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
Authenticity Without the Mess: Why Professionalism Still Matters in Tourism
Authenticity Without the Mess: Why Professionalism Still Matters in Tourism Destination marketers...
4 minute read
25 Learning Quotes for Destination Marketing and Tourism Teams
Learning and development quotes get passed around the internet the way souvenirs get passed around...
2 minute read
ChatGPT Lists My Greatest Strengths
Strengths are often discussed as static traits—things we either “have” or “don’t have.” In...
2 minute read
The Three Critical Audiences Learn Tourism Helps Destinations Empower
The Three Critical Audiences Learn Tourism Helps Destinations Empower
2 minute read
eLearning Solutions for Destination Training
eLearning Solutions for Destination Training How DMOs Can Educate Travel Advisors and Tour...
3 minute read
9 Knowledge Retention Techniques That Actually Work in Tourism Training
9 Knowledge Retention Techniques That Actually Work in Tourism Training Tourism learners are busy...
3 minute read
9 Reasons to Switch to Learn Tourism
9 Reasons to Switch to Learn Tourism Destination leaders don’t make change lightly. You juggle...
3 minute read
What's Coming to Learn Tourism in 2026
What’s Coming to Learn Tourism in 2026 Learn Tourism is entering 2026 with momentum, curiosity, and...
3 minute read
With Gratitude and a Passion for Learning
Gratitude grows quiet just before sunrise. That’s something I learned somewhere between a gravel...
4 minute read
Train Travel Agents Worldwide: Why It Matters and How Destinations Do It Well
Train Travel Agents Worldwide: Why It Matters and How Destinations Do It Well Travel agents and...

Where Will Knowledge Take You?

Curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning fuel both the traveler and those who make experiences worth having. Join us.