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
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...
2 minute read
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 ...
4 minute read
Lies Your Trainer Told You: Outdated Advice That’s Holding Back Your Tourism Team
Tourism is evolving—your training should too.
3 minute read
Ditch Job Descriptions: Why Skills-First Teams Win in Destination Marketing
Beyond the Job Description: Building a Skills-Based Workforce Presented by the Talent Development ...
2 minute read
From Campus to Community: Prof. Bryan Lavin on How Students are Shaping the Future of Tourism
From Campus to Community: Prof. Bryan Lavin on How Students are Shaping the Future of Tourism If ...

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.