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

4 minute read
Lead With Learning
Lead With Learning: Why Curiosity Is the Most Magnetic Storytelling Tool in Tourism Tourism...
3 minute read
More Than Marketing: Scott Larson on Tourism Leadership, Stewardship & Building Stronger Communities
Tourism organizations across the world are being asked to do more than ever before. Communities...
2 minute read
Overtourism Isn’t the Problem. Unmanaged Tourism Is.
Overtourism Isn’t the Problem. Unmanaged Tourism Is.
4 minute read
How Tourism Ambassador Training Drives Repeat Visits
How Tourism Ambassador Training Drives Repeat Visits Repeat visitation is one of the most valuable...
2 minute read
Global Minds, Local Impact
Global Minds, Local Impact: Why a Fully Remote Team Makes Learn Tourism the Smartest Choice for...
2 minute read
Tourism That Works for Everyone: Lessons from Baltimore’s New Leadership
Tourism That Works for Everyone: Lessons from Baltimore’s New Leadership Tourism has long been...
3 minute read
Out of Office, In Character: What Your Auto-Reply Says About Your Company Culture
Out of Office, In Character: What Your Auto-Reply Says About Your Company Culture
3 minute read
Tourism Ambassador Training That Builds Destination Loyalty
Visitors remember how a destination makes them feel long after they forget an itinerary. A...
4 minute read
We Updated Our Glossary of Tourism Industry Terms
We Updated Our Glossary of Tourism Industry Terms Tourism language changes as the industry changes....
3 minute read
Defining Company Culture: From Values to Real-World Behaviors
Company culture shapes every interaction your team has—with each other, with customers, and with...

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.