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
Why Shauna Stewart Keeps Coming Back: On Creativity, Connection, and Leading with Heart
A conversation with the CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond
3 minute read
The Cost of an Unprepared Welcome
Why tourism ambassador training isn't a cost center—it's destination infrastructure. Every...
3 minute read
Everything I Learned at Destinations International 2026
I walked into the Destinations International Annual Convention and Visitor Services Summit in...
3 minute read
Workforce Development Is Visitor Development
Why the destinations attracting more visitors tomorrow are investing in their people today. Every...
2 minute read
Why Service Belongs at the Center of Tourism Educ
Sometimes the most important lesson at a tourism conference doesn't happen in a keynote session. It...
4 minute read
Your Best Tourism Marketing Channel Might Be Your Front Line
Destination leaders spend a lot of time thinking about how to attract visitors. Campaigns are...
2 minute read
Moving Toward Better: What Tourism Leaders Can Learn from Mitch Whitten
Every once in a while, a podcast conversation feels less like an interview and more like a...
4 minute read
Why Tourism Ambassador Training Fails to Change Behavior (and How to Fix It)
Your destination invested in a tourism ambassador training program.

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