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
Does Online Destination Training Actually Work?
Does Online Destination Training Actually Work? Online learning has matured past the point of...
1 minute read
We Collect Nerds (and We’re Better for It)
We Collect Nerds (and We’re Better for It) At Learn Tourism, we have a quiet philosophy that guides...
3 minute read
The Sunk Cost Trap: When Sticking With the Same Program Costs You More Than Leaving
The Sunk Cost Trap: When Sticking With the Same Program Costs You More Than Leaving Human brains...
3 minute read
What Is Learn Tourism’s Reputation—Really?
What I’ve Learned About Reputation While Building Learn Tourism Reputation is one of those things...
3 minute read
Authenticity Without the Mess: Why Professionalism Still Matters in Tourism
Authenticity Without the Mess: Why Professionalism Still Matters in Tourism Destination marketers...
4 minute read
25 Learning Quotes for Destination Marketing and Tourism Teams
Learning and development quotes get passed around the internet the way souvenirs get passed around...
2 minute read
ChatGPT Lists My Greatest Strengths
Strengths are often discussed as static traits—things we either “have” or “don’t have.” In...
2 minute read
The Three Critical Audiences Learn Tourism Helps Destinations Empower
The Three Critical Audiences Learn Tourism Helps Destinations Empower
2 minute read
eLearning Solutions for Destination Training
eLearning Solutions for Destination Training How DMOs Can Educate Travel Advisors and Tour...
3 minute read
9 Knowledge Retention Techniques That Actually Work in Tourism Training
9 Knowledge Retention Techniques That Actually Work in Tourism Training Tourism learners are busy...

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.