Stephen Ekstrom

Advisory Panel Chair and Chief Strategist at Learn Tourism - the nonprofit academy at learntourism.org is Stephen Ekstrom. Ekstrom began his career in the 1990’s on college radio at Quinnipiac University. He went on to create and deliver successful tourism development strategies for now thriving destinations, theme restaurants, cultural institutions, theatrical management companies, and some of the world’s most recognized attractions. He’s called upon to speak at colleges and universities, conferences and countless panel discussions each year. He hosts Learn Tourism's Business Class podcast and is a featured writer for several travel magazines. He’s also been profiled by media giants like the New York Times, NBC, ABC, CBS Morning, and NY1.

Education that Takes you places

2 minute read
Donuts, Detours & DIY: How a Casual Conversation Turned Into a Masterclass in Tourism Education
Featuring Chris Cavanaugh of Magellan Strategy Group
2 minute read
How to Get Leadership to Say “Yes” to Tourism Education
How to Get Leadership to Say “Yes” to Tourism Education Convincing leadership to invest in...
3 minute read
Minding the Gap: Closing the Distance Between Learning and Destination Strategy
Most destination marketing organizations have grand visions. They imagine thriving communities...
2 minute read
What is a Tourism Ambassador?
A tourism ambassador is more than just a friendly face. They are trained community champions who...
2 minute read
20 Inspiring Quotes Every Tourism Professional Should Learn From
We Are a Learning Organization: Here's How We Got Here It didn’t start with a grand vision or a...
2 minute read
9 KPIs for Smarter Tourism Training
Are You Measuring What Matters? 9 KPIs for Smarter Tourism Training Destination marketing leaders ...
1 minute read
From Cleveland, With Soul: David Gilbert on Leading with Purpose
In this heartfelt and insightful interview, David Gilbert, President and CEO of Destination...
2 minute read
Redefining Destination Leadership: Insights from Andrew Weir, President & CEO of Destination Toronto
In a recent episode of the Business Class podcast, Learn Tourism's Stephen Ekstrom sat down with...
2 minute read
Learn Tourism Endorsed by Skål International Tampa Bay for Global Sustainability Award
Learn Tourism Endorsed by Skål International Tampa Bay for Global Sustainability Award We are...
2 minute read
The Psychology of Adult Learning in Destination Education
The Psychology of Learning in Adult DestinationEducation Tourism and destination professionals...

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.