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

2 minute read
Practicing Mindfulness and Empathy to Establish Emotional Connections in Hospitality and Tourism
Co-founder and CEO Steve Ekstrom welcomes a distinguished guest, Barbara Karasek, CEO and co-owner...
2 minute read
Celebrating the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau's New Ambassador Training Program
We are thrilled to congratulate the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau on the successful launch of...
3 minute read
Bringing Your Ambassador Training In-House: How The Learn Tourism Can Help
As more organizations look to bring their ambassador training programs in-house, the need for...
1 minute read
Tailor-Made Training: Five Steps to Personalize Your Destination Ambassador Course
Creating a customized online ambassador or advocate training course for a destination marketing...
2 minute read
Congrats Arlington (TX) On Their New Ambassador Training Program
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new Arlington Ambassador program, an innovative...
2 minute read
Unveiling the First Draft: What to Expect from Your Custom Destination Training Course Review
Unveiling the First Draft: What to Expect from Your Custom Destination Training Course Review ...
2 minute read
Engage, Empower, Excel: Involving Stakeholders in Crafting Destination Ambassador Training Programs
Involving a destination marketing organization's (DMO) stakeholders and partner organizations in...
2 minute read
Celebrating Dee's Achievement: Joining Skål International
We are thrilled to celebrate our esteemed colleague, Dee, based in Uganda, for his recent induction...
3 minute read
Harnessing Adult Learning Technology, Organizational Psychology, and Instructional Design for Effective Training Programs in Destination Marketing
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the tourism industry, Destination Marketing Organizations...
3 minute read
10 Ways Community Ambassadors and Advocates Can Volunteer with Destination Marketing Organizations
Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) play a crucial role in promoting and enhancing the...

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.