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 these elements are central to attracting visitors and transforming perceptions. Gilbert stresses that for cities like Cleveland, DMOs play a critical role not just in tourism but in long-term economic development, influencing talent attraction, business investment, and community image.

David also emphasizes the importance of visitor experience, explaining how Cleveland’s success lies in not just having great attractions, but in how well the city connects the dots between them. He reveals how his team, including a Chief Experience Officer and even an urban planner, looks at the entire visitor journey to ensure a seamless and welcoming experience.

Throughout the conversation, David shares leadership lessons rooted in humility, emotional intelligence, and collaboration. His reflections on legacy, partnership, and people-first strategy make this episode a must-listen for anyone working in or adjacent to destination marketing 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.

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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, humility, and insight, Andrew offers lessons for emerging professionals and seasoned leaders alike, reminding us that the best destination stories are still being written.

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 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 discuss the importance of travel, cultural preservation, and the immense potential of the tourism industry. Jones also offers advice to young professionals and shares his optimistic outlook on the future, including the role of AI in tourism. Join us as we explore the transformative power of tourism through the eyes of a visionary 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