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

5 minute read
Six New Tourism Courses for Destination Teams (and the Easiest Way to Give Your Whole Team Access)
Every destination team I talk to has a version of the same list. Things we know we should be better...
3 minute read
We Grow Together: Why Learn Tourism Is Planting Trees
There's an old saying that the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, and the second-best...
6 minute read
Let AI Run the Hardware So Your Team Can Lead with Humanity
Think about the best tourism professional you've ever worked with. The visitor center lead who...
3 minute read
Who Owns Stewardship? Building a Stewardship Team With the Staff You Already Have
Ask a room of destination professionals whether stewardship matters, and every hand goes up. Ask...
6 minute read
Your Travel Belongs on Your Resume. Here's Why (and How).
I was recently talking with Carylann Assante of the Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA),...
7 minute read
Every Trip Is a Step: SYTA's Carylann Assante on Travel, Community, and Leading by Contributing
Business Class by Learn Tourism | Episode with Carylann Assante, CEO of SYTA and the SYTA Youth...
3 minute read
98% of Our Partners Come Back. Here's What It Actually Takes.
Renewal season is when you find out what a partnership really is. Nobody signs a second year of a...
7 minute read
How Much Should Your Destination Pay for an LMS? A Plain-English Guide for DMOs
A DMO director is three weeks into shopping for a learning management system. She has a spreadsheet...
5 minute read
Our Everyday, Your Adventure: Visit Greenland's Linda Kleist
Business Class by Learn Tourism | Episode with Linda Kleist, CEO of Visit Greenland
6 minute read
What Tofino Teaches About Stewardship, Respect, and Choosing a Place
A Business Class conversation with Samantha Hackett, Executive Director of Tourism Tofino

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.