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
Why Many Tourism Ambassador Programs Fail: Ignoring the Realities of Adult Learners' Needs
Why Many Tourism Ambassador Programs Fail: Ignoring the Realities of Adult Learners' Needs Tourism...
4 minute read
Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Tourism through Learn Tourism's TEA Model
Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Tourism through Learn Tourism's TEA Model and...
2 minute read
Building Bridges: Empowering Communities and Visitors Through Education
Building Bridges: Empowering Communities and Visitors Through Education
3 minute read
Why Every Destination Needs a Tourism Ambassador Program
Why Every Destination Needs a Tourism Ambassador Program
3 minute read
Community Engagement and Empowerment: Building Lasting Impacts in Tourism Worldwide
Community Engagement and Empowerment: Building Lasting Impacts in Tourism Worldwide
2 minute read
Giving Tuesday: Empowering Communities Through Education – And a Challenge to Join Us
Giving Tuesday: Empowering Communities Through Education – And a Challenge to Join Us At Learn...
2 minute read
Earning Our 501c3 - How Learn Tourism Reinvests Its Nonprofit Earnings to Advance Education and the Tourism Industry
How Learn Tourism Reinvests Its Earnings to Advance Education and the Tourism Industry
3 minute read
Our Advisors: Driving the Future of Tourism Education, Visitor Experiences, and Sustainability
Gratitude for Our Advisors: Driving the Future of Tourism Education, Visitor Experiences, and...
2 minute read
Data-Driven Community Alignment: How Destination Marketing Organizations Thrive
Transformative Learning with eLearning Statistics: How Destination Marketing Organizations Thrive
2 minute read
Empowering the Tourism Industry with Custom Curriculum Development
Empowering the Tourism Industry with Custom Curriculum Development

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.