Stephen Ekstrom

Advisory Panel Chair and Chief Strategist at Learn Tourism - the nonprofit academy at learntourism.org is Stephen Ekstrom. Ekstrom began his career in the 1990’s on college radio at Quinnipiac University. He went on to create and deliver successful tourism development strategies for now thriving destinations, theme restaurants, cultural institutions, theatrical management companies, and some of the world’s most recognized attractions. He’s called upon to speak at colleges and universities, conferences and countless panel discussions each year. He hosts Learn Tourism's Business Class podcast and is a featured writer for several travel magazines. He’s also been profiled by media giants like the New York Times, NBC, ABC, CBS Morning, and NY1.

Education that Takes you places

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Why Destination Leaders Can’t Afford to Miss the 2026 Learn Tourism Conference
Why Destination Leaders Can’t Afford to Miss the 2026 Learn Tourism Conference Destination...
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Real Fun, Real Leadership: Dan Rowe of Visit Panama City Beach
Few destinations embody fun quite like Panama City Beach, and few leaders embody resilience,...
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The Seven Learning Styles and Their Role in Tourism Education
The Seven Learning Styles and Their Role in Tourism Education Tourism thrives on connection,...
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Instructional Design That Works: Start With Outcomes, Not Content
Too often, training begins with content. Leaders gather slides, handouts, or expertise and then try...
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15 Inspirational Quotes about Travel
15 Inspirational Quotes About Travel Travel changes people. Whether you’re a first-time explorer or...
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Looking Ahead: 5 Tourism Trainings Your Team Needs To Survive 2026
Looking Ahead: 5 Tourism Trainings Your Team Needs To Survive 2026 Budget planning season is here,...
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Top 15 Tourism Industry Keynote Topics for 2025 and 2026
Top 15 Tourism Industry Keynote Topics for 2025 and 2026 Tourism leaders are searching for keynote...
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Leading with Trust and Vision: Daniel Kuperschmid on the Business Class Podcast
Leading with Trust and Vision: San Diego's Daniel Kuperschmid San Diego is known for sunshine,...
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Building Momentum: The 2026 Learn Tourism Conference
Building Momentum: The 2026 Learn Tourism Conference Tourism professionals, educators, and...
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What Happens When DMOs & CVBs Embrace a Culture of Learning
What Happens When DMOs & CVBs Embrace a Culture of Learning Destination marketing organizations...

Where Will Knowledge Take You?

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