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

3 minute read
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...
2 minute read
How Tourism Can Be More Inclusive While Sustaining Cultural Heritage
How Tourism Can Be More Inclusive While Sustaining Cultural Heritage
2 minute read
The Power of Education in Tourism: Why It’s Our Greatest Tool for Destination Success
The Power of Education in Tourism: Why It’s Our Greatest Tool for Destination Success {%...
2 minute read
Balancing Tourism Growth with Sustainability: A Path to a Greener Future
Balancing Tourism Growth with Sustainability: A Path to a Greener Future Tourism is a powerful...
3 minute read
Online or In-Person? Which Tourism Training Is Best for Your Audience
Online or In-Person? Which Training Is Best for Your Audience
3 minute read
Capacity Building For Stronger Tourism Destinations With TEA
Building Stronger Tourism Destinations with TEA: Transformative, Engaging, and Accessible® Training
2 minute read
How Hospitality Leaders Can Future-Proof Their Workforce Through Education
The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, with shifting traveler expectations, emerging...

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.