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

4 minute read
Your Best Tourism Marketing Channel Might Be Your Front Line
Destination leaders spend a lot of time thinking about how to attract visitors. Campaigns are...
2 minute read
Moving Toward Better: What Tourism Leaders Can Learn from Mitch Whitten
Every once in a while, a podcast conversation feels less like an interview and more like a...
4 minute read
Why Tourism Ambassador Training Fails to Change Behavior (and How to Fix It)
Your destination invested in a tourism ambassador training program.
3 minute read
Mavericks Wanted: Wyoming's Domenic Bravo on Leadership, Stewardship, and the Future of Tourism
Mavericks Wanted: What Wyoming's Tourism Leader Can Teach Us About the Future of Destination...
4 minute read
200+ Executive Conversations: What Tourism's Best Leaders Have Taught Me
What 200+ Tourism Leaders Taught Me About Leadership, Learning, and the Future of Travel Over the...
1 minute read
The Legacy We Leave: Tourism Cares' Greg Takehara on Purpose, People, and Travel
When tourism leaders talk about success, the conversation often turns to visitor spending, economic...
2 minute read
Building a Destination from Scratch: Lessons from Travel Santa Ana's Wendy Haase-Roberts
Building a Destination from Scratch: Lessons from Travel Santa Ana's Wendy Haase-Roberts Some...
2 minute read
Get Better Visitors: Why the Future of Tourism Isn't More Visitors
For decades, tourism success was measured by one thing: more.
3 minute read
5 Educational Programs Every Destination Should Include in Its Annual Budget
Destinations invest millions of dollars each year in advertising, events, public relations, website...

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.