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
Tourism Career Accelerator names Keynote: Learn Tourism's Chief Strategist
The Learn Tourism's Chief Strategist and full-time traveler, Stephen Ekstrom has been named to...
2 minute read
Five Outcomes of Effective Tourism Training
Five Outcomes of Effective Tourism Ambassador Training Our destination marketing (DMO) and...
3 minute read
Planning your Tourism Training Budget? How to Get it Approved
Planning your Tourism Training Budget? Here’s How to Get it Approved It’s destination marketing...
2 minute read
Top 5 Tips To Be A Better Tourism Ambassador
Tourism Ambassador Tips When visitors stop in a community, their experiences are shaped by the...
3 minute read
VIDEO - The Power of Women In Leadership - A Panel Discussion
The Power of Female Leaders Women and Leadership Women-owned and women-led businesses are one of...
1 minute read
TEA - The Secret To Effective Tourism Training
What makes The Learn Tourism unique? Hundreds of individuals are eager to lead a workshop, present...
Happy Hour With Christine Miller - New Orleans' Best Tour Guide
Join The Learn Tourism's Stephen Ekstrom as he sits down for a drink with Christine Miller, head...
3 minute read
How To Gain Stakeholder Buy-In
How To Gain Stakeholder Buy-In As human beings, we naturally resist change. We like things to stay...
3 minute read
6 Things Every Instructional Designer Should Know For Tourism
Instructional designers have the most important role in the development of tourism training, online...
4 minute read
What Makes A Great Keynote Speaker
What is a keynote speaker? A keynote speaker sets the “pitch” for a seminar, convention, or...

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.