San Diego is known for sunshine, beaches, and year-round perfect weather—but as Daniel Kuperschmid, President & CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), shares in this week’s episode of the Business Class podcast, the city’s story runs much deeper.
Kuperschmid’s path to the top of one of the nation’s leading destination organizations wasn’t straightforward. After a 30-year career with Hyatt, he took what he calls his “biggest risk” by stepping into the role at SDTA. What he found was both a challenge and a calling: the chance to move from managing a single property to shaping the future of an entire destination.
Kuperschmid believes the foundation of leadership lies in trust. “Once you’ve established trust with your team, they take more risk, they push the envelope, they’re more agile to try things—and that’s what pushes the organization forward,” he says.
That philosophy extends to his vision for San Diego itself. While the city will always be celebrated for its coastal beauty, Kuperschmid is determined to elevate its reputation for culture, culinary experiences, and diversity—elements that keep visitors coming back again and again.
Despite living in San Diego for seven years, Kuperschmid admits his new role has given him a completely fresh perspective. From Shakespeare in Balboa Park to live jazz at Panama 66, he’s rediscovering the city through the eyes of a visitor—and encouraging others to do the same.
Kuperschmid credits much of his leadership style to early mentors who taught him the importance of community engagement and saying “yes” when the city calls. He also reflects on his first hospitality job—working as a busboy in a historic inn in Massachusetts—where he learned the power of connecting with people, a skill he still values above all.
This episode is a masterclass in tourism leadership, destination marketing, and the personal resilience required to navigate change. Whether you’re a tourism professional, a hospitality student, or simply a fan of San Diego, you’ll walk away with fresh insights on leadership, community, and the evolving future of travel.
🎧 Listen now to hear the full conversation with Daniel Kuperschmid, only on the Business Class podcast.
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Learn Tourism is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the tourism industry through innovative educational practices and professional development initiatives. Our mission is to harness the power of science, business psychology, and adult education to build sustainable economies and enrich the tourism landscape.