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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
Why Belonging Is the New Competitive Advantage in Tourism (and What DMOs Must Do About It)
Why Belonging Is the New Competitive Advantage in Tourism (and What DMOs Must Do About It)
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3 minute read
Memorization vs. Behavior Change: The Missing Link Between Training and Results
Stop Teaching Facts. Start Changing Behavior: A New Standard for Tourism Training Tourism training...
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3 minute read
The ROI of Tourism Training: How Educated Locals Become Your Most Powerful Marketing Channel
The ROI of Tourism Training: How Educated Locals Become Your Most Powerful Marketing Channel ...
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3 minute read
From Stage to Strategy: How Tourism Speakers Drive Real Change in Destinations
From Stage to Strategy: How Tourism Speakers Drive Real Change in Destinations Tourism conferences...
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3 minute read
What Makes a High-Impact Tourism Ambassador Program? A Data-Driven Blueprint for Destinations
Tourism leaders face a persistent challenge. Destinations invest heavily in marketing, branding,...
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3 minute read
Paradise With a Purpose: Kara Franker on Stewardship, Technology, and Transformation
Rebuilding Paradise: Leadership, Stewardship, and the Future of Tourism Tourism destinations rarely...
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3 minute read
Lessons from the 2026 Learn Tourism Conference: What Participants Learned and How They’ll Apply It
Lessons from the 2026 Learn Tourism Conference: What Participants Learned and How They’ll Apply It ...
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3 minute read
Stewardship, Storytelling, and the Ordinary That Feels Extraordinary
Stewardship, Storytelling, and the Ordinary That Feels Extraordinary Lessons from Joanne Wolnik on...
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1 minute read
Inspiring the Outer Banks: How a Community-First Training Approach Makes Tourism Work for Residents and Visitors
Inspiring the Outer Banks: How a Community-First Training Approach Makes Tourism Work for Residents
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3 minute read
15 Tourism Destinations That Train Residents and Frontline Workers to Be Tourism Ambassadors
15 Tourism Destinations That Train Residents and Frontline Workers to Be Tourism Ambassadors ...
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