Tourism Deserves a Seat at the Table

What does it take for a destination organization to become one of the most trusted voices in its community?

In this episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Jill Delaney, President & CEO of Discover Albany, for a conversation about leadership, advocacy, and why destination organizations must do far more than market places.

Jill shares how Discover Albany has earned a respected voice with elected officials, community leaders, and state agencies over its 50-year history—not through politics, but through relationships, credibility, and a relentless focus on serving the community.

Along the way, she offers practical advice for emerging tourism professionals, reflects on the importance of frontline hospitality workers, discusses lifelong learning, and explains why confidence and purpose matter when advocating for your destination.

Whether you're a destination executive, hospitality leader, student, or someone passionate about community building, this episode is a reminder that tourism's greatest influence often happens long before visitors ever arrive.

In this episode you'll learn:

•  How destination organizations earn a seat at influential decision-making tables 
•  Why advocacy is becoming an essential leadership skill in tourism 
•  The overlooked impact of frontline hospitality employees 
•  How relationships shape successful destinations 
•  Why curiosity and continuous learning make better leaders

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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Tourism, Sustainability & Colombia’s Diversity with Maria Lacouture (AmCham Colombia)

Maria Lacouture, director of AmCham Colombia, explains how the nonprofit strengthens business ties between Colombia and the U.S., including tourism, through work with more than 970 American and Colombian companies. She shares how travel builds cultural understanding and adaptability, clarifies the misconception that AmCham handles visas, and describes current goals such as promoting Colombia in Washington, D.C. Lacouture highlights Colombia’s core tourism value—diversity across environments, culture, music, and gastronomy—and notes sector growth and professionalization since tourism policy efforts began in 2006, including over four million non-resident visitors last year. She emphasizes sustainable tourism as a balance of economic, social, and environmental development requiring coordination, investment, training, community participation, and long-term planning, alongside marketing that communicates human connection. She closes with the idea that tourism must be both high-tech and high-touch, with AI supporting decisions while the heart remains human.

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 does it really mean to create impact at scale—without losing the human connection?

In this episode, Catherine Linskey, Director of Community Impact at Hilton, shares how one of the world’s largest hospitality brands is working toward an ambitious goal: impacting 20 million people while creating 5 million learning and career opportunities by 2030. But behind those numbers are deeply personal stories—of second chances, career discovery, and communities transformed.

Catherine takes us inside the Hilton Global Foundation and the evolving role of corporate philanthropy, where impact is no longer just about writing checks—it’s about aligning business, people, and purpose. From workforce development to hyper-local community engagement across 9,000 properties, she reveals how hospitality remains, at its core, a people-first industry—even in an AI-driven world.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that the future of tourism isn’t just about destinations—it’s about opportunity, connection, and showing up for people where they are.

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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Shauna Stewart has returned to lead Experience Olympia & Beyond for the third time — and she'll tell you it's the people who keep pulling her back. In this wide-ranging conversation, Shauna opens up about blending her work as a destination CEO with her practice as an intimacy and relationship coach, why she "hires for delight," how a 2020 health crisis reshaped her identity as a high achiever, and the unexpected healing power of vanilla ice cream. If you've ever confused Olympia with the Olympic Peninsula — she'll set the record straight, and make you want to visit anyway.

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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When Mitch Whitten stepped into the role of President & CEO of Visit Fort Worth, he inherited more than a title—he took on the responsibility of guiding one of America's fastest-growing tourism destinations through a transformational moment.

In this episode of Learn Tourism's Business Class, Mitch shares how curiosity has shaped his career from newspaper journalist to tourism executive, why community pride is the foundation of successful destinations, and what it means to lead with service in a rapidly changing world.

From preparing Fort Worth for major convention center expansion and World Cup opportunities to engaging residents through innovative community programs, Mitch offers practical leadership lessons for anyone aspiring to make a difference in tourism.

Along the way, we discuss mentorship, AI, destination stewardship, the importance of showing value, and why the path to leadership is rarely a straight line.

In this episode:

•  Why curiosity is the most important leadership trait 
•  How Fort Worth engages residents as tourism advocates 
•  The opportunities and responsibilities that come with rapid growth 
•  Three essential skills every tourism leader should develop 
•  How AI is transforming destination management through analytics 
•  Why leadership is ultimately about service 

Whether you're an emerging professional or a seasoned executive, this conversation offers valuable insights on building stronger communities and becoming a more effective leader.

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 does it take to transform a destination from a beautiful place to visit into a place people truly connect with?

In this episode of Business Class, Learn Tourism's Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, to explore how one of North America's most successful tourism destinations is balancing growth, sustainability, and community well-being.

