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

3 minute read
The Role of AI in Tourism: Highlighting Human Expertise, Not Humanizing AI
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into the tourism industry, many...
3 minute read
9 Proven Strategies to Boost Knowledge Retention in Tourism Training
9 Proven Strategies to Boost Knowledge Retention in Online Tourism Training At Learn...
2 minute read
Instructional Design and Behavioral Economics in Professional Certification Programs
The Role of Instructional Design and Behavioral Economics in Professional Certification Programs ...
2 minute read
Improv In The Workplace: The Power of "Yes, And..."
Improv In The Workplace: The Power of "Yes, And..." Improvisation, or "improv," isn’t just for...
3 minute read
The Hidden Challenges of Building a Tourism Ambassador Program In-House
The Hidden Challenges of Building a Tourism Ambassador Program In-House
2 minute read
The Hidden Costs of DIY Ambassador Programs for DMOs
The Hidden Costs of DIY Training: Why Many DMOs Regret Building Their Own Tourism Ambassador...
2 minute read
U.S. Travel & Tourism Statistics 2024
U.S. Travel & Tourism Statistics 2024 In 2024, the U.S. travel and tourism industry experienced ...
2 minute read
Four Priorities for a Thriving Tourism Workforce in 2025
Four Priorities for a Thriving Tourism Workforce in 2025 As the tourism industry continues its...
1 minute read
2024 Global Tourism Statistics
Global Tourism in 2024: A Year of Resurgence and Growth In 2024, the global tourism industry...
2 minute read
The Hidden ROI of Destination Tourism Ambassador Training
The Hidden ROI of Destination Tourism Ambassador Training How Destination Training Boosts Visitor...

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