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
Cement Learning Through Fun: A Foundation for Sustainable Tourism Education
Cement Learning Through Fun: A Foundation for Sustainable Tourism Education
2 minute read
Leading with Humility: Brad Dean’s Take on the Future of Tourism
Leading with Humility: Brad Dean’s Take on the Future of Tourism What does it take to lead a...
3 minute read
Navigating Culture Wars, Tariffs, and Travel Advisories: A Guide for Destinations and Tourism Trade Associations
Navigating Culture Wars, Tariffs, and Travel Advisories: A Guide for Destinations and Tourism Trade...
5 minute read
The High Cost of Neglecting Front-Line Tourism and Hospitality Workers
Since travel resumed in the summer of 2021, tourism and hospitality leaders have scrambled to get...
2 minute read
How to Empower Frontline Teams to Lead in Sustainable Tourism
How to Empower Frontline Teams to Lead in Sustainable Tourism {% video_player "embed_player"...
2 minute read
How Tourism Training Builds Community Pride and Purpose
How Tourism Training Builds Community Pride and Purpose For communities that rely on tourism, the...
2 minute read
Nerds Unite: How Learn Tourism’s Love of Learning Powers the Tourism Industry
Nerds Unite: How Learn Tourism’s Love of Learning Powers the Tourism Industry {% video_player...
3 minute read
The New Tourism Ambassador: How Destination Leaders Can Harness Local Champions for Modern Impact
The New Tourism Ambassador: How Destination Leaders Can Harness Local Champions for Modern Impact ...
2 minute read
Advancing Tourism Education with Instructor Avatars
Advancing Tourism Education with Instructor Avatars Tourism training must evolve as quickly as the...
2 minute read
Leadership in a Polycrisis: A Call to Tourism and Destination Leaders
Leadership in a Polycrisis: A Call to Tourism and Destination Leaders A new framework for tourism...

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.