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

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 aspirations. Whether you're a tourism enthusiast or simply seeking inspiration to pursue your passions, Joanna's story is sure to resonate. Tune in to explore the beauty and creativity that define Laguna Beach, and be inspired by Joanna's unwavering dedication to her work.

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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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 Casandra navigates the complexities of her role, the evolving landscape of the industry, and her vision for the future. Whether you're aspiring to lead or simply seeking inspiration, Casandra Matej’s insights offer valuable perspectives on balancing personal and professional aspirations. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends industry expertise with personal reflection.

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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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 transformational learning, and why mid-career tourism pros are the key to the industry’s future. From bison encounters to building the next generation of tourism leaders, this episode delivers real stories and real strategies.

It’s also your sneak peek at what’s coming to the 2026 Learn Tourism Conference, featuring a newly expanded DIY Marketing learning track for professionals ready to roll up their sleeves and elevate their impact.

📚 Come for the stories. Stay for the strategy. Leave with skills.
Learn more and register at learntourism.org

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

Kyle Edmiston shares with the nonprofit Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom, is making his mark in Lake Charles, Louisiana - a community that blends luxury amenities with outdoor features like creeks, river, bayou and swamp. 
From Louisiana Tech University, he was recruited to work in destination marketing and this is his story of building a career, mentors he's looked up to, mentoring others and professional growth. 

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

"The game has changed - we have got to make sure destinations continue to adapt and are serving the communities they represent," says Jerad Bachar, President & CEO at Visit Pittsburgh as he joins The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom for this episode of the Business Class podcast. 
Together, they discuss the new meaning of work-life balance and how that manifests in company culture. Jerad shares the impact his first trip had on him and the similarities he sees between his work in the midwest, Middle East and mighty Allegheny. 

About Jerad:
Jerad Bachar has close to thirty years of tourism and economic development experience in an array of countries and business environments. He has worked in both developed and emerging markets in the areas of destination branding and marketing, economic development and diversification, and workforce development.

Jerad began his tourism development career at VisitPITTSBURGH in 2004.  In 2008, he became Director of Business Tourism for the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing where he led the development of the city’s strategy for business, sports, and leisure events.  In 2015, Jerad became an Executive Director at the Bahrain Economic Development Board where he was responsible for economic development of the travel, healthcare, education, and real estate sectors. 

Jerad returned to Pittsburgh in January 2019 as the Executive Vice President of VisitPITTSBURGH, and as of May 2020 became President and CEO of the organization.  Jerad holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool.

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

Summerside, Prince Edward Island is an incredibly charming and unexpectedly fascinating destination year-round. Join the nonprofit Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom for this chat with Rose Dennis, Executive Director of Explore Summerside. She explains how they're able to punch way above their weight class for sports, leisure & business travelers, drawing the likes of Elton John, James Taylor, Reba McEntire, Sting and more. 

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

"I'm living my best life now..." says Martha Sheridan, CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. In this episode, Martha talks about their work to elevate Boston as a global destination, a city that never gets old. She shares some pivotal moments and mentors who helped shape her career in destination management. She also talks about the integration between community involvement and tourism development. 

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

The Boy With The Blue Beard, also known as The Baltimore Foodie. Yes, he's as well known for his outgoing style as he is for his impeccable taste and ability to draw attention to the thriving food scene in Baltimore. This week, The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom sits down for a drink with @thebaltimorefoodie

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

Chadi stepped off a plane in Baltimore 15 years ago. At the time, he had no idea that he'd be making a difference and making his mark in the hospitality industry.  Here's his uniquely inspiring immigrant 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

The first job you think of when someone mentions the National Parks may be that of a ranger, spiffy uniform and badge, sharing their knowledge of the land, history and special features that make each site unique. Today's guest, John Harlan Warren, knew at the age of 11 that he wanted to be a ranger. Now, he's Communications Specialist, representing more than 80 sites in the National Park Service's Region 1.
Here's John sharing his story and what excites him about the work he does with Stephen Ekstrom from The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org. 

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