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

2 minute read
Purpose-Driven Tourism Training Creates Real Impact
It All Begins with Why: How Purpose-Driven Tourism Training Creates Real Impact Every organization...
3 minute read
Meaningful Work Isn’t a Perk. It’s a Strategy for Better Tourism Outcomes.
Meaningful Work Isn’t a Perk. It’s a Strategy for Better Tourism Outcomes.
1 minute read
Unlocking Tampa: A Deep Dive with Santiago Corrada
We're thrilled to announce the latest episode of our podcast, where we sit down with none other...
3 minute read
From Knowledge to Action: The New Standard for Tourism Training Objectives
Great courses don’t start with content—they start with clarity.
3 minute read
AI Didn’t Break Destination Marketing. It Revealed What Matters Most.
AI Didn’t Break Destination Marketing. It Revealed What Matters Most. Artificial intelligence is...
3 minute read
From Applause to Action: Tourism Talks That Change Behavior
From Applause to Action: Designing Tourism Speaker Experiences That Change Behavior Tourism...
3 minute read
Stop Managing Tourism. Start Designing It.
Design thinking is not a buzzword. It is a business advantage hiding in plain sight across the...
2 minute read
You Belong in Every Room: Leadership Lessons from Birmingham’s Dan Williams
Leadership in tourism has long been measured by numbers—visitation, economic impact, room nights.
3 minute read
AI Leadership in Tourism: What Destination Leaders Must Get Right Right Now
AI Leadership in Tourism: What Destination Leaders Must Get Right Right Now
3 minute read
What Destination CEOs Are Really Talking About in 2026
What Destination CEOs Are Really Talking About in 2026

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.