Stephen Ekstrom

Stephen Ekstrom is the embodiment of a passionate lifelong learner and a seasoned professional in the tourism industry, serving as the CEO and founder of Learn Tourism | learntourism.org. 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 of knowledge have made him 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, Sustainable Business Strategy and Transforming Customer Experiences from Harvard Business School, and Sustainable Tourism Destination Management from Cornell.

Education that Takes you places

4 minute read
Thank You, Veterans: How Destinations Can Turn Gratitude Into Great Hospitality
At 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, the guns of World War I fell silent. That armistice became...
8 minute read
Rural, Suburban, Urban: Different Destinations, Same Learning Needs
Picture three visitors on the same Saturday morning.
6 minute read
Begin With the End in Mind: Dave Herrell on Legacy, Pride, and Leading a Two-State Destination
Business Class by Learn Tourism | Episode with Dave Herrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities
7 minute read
Seasonal Staff Training: How Destinations Can Onboard Ski, Beach, and Summer Teams Faster (Without Starting Over Every Year)
Somewhere right now, a lift operator is unpacking a duffel bag in staff housing. In a few weeks,...
6 minute read
Sustainability Without the Guilt Trip: 3 Things Tourism Professionals Can Do Today
Near the end of a recent conversation, I asked Tippi a question I ask almost everyone: What's...
6 minute read
Destination Marketing Training and Certification: A Practical Guide for Destination Marketers
Some version of this question lands in our inbox almost every week: "Is there a certification for...
4 minute read
English for Tourism, the Course Behind 26,500+ Red Sea Graduates
Picture a front desk agent in a coastal town. She knows every snorkel spot, every family-run...
6 minute read
How Destination Training Is Evolving in 2027 (And What DMOs Should Do About It)
Every fall, destination leaders sit down with next year's budget and run into the same line item:...
6 minute read
Never Just One Dish: Tippi Sucharitakul of the Tourism Authority of Thailand on Hospitality, Regions, and Learning Through Travel
Business Class by Learn Tourism | Episode with Tippi Sucharitakul, Marketing Manager, Tourism...
5 minute read
The Greenest Training Trip Is the One Nobody Has to Take
Tourism has a funny relationship with travel. We spend our careers inviting people to come see...

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.