Gratitude for Our Advisors: Driving the Future of Tourism Education, Visitor Experiences, and Sustainability

At Learn Tourism, we believe that creating meaningful impact in the tourism industry requires more than just great ideas—it takes a community of passionate, knowledgeable leaders who share a common vision. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a remarkable group of advisors whose contributions have strengthened our mission to improve tourism education, enhance visitor experiences, and promote sustainability worldwide.

Today, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to these individuals for their insights, dedication, and continued support. Each of you has played an integral role in shaping the programs and initiatives that help us move the tourism industry forward.

Meet the Leaders Who Inspire Us:

• Vincent Agaba, Rwenzori Tourism Academy, Uganda: Your work in community tourism development and education has inspired us to make our programs more accessible to communities across the globe.

• Adam Burke, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Los Angeles, United States: Thank you for your visionary leadership in destination management and for encouraging us to innovate in tourism promotion.

• Gregg Caren, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia, United States: Thank you for your focus on community-based tourism, which has helped shape our content to reflect the importance of local engagement.

• William Caldwell, Compass US Advisors / Caldwell & Companies, Bethesda, United States: Your business acumen has been invaluable in ensuring our programs are sustainable and scalable for the long term.

• Eric Canny, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States: Your expertise in global education has been instrumental in helping us build curricula that transcend borders and cultures.

• Lisa Curtin, Compass US Advisors / Caldwell & Companies, Bethesda, United States: Your operational expertise has allowed us to streamline processes, ensuring our programs run efficiently and effectively.

• Keith Douglas, KD&CO ADVISORS, Seattle, United States: Your strategic insights have been critical in helping us evolve our approach to tourism education and sustainability.

• Fred Dixon, Brand USA, Washington, United States: Your leadership in promoting the U.S. as a destination has shaped our focus on elevating visitor experiences through education and marketing innovation.

• Greg DeShields, Skål International, Torremolinos, Spain: Your advocacy for tourism leadership and professional development has helped us align our programs with the needs of a dynamic global workforce.

• Amir Eylon, Longwoods International, Toronto, Canada: Thank you for your research-driven approach, which has helped us ground our programs in data and industry trends.

• Elliott Ferguson, Destination DC, Washington, United States: Your commitment to destination management has inspired us to ensure our programs not only educate but also empower destinations to thrive.

• Al Hutchinson, Visit Baltimore, Baltimore, United States: Your leadership in promoting inclusivity in tourism has inspired us to create more equitable and accessible educational opportunities.

• Barbara Karasek, PARADISE Advertising & Marketing, Saint Petersburg, United States: Thank you for your creative direction, which has helped us elevate the branding and reach of our educational programs.

• Isaac Johnson, EduGuideKSA, Al Izdihar, Saudi Arabia: Your commitment to education in Saudi Arabia has broadened our perspective and inspired us to create globally relevant programs.

• Ophélie Le Livec, Destinations International, Washington, United States: Your marketing expertise has helped us create content that resonates with diverse audiences and addresses the evolving needs of tourism professionals.

• Jeff Ment, Ment Law Group, Hartford, United States: Thank you for your legal guidance, which ensures we remain ethically grounded and fully equipped to navigate the complex landscape of tourism law.

• John Marshall, NYC Borough Pass, Bronx, USA: Your work in promoting the unique cultural assets of New York has guided our efforts to highlight and preserve local tourism gems in our training.

• Richard Peterson, U.S. Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council, San Francisco, United States: Your focus on cultural heritage tourism has driven us to emphasize the importance of preserving and promoting cultural narratives through education.

• John Percy, Destination Niagara USA, United States: Your leadership in highlighting Niagara’s unique appeal has motivated us to design programs that showcase and support local tourism treasures.

• Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale, United States: Your commitment to enhancing visitor experiences in Lauderdale has helped us prioritize memorable and impactful visitor experiences in our training.

• Santiago Rodriguez, PhD, santiagor.com: Your research on tourism sustainability has enriched our curriculum, ensuring that we are equipping learners with the knowledge needed to foster responsible tourism practices.

• Gary Sherwin, Visit Newport Beach, Newport Beach, United States: Your dedication to destination branding has helped us integrate the importance of storytelling into our educational offerings.

• Keith Snode, GTO, Winter Garden, United States: Your operational leadership has been pivotal in shaping our learning platform, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of the tourism industry.

• Roy Wentworth, Norwich Free Academy, Norwich, United States: Your contributions to education have provided invaluable insights into how we can better serve both educators and students in the tourism industry.

• Kristina Wilson, KEW LEGAL, P.A., Sunny Isles Beach, United States: We are grateful for your legal insights, which have helped us protect the integrity of our programs and partnerships.

• Sheena Works, Learn Tourism, Lakewood Ranch, United States: As our Chief Learning Officer, your leadership and dedication have ensured that our programs remain impactful, insightful, and learner-focused.

At Learn Tourism, we are constantly evolving, learning, and striving to create educational experiences that drive positive change in the tourism industry. None of this would be possible without the guidance and expertise of our esteemed advisors. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for tourism.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Your contributions are making a lasting difference.

About Learn Tourism the nonprofit academy...

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.