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

Historic New Orleans Collection - Behind the Scenes with Daniel Hammer
Go behind the scenes at the Historic New Orleans Collection with Executive Director, Daniel Hammer.
3 minute read
6 Things Every Instructional Designer Should Be Able to Do
If the person who's creating your tourism ambassador training, stakeholder workshops or keynote...
4 minute read
Forget 'Fake It Til You Make It.' If You Really Want Success, Do This Instead
Forget 'Fake It Till You Make It.' If You Want Success, Do This Instead When you don't feel like...
2 minute read
5 Questions Every Instructional Designer Should Ask
5 Questions Every Instructional Designer Should Ask
Savannah's Storyteller - Shannon Scott
Ever thought about working in a cemetery? Well, that's exactly what Shannon Scott's career path has...
1 minute read
Top 7 Things to Remember When Preparing Taxes for 2021
It’s tax time, with S Corp and Partnership returns due on March 15 and Individual Returns due on...
1 minute read
The TEA - Guidelines for Effective Tourism Training
The Learn Tourism has a little secret that makes each program we offer more effective and...
4 minute read
The Power of Female Leaders - Women In Leadership
FREE Live Panel Discussion: The Power of Women In Leadership Women-owned and women-led businesses...
Surviving Clotilda - Descendants of America's Last Slave Ship
On this week’s episode of Business Class from the Learn Tourism, Steve Ekstrom sits down to...
5 minute read
How can education and training systems contribute to structural changes in the tourism sector?
HOW CAN EDUCATION AND TRAINING SYSTEMS CONTRIBUTE TO STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE TOURISM SECTOR?

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.