Founder of a tourism consultancy centered on the intersection of data analytics and strategic foresight – Esra works with destinations to reach their true North by building a wide, frequent, and lean mindset. Formerly chief data advisor for a successful travel startup and director of research at Virginia’s official tourism and film office, Esra is passionate about transforming destinations from analog to digital business models with sustainability at heart. She is an alumna of Harvard University’s Business Analytics Program and completed her doctoral work in hospitality and tourism management from Virginia Tech. She contributes to industry efforts as the chair of the International Board of Travel & Tourism Research Association, committee member of Travel Industry Executive Women Network, and member of Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. She is published in areas of sustainability and performance management and frequently speaks at industry events.

Esra loves to travel and aspires to make her own wine one day. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and their adorable maltipoos, Gigi and Margaux.