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

1 minute read
Newsroom to Tourism Boom: Lisa Bethea’s Blueprint for Destination Success
In this episode, we chat with Lisa Bethea, Director of Destination Services for Visit Frisco. From...
1 minute read
Unlocking Success in Destination Marketing: New White Paper Now Available!
In the fast-paced world of destination marketing, staying ahead of the curve requires more than...
2 minute read
Jumpstart Your Destination Marketing Online Course Build Process: 3 Steps to Success
Creating an online course for destination marketing professionals can be both exciting and...
2 minute read
Teaching Tourism Ambassadors to Fish: Enhancing Destination Training with the STEP Model
In the world of destination marketing and visitor education, there's a timeless principle that...
1 minute read
U.S. Travel & Tourism Statistics 2023
NTTO Unveils Exciting International Travel Stats for 2023 December 2023 Air Passenger Travel...
9 minute read
Every Word Counts: Engaging Modern Learners in Tourism Training
Learners have tuned out of text-heavy training content (even when it's in chunks).
3 minute read
Learning from Destinations International 2024 Convention: Embracing Inclusivity and Community Engagement in Tampa Bay
The recently concluded Destinations International (DI) 2024 Annual Convention in Tampa, FL, was not...
2 minute read
Unveiling Our New Course: "Pathway to Tourism Careers" – Your Gateway to Future Success in Tourism!
Are you passionate about tourism and looking to kickstart or advance your career in this dynamic...
2 minute read
Transform Your Destination Marketing Strategy in 2025: Invest in Training and Empowerment
As we approach 2025, destination marketing organizations and tourism experience providers are...
2 minute read
What Non-Tourism Businesses Can Learn from the Tourism Industry
Industries outside of tourism can gain valuable insights from an unlikely source: the 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.