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
What Every Tourism Educator And Tourism Ambassador Program Administrator Should Know About Adult Learning
What Every Tourism Educator And Tourism Ambassador Program Administrator Should Know About Adult...
2 minute read
How Clear Purpose, Promise, and Proof Strengthen Tourism Training
The 3P Principle: How Clear Purpose, Promise, and Proof Strengthen Tourism Training Brands don’t...
1 minute read
Well-Trained Staff Create Better Visitors—and Better Businesses
Your staff talks to visitors more than anyone else. Every host stand, front desk, ticket counter,...
2 minute read
The Best Tourism Leaders Keep Learning
Tourism leaders shape experiences, economies, and communities. The ones who do it best share a...
2 minute read
How to Get Partners to Buy In to Destination, Front-Line, and Tourism Ambassador Training
How to Get Partners to Buy In to Destination, Front-Line, and Tourism Ambassador Training
3 minute read
Tourism Destination Stewardship Training: Building Places People Respect, Not Just Visit
Tourism Destination Stewardship Training: Building Places People Respect, Not Just Visit Tourism...
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Why Destination Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Communities
Why Destination Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Communities Destination...
2 minute read
Why Learning-oriented Organizations Are Better To Work With
Learning-oriented organizations behave differently—and people feel it immediately.
2 minute read
What Tourism Stakeholders Really Want From Destination Education Programs
What Tourism Stakeholders Really Want From Destination Education Programs Tourism stakeholders are...
3 minute read
Tourism Ambassador Training That Actually Changes Frontline Behavior
Online Destination Training That Actually Changes Frontline Behavior Online destination training...

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.