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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Learn Tourism Leads the Next Wave of Industry Education with AI Teaching Assistant
Learn Tourism Leads the Next Wave of Industry Education with AI Teaching Assistant Tourism training...
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15 Quotes to Inspire and Empower Your Tourism Ambassadors
15 Quotes to Inspire and Empower Your Tourism Ambassadors Tourism thrives on passion, connection,...
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From Small Towns to Global Cities: Lessons for Every Destination Leader
From Small Towns to Global Cities: Lessons for Every Destination Leader
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Visit Orlando's Casandra Matej On Life and Leadership
Exploring Life and Leadership with Casandra Matej
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The Future of Tourism: 3 Themes That Will Define 2026 and Beyond
The tourism industry is changing faster than ever — and those who stay ahead of the curve will...
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A Vibrant New Chapter for Discover Puerto Rico: A Conversation with Jorge L. Pérez
In this episode of Business Class: The Learn Tourism Podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom sits down with...
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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...

Where Will Knowledge Take You?

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