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
Building a Tourism Ambassador Program That Actually Works (And Doesn’t Suck)
Building a Tourism Ambassador Program That Actually Works (And Doesn’t Suck) Why Most Tourism...
3 minute read
The Best Tools & Platforms for Hosting High-Quality Tourism Webinars
The Best Tools & Platforms for Hosting High-Quality Tourism Webinars Introduction Not all webinar...
3 minute read
How to Use Webinars to Train Travel Agents & Tour Operators on Your Destination
How to Use Webinars to Train Travel Agents & Tour Operators on Your Destination Introduction Travel...
2 minute read
Choose the Right Tourism Ambassador Training and Certification Partner
How to Choose the Right Tourism Ambassador Training and Certification Partner for Your Destination ...
3 minute read
10 Webinar Promotion Strategies to Attract Travel Planners & Industry Professionals
10 Webinar Promotion Strategies to Attract Travel Planners & Industry Professionals Introduction A...
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How HR Leaders Can Develop Strong Professional Development Programs
How HR Leaders Can Develop Strong Professional Development Programs In today’s rapidly evolving...
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A Professional Tourist’s Perspective: How Living on the Road is Reshaping Tourism Education
Tourism is a dynamic industry, shaped by shifting traveler expectations, emerging technologies, and...
3 minute read
Six Toxic Traits of Bad Educators—and How Learn Tourism Does It Differently
Six Toxic Traits of Bad Educators—and How Learn Tourism Does It Differently In the world of...
3 minute read
The Ultimate Guide to Webinars for Destination & Tourism Experience Promotion
The Ultimate Guide to Webinars for Destination & Tourism Experience Promotion Why Webinars Are a...
1 minute read
New Resource: A Responsible AI Policy for Destination Marketing Organizations
New Resource: A Responsible AI Policy for Destination Marketing Organizations As AI continues to...

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.