Stephen Ekstrom

Advisory Panel Chair and Chief Strategist at Learn Tourism - the nonprofit academy at learntourism.org is Stephen Ekstrom. Ekstrom began his career in the 1990’s on college radio at Quinnipiac University. He went on to create and deliver successful tourism development strategies for now thriving destinations, theme restaurants, cultural institutions, theatrical management companies, and some of the world’s most recognized attractions. He’s called upon to speak at colleges and universities, conferences and countless panel discussions each year. He hosts Learn Tourism's Business Class podcast and is a featured writer for several travel magazines. He’s also been profiled by media giants like the New York Times, NBC, ABC, CBS Morning, and NY1.

Education that Takes you places

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...
2 minute read
Practicing Mindfulness and Empathy to Establish Emotional Connections in Hospitality and Tourism
Co-founder and CEO Steve Ekstrom welcomes a distinguished guest, Barbara Karasek, CEO and co-owner...
2 minute read
Celebrating the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau's New Ambassador Training Program
We are thrilled to congratulate the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau on the successful launch of...
3 minute read
Bringing Your Ambassador Training In-House: How The Learn Tourism Can Help
As more organizations look to bring their ambassador training programs in-house, the need for...

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