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
7 Benefits of a Community Ambassador Program
7 Benefits of a Community Ambassador Program Communities thrive when residents, front-line workers,...
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A Conversation with Tourism Luminary Don Welsh
A Conversation with Tourism Luminary Don Welsh: Reflecting on Three Years of Change and Progress In...
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Influence Isn’t a Title. It’s a Tourism Skill.
Influence Isn’t a Title. It’s a Tourism Skill. Tourism professionals spend a lot of time thinking...
8 minute read
Top 8 Instructional Design Services for Tourism DMOs
When your frontline staff can't articulate what makes your destination special, visitors notice....
2 minute read
Quick Guide: Re-Engaging Tourism Ambassador Program Participants
Quick Guide: Re-Engaging Tourism Ambassador Program Participants Keeping ambassadors engaged after...
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Know Why Your Work Matters: Creating More Meaningful Visitor Experiences Through Purpose
Creating More Meaningful Visitor Experiences Through Purpose Frontline tourism workers shape the...
2 minute read
The Future of Tourism is Human: A Conversation with Rachel Thompson
Tourism technology is evolving faster than ever. AI tools are changing search behavior. Video...
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Curiosity & Generosity: The Culture Behind Exceptional Tourism Experiences
Curiosity is one of the most powerful forms of humility.
11 minute read
How to Measure Tourism Ambassador Training Impact in 2026
Destination marketing organizations invest significant resources in tourism ambassador training....
4 minute read
7 Instructional Design Deliverables for DMO Training
7 Instructional Design Deliverables for DMO Training Destination marketing organizations are...

Where Will Knowledge Take You?

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