Program Objective

"To increase regional tourism by inspiring front-line hospitality employees and volunteers to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience."

Top-Line Benefits  

Here is what the Certified Tourism AmbassadorsTM Program offers that sets it apart:

  • Nationwide Certification - Your frontline will be part of a nationwide certification program - with annual renewal - proudly using the Certified Tourism AmbassadorTM designation behind their name (John Smith, CTA) and proudly wearing their CTA gold lapel pin.  As with other certification programs, the CTA designation has become recognized nationwide as a valued part of the visitor experience by your frontline, their employers, and, most importantly, your visitors.

  • Product Knowledge - Through the initial certification, this program not only teaches the basics of exceeding customer expectations, it also teaches why tourism is important and gives valuable destination product knowledge to your frontline.  The learning objectives and highly customized curriculum focus on giving your frontline employees or volunteers the tools and confidence they need to create memorable experiences.  And, the annual renewal requirements ensure that your ambassador corps is forever building upon their product knowledge base.

  • Community Alignment - Our current clients have been amazed at how this program aligns all stakeholders throughout the community.   From the beginning Research Phase to Program Launch, they are engaged in shaping the program and, thus, take ownership in its ongoing success.  It gives your destination a common, collaborative project that will help reinforce the importance of working together, instead of apart, to enhance regional tourism.

  • Competitive Advantage - Meeting professionals and other decision-makers have indicated that they would select a "CTA City" over a non CTA city. By committing to the program, they believe a destination shows its commitment to working together as a community and, most importantly, to ensuring the best possible experience for their attendees.

  • Branding & Consistent Messaging - Through CTANetwork.com - the CTA Online Community - and through CTA networking events, administrators can push frequent messages to your CTA corps - important reminders and updates to build upon their knowledge base. As a result, your CTAs will develop a close-knit network that allows them to connect with one another to further their knowledge and fuel their motivation to serve the customer. By keeping your frontline engaged and connected to your destination's attributes and vision, your ambassador corps will be at-the-ready, ensuring that groups and visitors hear a consistent story about your destination - powerful branding and marketing at the frontline!

WHAT CTAS ARE SAYING

Mary E. Higbie, CTA
“Being a CTA has brought recognition from others in the hospitality/tourism field. Additionally, it has given me pride in myself and it is my personal goal is to be able to provide the information our visitors need to enjoy their stay.”

Mary E. Higbie, CTA
Museum Guide
Mustangs of Las Colinas
Irving, TX


CTA IN THE NEWS

Management Team Members of the Plano CVB Become CTAs
Posted 07/13/2010
The management team of the Plano CVB and...
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Fayetteville CTA receives National Tourism Ambassador Institute's Distinguished Star Award
Posted 05/25/2010
Leisa Greathouse, curator of education...
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Civil War visitors can expect royal treatment
Posted 03/27/2010
A large number of visitors are expected...
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Gettysburg 'ambassadors' train for 150th
Posted 01/15/2010
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground is training workers on the front lines...
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Celebrating the Success of the NTTAP
Posted 01/07/2010
The Dallas/Fort Worth Area Tourism Council (DFWATC) and Foundation are pleased...
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Harpers Ferry Workers Become 'Tourism Ambassadors'
Posted 01/02/2010
As the anniversary of the Civil War approaches...
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Ready, Set, Spokane!
Posted 12/29/2009
When expecting guests from out of town most folks give their home an extra-thorough cleaning.
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McKinney CVB staff receives hospitality certification via national program
Posted 11/19/2009
The McKinney CVB staff recently completed...
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Lexington Cops Certified In Bluegrass Tourism
Posted 08/14/2009
Many CVBs have made considerable efforts ...
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Cities Turn Workers into Tourism Ambassadors
Posted 07/10/2009
The Certified Tourism Ambassador program ...
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Frisco leaders converge on Collin College for ambassador program
Posted 06/15/2009
A mayor, chamber of commerce president...
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If a tourist walked into your business and asked about local history, would you know the answers?
Posted 01/28/2009
It’s a daunting question that hotel clerks...
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Anaheim signs up Disney District workers for tourism etiquette classes
Posted 08/03/2008
If Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth...
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