Education

Ph.D., International Sales, Marketing, Management and Tourism, Bern University (Switzerland)
M.S., Hospitality Management, International Marketing, Conventions and Tourism, Virginia Tech University
MBA, International Marketing, University of Texas at Austin
B.S., Hospitality and Hotel Management, Florida International University

Background

Edward Dramberger has over 40 years of experience in global hospitality and tourism, specializing in destination marketing and sales training. As the founder of Destination Dr., Dramberger has combined extensive travel knowledge with strategic insights to create a prominent consultancy in the industry. His work has impacted destination visibility, organizational change and the development of innovative training programs.

In his role as founding director of executive education at the University of South Carolina, Dramberger leads programs aimed at integrating academic knowledge with real-world applications. His academic contributions extend to curriculum development and creating high-impact programs for both students and industry professionals. Dramberger’s approach emphasizes strategic planning and market analysis, which have been instrumental in developing effective hospitality and tourism courses.

Dramberger has held various academic roles prior to joining the USC, including positions at Florida International University and Keiser University, where he led curriculum design and implemented active learning methods. His teaching emphasizes technology-enhanced learning and assessment tools that cater to diverse student groups. Through these roles, Dramberger has influenced the next generation of hospitality professionals with a focus on practical, industry-relevant skills.

Dramberger has presented at major conferences worldwide, sharing his insights on tourism consumer behavior, destination marketing and strategic planning. His expertise is also showcased in his publications, including "The Destination Diaries: How to Travel for Life," which has received national recognition. His speaking engagements span international events like the Egypt Tourism Conference and the East Mediterranean Tourism Exhibition, where he has addressed trends and innovations in the industry.

Teaching

• HTMT 455 – Hospitality Sales Management
• HTMT 795 – Consulting in Hospitality & Tourism

Select Accomplishments

• Traveled to 186 countries, leveraging global insights to deliver industry-leading results in destination marketing
• Founded Destination Dr., providing consultancy and training in international sales and destination marketing
• Published author of The Destination Diaries: How to Travel for Life, a guide recognized nationally

Certifications

• Certified Hotel Sales Professional
• Certified Meeting Professional
• Certified Public Speaker

Speaking Engagements

• Brazil Summit, Portugal M&I Forum, Norway Conference (2024)
• Egypt Tourism Conference (2023), World Travel Mart, London (2022)
• IMEX Frankfurt (2021), East Mediterranean Tourism Exhibition, Istanbul (2019-2022)
• Numerous presentations for major industry conferences and associations

Research and Conference Presentations

• Research Interests: Consumer Behavior in Tourism, Destination Marketing, Sales Decision-Making Processes
• Doctoral Dissertation: "The Influencing Site Selection Factors of the Global Meetings & Convention Market" (Findings: Location, Meeting Room Capacity, Price Flexibility)
• Conference Papers: Presented at CHRIE, Meeting Planners International, Society of Travel Executives

Publications

• Book: The Destination Diaries: How to Travel for Life
• Journal Articles: "Buying Centers" (Journal of Convention Management), "Site Selection Factors of The Convention Market" (Annals of Tourism)
• Media Features: Money Inc. Magazine, The Washington Post