Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

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Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Stephen Ekstrom

211 episodes

1 week ago

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joanna Bear, President and CEO of Visit Laguna Beach, as she shares her passion for travel, hospitality, and community stewardship. In this episode, Joanna discusses her journey from growing up in San Pedro to leading efforts in preserving the natural beauty and vibrant arts scene of Laguna Beach. Discover her insights on building genuine connections with visitors, the challenge of balancing tourism with community quality of life, and her own travel ...

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Places & Travel

Society & Culture,

All content for Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast is the property of Stephen Ekstrom and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joanna Bear, President and CEO of Visit Laguna Beach, as she shares her passion for travel, hospitality, and community stewardship. In this episode, Joanna discusses her journey from growing up in San Pedro to leading efforts in preserving the natural beauty and vibrant arts scene of Laguna Beach. Discover her insights on building genuine connections with visitors, the challenge of balancing tourism with community quality of life, and her own travel ...

Show more...

Places & Travel

Society & Culture,

Episodes (20/211)

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

From Waves to Work: Joanna Bear's Inspired Life in Tourism

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joanna Bear, President and CEO of Visit Laguna Beach, as she shares her passion for travel, hospitality, and community stewardship. In this episode, Joanna discusses her journey from growing up in San Pedro to leading efforts in preserving the natural beauty and vibrant arts scene of Laguna Beach. Discover her insights on building genuine connections with visitors, the challenge of balancing tourism with community quality of life, and her own travel ...

1 week ago

16 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

On Life and Leadership with Visit Orlando's Casandra Matej

In this enlightening episode titled "On Life and Leadership," we sit down with Casandra Matej, the accomplished President and CEO of Visit Orlando. With over three decades of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Casandra shares the pivotal moments and lessons learned throughout her dynamic career. From her early days to leading through challenges such as the global pandemic, she opens up about the importance of collaboration, compassion, and authenticity in leadership. Discover how ...

3 weeks ago

26 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

A Vibrant New Chapter for Discover Puerto Rico: A Conversation with Jorge L. Pérez

In this episode of Business Class: The Learn Tourism Podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom welcomes Jorge L. Pérez, the newly appointed CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. With a career that spans venue management, entertainment, and major cultural events—including overseeing Bad Bunny’s historic 31-night residency—Pérez shares how these experiences shaped his vision for destination marketing. From addressing misconceptions about Puerto Rico’s accessibility, to uniting the island’s tourism ecosystem, to ens...

1 month ago

20 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Real Fun, Real Leadership: Dan Rowe of Visit Panama City Beach

Few destinations embody fun quite like Panama City Beach, and few leaders embody resilience, creativity, and vision quite like Dan Rowe, President & CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. In the latest episode of the Business Class podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Dan to explore his nearly two decades of leadership, his approach to fostering innovation, and what keeps him motivated through some of the toughest challenges any destination could face. Business Class is brought to you...

1 month ago

22 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Leading with Trust and Vision: Daniel Kuperschmid on the Business Class Podcast

After three decades in the hotel world, Daniel Kuperschmid took the leap from corporate hospitality to destination leadership—becoming President & CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. In this episode of the Business Class podcast, Daniel shares how trust shapes his leadership style, why leaving Hyatt was his biggest career risk, and how he’s working to showcase San Diego beyond its sunshine and beaches. From rediscovering the city as a “tourist in his own town” to championing culture, ...

1 month ago

22 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Embrace the Adventure: Lessons in Passion, People, and Change

In this episode, special guest host John Percy (President & CEO, Niagara Falls USA) turns the tables on Learn Tourism founder Stephen Ekstrom. Stephen shares his journey from small-town New Hampshire to global traveler and nonprofit leader, revealing how passion, resilience, and kindness have shaped his career in tourism education. Hear how Stephen turned pandemic setbacks into opportunities, what it means to build a culture of learning, and why every adventure—personal or professio...

2 months ago

36 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Mastering the Tourism Terrain: Strategic Growth and Real Relationships with Adam Stoker and Stephen Ekstrom

Adam Stoker, CEO of Brand Revolt and founder of Tourism IQ, joins Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and co-founder of Learn Tourism, for an open conversation about growth, innovation, and authenticity in the tourism industry. They reflect on their recent journeys, from time spent on a Michigan farm to speaking at industry conferences, and how these experiences shape their approach to leadership and learning. Adam and Stephen explore what it means to build intentional communities in tourism, sharing storie...

2 months ago

17 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

🎙 From Underdog to Record-Breaker: Mike Testa’s Sacramento Story

🎙 From Underdog to Record-Breaker: Mike Testa’s Sacramento Story In this episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Mike Testa, CEO of Visit Sacramento, to explore how a city often overlooked on California’s tourism map is rewriting its story. Mike shares how 25 years with the organization—working in every department—prepared him to lead bold, risk-taking initiatives that fueled an 80% rise in visitation, from world-class music festivals to hosting Europe’s largest food confer...

3 months ago

25 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Leadership and Opportunity in Property Management

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Sebastian Torres Calderon, a true exemplar of resilience and adaptability in the dynamic world of property management. From his humble beginnings in Lima, Peru, to leading a top company in Barcelona, Sebastian shares his transformative journey. Listen as he talks about his early dreams of being a soccer player, his shift to the culinary arts, and his eventual rise in the hospitality industry. Sebastian opens up about the challenges ...

