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

6 minute read
Top 10 Training Programs Every State and National Tourism Board Should Offer Stakeholders
Tourism boards expend enormous energy to inspire travelers to visit. The bigger opportunity may...
6 minute read
Why Multilingual Tourism Training Is No Longer Optional
If your destination markets internationally, why would you educate the people selling it in only...
6 minute read
Sustainable Tourism Requires Sustainable Training
Why One-Off Workshops Aren’t Enough Sustainable tourism is usually discussed in terms of...
3 minute read
Why Destinations Are Training the Travel Trade Directly — And How to Reach 40,000 Travel Professionals While You Do It
Travel Agent Training for Destinations: How to Reach the Travel Trade | Learn Tourism
2 minute read
Before You Build a Tourism Ambassador Program, Answer These Five Questions
Communities across North America are embracing tourism ambassador programs to strengthen local...
2 minute read
Tourism Deserves a Seat at the Table with Jill Delaney
Leadership lessons from Discover Albany CEO Jill Delaney
6 minute read
Residents First: Tourism for Livability
The Festival Residents Used to Plan Their Year Around Ask around at just about any destination...
5 minute read
Eleven Years of Learning Before, During, and After the Launch
This year, Learn Tourism turns six.
3 minute read
Livability as the North Star: Why Educated Residents Are a Destination's Greatest Asset
What if the most important tourism metric isn't arrivals?
2 minute read
Embracing the Heart of Tourism: A Conversation with Marie Lacouture
In the ever-changing landscape of tourism, the human connection remains a cornerstone of memorable...

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