At Learn Tourism, we talk a lot about learning.
It’s in our name.
It’s in our mission.
And now, it’s officially in our time-off policy.
We’re proud to introduce “Learn-Cation” Days: two paid days each year that every full-time employee can use to explore, experience, and engage in meaningful learning outside of their normal workday. Whether it’s diving into a cultural experience, attending a workshop, or simply seeing the visitor journey through fresh eyes, these days are about one thing: growing by doing.
Let’s be real: burnout is real, turnover is costly, and keeping employees engaged takes more than free snacks and Slack emojis.
We built this policy as a solution to three real and urgent needs:
Professional Development that’s self-directed and fulfilling
Work-Life Learning Balance that respects curiosity and creative thinking
A Culture of Growth that goes beyond buzzwords
When our team members step away to explore new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, they come back with fresh energy—and insights that ripple through everything we do.
Whether it’s walking through a historic district to better understand placemaking, attending a DEI workshop to deepen inclusive practices, or exploring a new destination through the lens of a traveler, a Learn-Cation empowers our people to reconnect with the industry we love.
We’re not just offering Learn-Cation days because it sounds nice. We're doing it because it reinforces our commitment to being the premier learning organization for the tourism industry. That’s a big statement—but one we stand behind with our actions.
As a nonprofit academy built at the intersection of adult education, tourism expertise, and business psychology, we know the power of learning that transforms. And transformation doesn’t just happen in a training module. It happens when people have the freedom—and the encouragement—to explore.
So we designed our Learn-Cation policy to align with our T.E.A. framework for meaningful education:
Transformative: Employees return with new skills, stories, and insights
Engaging: They pursue learning that’s personally exciting and relevant
Accessible: It’s paid, planned, and encouraged from the top down
We’ve kept it flexible on purpose. A Learn-Cation might be:
Attending a destination development conference
Exploring a heritage site with a visitor’s perspective
Completing a short online course in inclusive hospitality
Taking a walking tour of your own city (and seeing it through new eyes)
Participating in a storytelling workshop to improve communication
It’s up to each team member to define what learning looks like—and that’s exactly the point.
We’re not here to gatekeep great ideas. If you’re a tourism organization looking to build employee retention, inspire your team, or develop a training culture that people actually get excited about, we’re here to help.
In fact, supporting destinations in building education-first workplaces is what we do every day through our work with DMOs, CVBs, and tourism partners across North America.
And yes, we learn from our own programs, too. That’s what makes us a learning organization, not just a training company.
Let’s Lead By Learning
If you're ready to do more than just talk about talent development and want to start building a workplace that breathes curiosity, compassion, and creativity, we’d love to connect.
And if you're a tourism pro who’s overdue for a learning journey of your own? Take your own Learn-Cation—whether your employer offers one or not. Your growth matters. And so does the example you set.
We’re proud to lead by learning—and prouder still of the people who make it possible.
🧭 Curious how to bring this policy (or something similar) to your destination?
Let’s talk. Reach out at www.learntourism.org to explore programs, platforms, and people-first practices that work.
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 from Harvard Business School.