Too often, training begins with content. Leaders gather slides, handouts, or expertise and then try to package it as a course. The result? Long sessions filled with information — but little lasting behavior change.
At Learn Tourism, we flip the script: design training backward from the outcomes you want to achieve.
The essential question is: “What do you want learners to be able to do that they aren’t doing well now?”
Clear outcomes act as a roadmap for success — whether it’s customer service, technical skills, or leadership behaviors. This is the foundation of strong instructional design.
Rather than cramming all possible knowledge into a program, we develop custom courses that align modules with specific outcomes. Each module solves a learner need and leads directly to measurable change. That means more relevance, higher engagement, and faster results.
Only after defining outcomes and modules do we layer in the content — examples, case studies, practice exercises, or digital resources. This ensures that every piece of material directly supports what learners need to do, not just what they need to know.
Backward design makes programs more efficient. Because every element serves the outcomes, development is streamlined, adoption is higher, and return on investment is clearer.
When outcomes are clear, it’s easier to track progress, issue meaningful certifications or certificates of completion, and measure real-world performance gains. This creates a feedback loop where courses evolve as learner needs change, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Takeaway:
Training that starts with content may fill time, but training that starts with outcomes fills gaps in skills, performance, and confidence.
At Learn Tourism, we believe effective instructional design comes down to this simple principle: outcomes first, content second. Whether you’re building a custom course, a certification program, or a skills workshop, starting with outcomes makes all the difference.
Learn Tourism is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the tourism industry through innovative educational practices and professional development initiatives. Our mission is to harness the power of science, business psychology, and adult education to build sustainable economies and enrich the tourism landscape.
Stephen Ekstrom is the embodiment of a passionate lifelong learner and a seasoned professional in the tourism industry, serving as the CEO and co-founder of Learn Tourism - the nonprofit academy. 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 for knowledge have led him to be 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, and Sustainable Business Strategy and Transforming Customer Experiences from Harvard Business School.