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
Destination Marketing Trends & Opportunities - 2021 Futures Study
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 2, 2021) – Destinations International, the world’s only association...
4 minute read
How to Create a Tourism Ambassador Program
What does it take? Creating a successful tourism ambassador program may seem complicated from the...
3 minute read
Student Athletes Land Tourism Ambassador Deals with Destination Marketing Organization (DMO)
Starting July 1 of this year, for the first time ever, college student-athletes were permitted to...
3 minute read
4 Reasons For A Destination Tourism Ambassador Program
There are certain actions every destination marketer or DMO already knows and follows when starting...
7 minute read
Why Your Destination Needs Online Tourism Ambassador Certificates of Completion
A decade ago,grassroots marketingwas nothing short of a subsidiary tactic for...
2 minute read
Online Learning Brings Out the Best in Us - Explained
Tired of Books? Let’s face it. We’d rather use our gadgets than these traditional tools for...
3 minute read
Business Class: An Interview With Keith Snode
Keith Snode is a power player in the world of travel. As the newly named COO of Group Travel...
4 minute read
Move Your Training Online: 6 Simple Steps For Speedy Transition
In times of innovation and change, businesses must quickly adapt to meet new needs and challenges...
3 minute read
5 Myths About Online Training Debunked
Online training gets a bad rap in the hospitality business. Travel and tourism professionals tend...
5 minute read
12 Benefits of eLearning for Tourism Training and Certification
Interactive whiteboards were big news when they arrived on the training scene because they replaced...

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.