Business Class: The Tourism Industry's Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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 stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

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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 businesses and fostering a sense of community while driving economic growth through tourism. With a small, passionate team, Visit York County focuses on creating impactful campaigns, including social media efforts that significantly boost local business visibility. 

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 stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

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Gathan Borden, Client and Insights Relations Manager at Tourism Economics, recounts the challenges he faced growing up as the only black student in advanced classes. He shares how this experience instilled a constant need to prove his worth, a trait that has carried through his career. Gathan draws creativity from his late mother and discipline from his father, both of which are key elements in his current role. He discusses his career journey from Louisville tourism to various leadership roles, his passion for journaling, and aspiring career shifts. Gathan highlights the importance of relationships, continuous learning, and leadership skills. He also shares aspirations to learn piano and a second language, and reflects on the significance of his dog, Teddy. The episode offers insightful advice on career growth and personal development in the tourism industry.

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 stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show

She took her love for nature, the area she grew up in and for educating others and turned it into a career. Celebrating 25 years on the water, leading whale watching excursions on Croisieres AML from Tadoussac, Quebec, is today's guest, Agathe. She joins The Tourism Academy's Chief Strategist and full time digital nomad, Stephen Ekstrom for this exciting episode. 

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 stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show

Throughout the west, there are signs of life from long before Europeans arrived. There were grand cities like Mesa Verde & Chaco Canyon, artists creating petroglyphs, builders & engineers who turned the faces of cliffs into homes and communities.
Today, there are countless people living life on the reservation, doing their best to ensure that their culture, heritage, traditions, language and families survive. The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom was invited to bake bread with the former governor of the Zia Pueblo, Rudy and his wife, Andrea.  Here's their story. 

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 stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show

As American as cherry pie... Yes, you read that right. Everyone you talk with while visiting Traverse City loves it. This mid-sized city in Northern Michigan has a vibrancy, community pride and welcoming spirit that is without rival. The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom stopped by to visit and partake in the National Cherry Festival celebration. While there, he met with Trevor Tkach, a hometown guy and President & CEO of Traverse City Tourism. 

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 stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show

What is a Director of Beverage and how can you become one? To answer this question, The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom met with Rus Yessenov, Director of Beverage at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.  Rus shares his career path and the secret to the perfect cocktail.

Special thanks to Destination Toronto for helping make this happen.

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 stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show

Have you ever stopped to think about the role everyday objects have in telling us about people, culture and history? Well, that's exactly what Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director of the Bata Shoe Museum does and she sat down with The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom to share her passion for footwear. They even talked about Stephen's choice of shoe for the interview. 

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 stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show

Toronto, Ontario, Canada - one of the world's most diverse, inclusive and fastest growing cities and host of the 2022 Destinations International Conference happening right now. The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom sat down with Scott Beck, President & CEO of Destination Toronto to get a jump start on the busy week ahead and to talk tacos. Check it out.

RELATED: Engage & Upskill Your Tourism Stakeholders With Online Ambassador Training

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 stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show

On this episode, The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom is joined by Jody Shumway, fifth generation dairy farmer and ice cream maker extraordinaire in Afton, Wyoming, just outside of the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Jody shares how tourism has benefited his family farm and his personal approach to stewardship. Jody also explains the Harvest Host program. 

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 stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show