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
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 ...
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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...
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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...
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Why Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Training Matters—And How You Can Take It for Free This Month
Diversity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a strategic advantage. In today’s tourism and hospitality...
2 minute read
Empowering Tourism Leaders Through Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Leadership in tourism is not about titles. It's about trust, empathy, and the ability to inspire ...
3 minute read
Lies Your Trainer Told You: Outdated Advice That’s Holding Back Your Tourism Team
Tourism is evolving—your training should too.

Where Will Knowledge Take You?

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