David L. Edgell, Sr. is Professor Emeritus of trade, tourism, and economic development. He has taught graduate tourism policy courses at The George Washington University, introduced new travel and tourism courses at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and taught graduate and undergraduate trade, tourism, and economic development courses at East Carolina University as well as presenting special lectures at numerous other universities in the United States and abroad.

Jason R. Swanson is an associate professor of tourism at the University of Kentucky and the author of four books on tourism and several articles on tourism-related issues. He also teaches at international universities, conducts important research related to tourism policy and planning, and provides international consulting services.