Rodrigo shares how Los Cabos has evolved beyond its luxury resorts to showcase its mountains, wildlife, culture, and local communities. He discusses the importance of attracting travelers who appreciate nature, heritage, and authentic experiences—and why destination success should be measured by quality rather than quantity.

Along the way, the conversation explores workforce development, leadership lessons learned over three decades in tourism, the power of storytelling, and how tourism can improve lives when communities are placed at the center of the visitor experience.

Whether you're a destination leader, hospitality professional, or simply passionate about the future of travel, this episode offers valuable insights into creating tourism that benefits both visitors and residents.

In this episode:

•  How Los Cabos has evolved over the past decade 
•  Why sustainability requires environmental, social, and cultural stewardship 
•  The importance of workforce development and training 
•  Attracting the "right" travelers for long-term destination success 
•  Leadership lessons from 30 years in tourism 
•  How tourism can create meaningful opportunities for local communities 

Guest: Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director, Los Cabos Tourism Board

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 kind of legacy are we creating through our work in tourism?

In this reflective and thought-provoking conversation, Tourism Cares CEO Greg Takehara shares lessons from more than two decades of advancing responsible tourism and building meaningful connections across the industry. From destination stewardship and sustainable travel to leadership, organizational culture, and the accelerating pace of technology, Greg explores what it takes to create lasting impact.

He reflects on the lessons the industry learned—and may have forgotten—since the pandemic, the destinations leading the way in meaningful travel, and why our greatest accomplishments are often measured not by what we achieve, but by the people we influence along the way.

Whether you're a destination leader, tourism professional, student, or advocate for responsible travel, this conversation offers a timely reminder that tourism is ultimately about people, purpose, and the legacy we leave behind.

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 episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom from Learn Tourism sits down with Wendy Haase-Roberts, President & CEO of Travel Santa Ana, to discuss the unique challenge of creating a destination organization from virtually nothing more than a name and a vision.

Wendy shares how Travel Santa Ana has become a connector for businesses, attractions, artists, and community organizations throughout the city. She discusses lessons learned from launching a new DMO, building a strong destination brand, managing with a small yet highly effective team, and fostering authentic community pride through initiatives like the Santa Ana Enthusiast Program.

The conversation also explores leadership, resilience, learning from difficult career experiences, data-driven decision making, and why some of the best tourism leaders are shaped by the examples of leaders they never want to become.

Whether you're leading a destination organization, managing a small team, or passionate about building stronger communities through tourism, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration.

Key Topics:

•  Building a destination marketing organization from scratch 
•  Creating community pride and local engagement 
•  Tourism ambassador and enthusiast programs 
•  Leading high-performing small teams 
•  Lessons in resilience and leadership 
•  Data, destination branding, and community storytelling 
•  The future of Travel Santa Ana 

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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As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, few destinations are more central to the story than Williamsburg, Virginia.

In this episode of Business Class, Learn Tourism's Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Edward Harris, President & CEO of Visit Williamsburg, to discuss leading a destination through a once-in-a-generation moment while preparing for what comes next.

Edward shares his unconventional journey from global brands like Converse, Timberland, Under Armour, and eBay into destination leadership, revealing how lessons from the highly competitive consumer products world continue to shape his approach to tourism marketing today.

Together, they explore the importance of collaboration, the courage required to test new ideas, the challenge of evolving a destination beyond a single identity, and why the future of Williamsburg may be just as exciting as its past.

Whether you're a destination leader, marketer, or aspiring tourism professional, this conversation offers valuable lessons about innovation, storytelling, and creating momentum that lasts long after the spotlight fades.

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 does it take to transform perceptions, inspire a community, and lead a destination through change?

In this episode of Business Class, Learn Tourism's Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Peter Gamez, President & CEO of Visit Oakland, to explore the power of positive storytelling, servant leadership, and collaboration in destination marketing.

Growing up in San Francisco as the son of Cuban immigrants, Peter developed a deep appreciation for education, community, and cultural identity. After spending more than two decades helping build Kimpton Hotels into one of the most influential boutique hospitality brands in the world, he made the leap into destination leadership.

Peter shares how Oakland's people inspire his work, why tourism professionals need a seat at the economic development table, and how changing a destination's narrative can create lasting impact. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned from hospitality pioneers, the importance of mentorship, and why curiosity remains one of the most valuable leadership traits.

Whether you're a destination leader, hospitality professional, or simply passionate about creating stronger communities, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration for leading with purpose.

In this episode:

•  Why collaboration beats competition in tourism 
•  How positive storytelling can transform perceptions 
•  The leadership lessons Peter learned from hospitality visionaries 
•  Tourism's role as an economic development strategy 
•  The future of AI in destination marketing 
•  What makes Oakland one of America's most soulful destinations

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