Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation

Business Class features conversations shaping the future of destinations, workforce development, regenerative tourism, leadership, and visitor economies. Presented by Learn Tourism | learntourism.org

Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation is a society podcast hosted by Stephen Ekstrom, with 231 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Stephen Ekstrom hosts Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation, a society show with 231 episodes published.

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  Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation

  Tourism Deserves a Seat at the Table with Discover Albany's Jill Delaney

  Aug 17, 202623 min

  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 .  Support the show

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  Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation

  From Colombia with Love: A Journey of Culture and Connection

  Aug 11, 202623 min

  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 .  Support the show

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  Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation

  20 Million Stories: The Human Side of Hospitality with Hilton's Catherine Linskey

  Aug 4, 202630 min

  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 .  Support the show

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  Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation

  Work Is My Play: Shauna Stewart on Creativity, Connection & Coming Home to Olympia

  Jul 28, 202626 min

  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 .  Support the show

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  Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation

  A Million Reasons to Grow: Mitch Whitten on Tourism Leadership in a Fast-Changing City

  Jul 16, 202623 min

  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 .  Support the show

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