Tourism keynote speakers often stand at the intersection of inspiration and education, lighting sparks that ripple across destinations, organizations, and visitor experiences. Yet the best keynote speakers in tourism share one defining trait that is often overlooked: they are deeply interested in people, places, and the stories that make tourism thrive.
Being interesting is about performance. Being interested is about connection.
And connection is what the tourism industry truly trades in.
A keynote speaker who leads with curiosity invites the audience to join them in discovery. Instead of presenting rehearsed brilliance, they ask questions that pull listeners into the conversation:
What drives travelers to seek meaning through movement? How does a small-town ambassador transform a visitor’s experience through genuine enthusiasm?
That spark of interest turns a monologue into a shared exploration—and audiences remember that far longer than clever slides.
According to the Journal of Educational Psychology, learners retain up to 30% more information when a topic feels personally relevant or emotionally engaging. When tourism keynote speakers model authentic curiosity, they automatically create a sense of relevance.
Recent testimonials from Learn Tourism’s programs show this principle in practice. Participants in the Destination LEXpert course, for example, consistently mention how much they valued learning about other people’s work—like how VisitLEX supports accessibility initiatives or the economic impact of local tourism. They weren’t just listening; they were discovering new perspectives.
This mirrors what great tourism keynote speakers do. They listen to the industry’s heartbeat, not just their own applause. They highlight the guides, innkeepers, and community builders who make tourism a meaningful experience. Their interest becomes the audience’s inspiration.
It’s tempting to think charisma is the key to being memorable. But in tourism, where empathy and storytelling are the bedrock of every great experience, presence matters more than performance. The most effective speakers are not the loudest or funniest—they are the ones who see their audience.
By being interested—truly, deeply curious—tourism keynote speakers transform talks into conversations, and audiences into collaborators.
The next time you prepare for a tourism conference, panel, or workshop, remember this paradox of influence:
It’s more important to be interested than it is to be interesting.
In a world full of self-promotion, the professionals who listen, learn, and lift others stand out as authentic leaders in tourism—and that authenticity is unforgettable.
About Learn Tourism the nonprofit academy:
Learn Tourism is a 501(c)(3) 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.
Stephen Ekstrom is the embodiment of a passionate lifelong learner and a seasoned professional in the tourism industry, serving as the CEO and co-founder of Learn Tourism - the nonprofit academy. With over 25 years of experience, he has cultivated a deep understanding of tourism development and education, driven by his commitment to advancing the industry and fostering sustainable economies. Stephen's insatiable curiosity and love for knowledge have led him to be a proud nerd, constantly seeking to expand his expertise and share his insights with others. Alongside his faithful furry companions, Rudy and Marjorie, he embraces the digital nomad lifestyle, traversing the globe and immersing himself in diverse cultures. A dedicated advocate for continuous improvement, Stephen is a professional member of the Association for Talent Development and a member of Skal International. Stephen holds prestigious certifications in Inclusive and Ethical Leadership from USF, AI Governance and Ethics from Brown University, and Sustainable Business Strategy and Transforming Customer Experiences from Harvard Business School.