3 months ago

18 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Unexpected Role Reversal: Stephen Ekstrom on Life as a Digital Nomad

In this special episode of Business Class, the mic flips as Cagdas, a PhD candidate researching digital nomadism and global mobility, interviews our usual host, Stephen Ekstrom. The result is a deeply personal, reflective, and often humorous journey into Stephen’s life on the road. What started as a temporary escape from a too-large Florida house turned into a transformative lifestyle spanning three and a half years, two dogs, and an RV that's more home than vehicle. Stephen shares how his li...

5 months ago

21 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Donuts, Detours & DIY: Building Better Tourism Through Education

What do donuts in Amish country, curious bison in Wyoming, and 30,000 learners have in common? A passionate conversation about the evolution of tourism marketing and the power of education. In this episode, Stephen Ekstrom is joined by Chris Cavanaugh, founder of Magellan Strategy Group, to explore a winding career path from brand management to quirky consulting—and the birth of the DIY Tourism Marketing movement. Together, they unpack the importance of curiosity, the need for accessible and ...

5 months ago

40 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

From Cleveland, With Soul: David Gilbert on Leading with Purpose

In this heartfelt and insightful interview, David Gilbert, President and CEO of Destination Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, shares the unique journey that led him to lead two separate but complementary civic organizations. A Cleveland native, David talks about how his deep roots in the community have shaped his approach to tourism and destination leadership. He explores Cleveland's soul—its gritty history, vibrant community, and the pride that defines its people—and how...

5 months ago

27 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Toronto's Superpower: Diversity, Design, and Destination Strategy with Andrew Weir

In this candid and thought-provoking episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom interviews Andrew Weir, President & CEO of Destination Toronto, about the evolution of destination leadership, the power of curiosity, and what it takes to build a world-class visitor economy. Andrew reflects on his accidental entry into tourism, shares wisdom from two decades of experience, and explains how Toronto’s unmatched cultural diversity and global perspective are key to its success. With humor, humil...

5 months ago

21 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Exploring the Future of Tourism with Philip Jones

In this episode of Learning Tourism's Business Class podcast, host Stephen shares his experiences waking up by Lake Erie and traveling across the U.S. before introducing the distinguished guest, Philip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer for the Royal Commission for AlUla. With a rich career spanning leadership roles at Visit Dallas and Louisiana's Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, Jones dives into his journey of transforming AlUla into a globally recognized tourism destination. They d...

6 months ago

20 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Hungry, Humble, and Leading the Way: Brad Dean on Tourism, Teamwork & Telling St. Louis' Story

In this episode of Business Class, I sit down with Brad Dean, President & CEO of Explore St. Louis, to explore what it really means to lead with heart in the tourism industry. From his unexpected leap from finance to hospitality, to his people-first leadership philosophy, Brad shares what makes a great team, why humility matters, and how St. Louis is rewriting its narrative with sports, arts, and authenticity. We also dive into the evolving role of AI, the future of destination marketing,...

6 months ago

25 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

The Business of Making Memories: NYC Tourism CEO Julie Coker on Leadership, Travel, and Connection

In the fast-paced world of tourism, where destinations evolve and trends shift constantly, the heart of the industry remains unchanged: the ability to evoke emotion, passion, and excitement. "We are in the memory-making business," says Julie Coker, President and CEO of NYC Tourism and Conventions, in a recent interview with Learn Tourism CEO Stephen Ekstrom. Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adul...

7 months ago

23 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

From Kansas to Oregon: A Journey Through Hospitality and Tourism with Jeff Knapp

In a recent conversation on the Learn Tourism podcast, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO of Learn Tourism, spoke with Jeff Knapp, President and CEO of Visit Bend, about his journey to Bend, Oregon, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit 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 stakeholde...

10 months ago

28 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Discover the Authentic Charm of York County, South Carolina

Visit York County, led by CEO Andy Clinton, is a thriving tourism organization situated just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. The area, known for its rapid growth, offers a mix of suburban charm and rural appeal, making it a popular destination for families seeking authentic experiences. Clinton highlights the county's unique blend of local attractions, such as mom-and-pop restaurants and breweries, alongside major developments. Clinton emphasizes the importance of supporting local business...

10 months ago

18 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Balancing Tourism and Community: How Aspen Pioneers Sustainable Destination Marketing

Eliza Voss, Vice President of Destination Marketing at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA), provides fascinating insights into the delicate balance of managing Aspen's tourism while maintaining the quality of life for its residents. Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit 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 ov...

11 months ago

14 minutes

Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast

Exploring Tourism and Community: Interview with John Urdi

Learn Tourism CEO Stephen Ekstrom sits down with John Urdi, the President and CEO of Mammoth Lakes, California, to delve into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing tourism in a remote yet breathtaking destination. With Urdi’s extensive experience in the tourism sector, listeners can expect an insightful discussion that goes beyond the usual marketing strategies and highlights the importance of community engagement. Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, ...

1 year ago

23 minutes