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
What Makes Tourism Training Stick?
The Science Behind Long-Term Learning and Frontline Empowerment
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How Tariffs Influence International Tourism to the USA and Canada
How Tariffs Influence International Tourism to the USA and Canada Tariffs—those seemingly distant...
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Can Responsible Tourism Be Taught? Absolutely
Can Responsible Tourism Be Taught? Absolutely—Here’s How Destinations Can Cultivate Community...
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Keep Your Tourism Ambassador Program Top of Mind All Year Long
Keep Your Tourism Ambassador Program Top of Mind All Year Long Tourism ambassador programs are...
3 minute read
The 4 Types of Thinking Tourism Leaders Need to Practice—and Teach
The 4 Types of Thinking Tourism Leaders Need to Practice—and Teach
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Key to Retention: Four Smart Strategies
Developing Your Tourism Workforce Is the Key to Retention: Four Smart Strategies Employee...
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Pride of Place: How Smart Training Programs Flip the Script on Negative Perceptions
How Destination Training Programs Can Flip the Script on Negative Local Perceptions
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Welcoming Isn’t Political — It’s Powerful: Hospitality Starts With Humanity
There’s been much talk in recent years about the so-called "weaponization of travel." The idea is...
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What 200+ Destination CEOs Taught Us About Leadership, Growth, and Community
What 200+ Destination CEOs Taught Us About Leadership, Growth, and Community
2 minute read
Top 10 Tourism Topics for 2025: Elevate Your Destination’s Knowledge
Top 10 Tourism Topics for 2025: Elevate Your Destination’s Knowledge with Learn 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.