Mix) - Richard Walters, Kryder…

Forgotten Voices (Extended Mix) - Will Rad If Spring Comes (Extended Mix) - U-G Supernatural (Extended Mix) - Lele Palmieri Mother Nature (Extended Mix) - Boski Simple Love (Extended Mix) - DJKrissB Fading Summer (Extended Mix) - Super Luminal Mirage (Extended Mix) - David Mcrae, Andy Newtz In My Heart (Extended Mix) - Angels&Tilove Our World (Exte…

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 …

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 e…

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. W…

Don`t Leave (Intro Mix) - Northern Project Something You Get (Northern Project Remix) - Bram VanK, Sundrej Zohar Secrets (Vocal Mix) - Northern Project, Caleb Golston, Sinead McCarthy Brand New Sky - Northern Project Summer Nights (Extended Mix) - Northern Project, Abbey8k Madness Mixed with Magic - Northern Project & Abbey8k Away From You (Vocal E…

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 Vis…

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…

Secrets feat Southcode (Mike Reverie Remix) - Northern Eclipse & Mandy Edge Morning Sun (Extended Mix) - Damian Wasse When the Day Breaks (Original Mix) - Artena Onward Journey (Karls Theme Extended Mix) - Dan Offside Rapture (Extended Mix) - MakeFlame Serenity Pulse (Extended Mix) - ReOrder Emperium (Extended Mix) - Andy Newtz & Eemzee Echos (Orig…

Breathe Deep feat. Richard Walters (Extended Mix) - Richard Walters, Kryder In the Dark. (Oliver Heldens Extended Remix) - Purple Disco Machine, Sophie & the Giants Don't Forget My Love (John Summit Remix (Extended) Diplo, Miguel I Feel Love (Extended Mix) - Limited Life, Mr Belt & Wezol, BENDAH At Night (Purple. Disco Machine Extended Remix) - Sha…

Take My Hand (Extended Mix) - Gregory Esayan, Victoria RAY Nebula (Extended Mix) - Han Beukers Waiting For You (Extended Vocal) - Northern Project, Caleb Golston On The Beach (Kryder Extended Remix) - York Kids (PROFF Remix) - The Midnight Eugina (Extended Mix) - Paul Thomas, JES, Fuenka Kill For You (Extended Mix) - Davee (ES), SUN3 Build Me Up (E…

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 differe…

Midnight Zero (Drunk Breeze Extended Remix) - LinMou Is This a Dream? (Extended Mix) - Casepeat Celestia (Alatheia Remix) - Metta & Glyde Under Pressure (Extended Mix) - Jake & Dreamy & Linnea Handberg Melodious (Extended Mix) - STNX Accomplished (Extended Mix) - Semper T Promises (Extended Mix) - Jason Gray Blue Ocean (Extended Mix) - JAN DE VICE,…

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 hi…

Because Of You (Extended Mix) - HIDE & SEEK, Jan Johnston Feel the Sun (Extended Mix) - HIDE & SEEK Falling Down (Extended Mix) - Dan Offside & Jodie Poye Don't Let Me Fall (Extended Mix) - Andy Newtz, JODIE POYE Day Dreaming (Extended Mix) - Ashandra Burnin' Up (Extended Mix) - TP One, Ayda van Helden And Jack Had A Groove (Extended Mix) - Storyte…

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 t…

Three Graces (Extended Mix) - Amos & Riot Night, Matt Noland Free Your Mind (Extended Mix) - Andrew Peters Drifting Away (Alessandra Roncone Extended Remix) - Lange, Skye Otherside (Extended Mix) - Trance Ferhat Chrysanthemum (Extended Mix) - Alex Believe, Julia Violin, Spectorsonic [TUNE OF THE WEEK] Forget About the Past (Extended Mix) - Joyline …

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 enl…

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 in…

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 in…

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 ha…

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 trave…

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 lea…

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…

In this enlightening episode, join us as we delve into hospitality and tourism with Dr. Robert Donato, Assistant Professor and Hospitality Program Manager at R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Broward College. Dr. Donato, a New York native who found his way to Broward County and back, shares his incredible journey from…

In this episode of the Tourism Academy podcast, join your host, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and co-founder of Tourism Academy, as he sits down with Rob O'Keefe, the driving force behind See Monterey's remarkable rebranding journey. Rob, the mastermind behind "Find Your Way Here," shares insights into his inspiring career and the pivotal moments that broug…

In this episode, join The Tourism Academy's CEO & co-founder, Stephen Ekstrom, as he sits down with Paul Ouimet from MMGY NextFactor, a distinguished figure in the tourism industry, and explore his illustrious career's fascinating twists and turns. From aviation and transportation to a pivotal role in founding a consultancy specializing in border p…

In this episode of Business Class by The Tourism Academy, we sit down with Steve Paganelli, Head of Americas at TripAdvisor, for a candid conversation about his journey in the travel and tourism industry. While today, he's at the forefront of one of the most influential travel platforms, Steve's path to this role was anything but conventional. Stev…

Join The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Stacy Ritter, a dynamic leader representing Visit Lauderdale, a community of 2 million people speaking 147 languages. With a background in politics and a passion for her community, Stacy shares insights into the intersection of tourism and politics, highl…

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast as we sit down with Cleo Battle, CEO of Louisville Tourism. Cleo's journey from childhood aspirations to becoming a dynamic leader in the tourism industry is nothing short of inspiring. Cleo dreamt of becoming a firefighter as a child, driven by his innate desire to…

In this captivating episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast, we delve into the world of lifelong learning and the transformative impact of travel. Our guest, Liz Bittner, President & CEO of Travel South USA, is a seasoned traveler and industry expert; she shares her remarkable journey through roads less taken and bridges crossed. We…

Step into the fascinating world of Natchez, a city of captivating contradictions and profound history, as we sit down with Devin Heath, the Executive Director at Visit Natchez. In this illuminating Tourism Academy Business Class episode, we delve into the heart of Natchez's rich past, its complex narrative, and the exciting challenges it presents. …

Brett Jewkes, our esteemed guest lecturer for the Tourism Leadership Accelerator Program, embodies the essence of values-driven leadership. Throughout his illustrious career, he embarked on a relentless quest to align his passion with his purpose, ultimately finding a company and role grounded in core values. His journey is a testament to the power…

Join us for an inspiring episode as we dive into the fascinating journey of turning a city's vision into a vibrant reality. In this episode, we sit down with Leonard Hoops, the visionary leader behind the transformation of Indianapolis into a tourism hotspot. Back in 2014, Indianapolis unveiled an ambitious tourism masterplan, drawing inspiration f…

Welcome to the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast! In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Hilina Ajakaiye, a remarkable individual making a significant impact in Boston as Executive Vice President of Meet Boston. Hilina's journey began as an immigrant from Ethiopia in 1987, with a dream of integrating and assimilating into her…

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 m…

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 …

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 Assoc…

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 …

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 collabora…

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…

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 …