What Destinations Are Saying

Launch Date May 2006:    Our front-line tourism employees are our greatest resource for word-of-mouth promotion with our visitors and advocacy for our industry. We're very proud to have initiated the concept of a front-line certification program and to have been directly involved in the development of the Certified Tourism AmbassadorsTM nationwide certification program.

Rick Hughes, CDME, President & CEO
Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

 

Launch Date May 2007:  Our Tucson Ambassadors Program offers our tourism-industry partners unique and comprehensive front-line training on Tucson as a destination.  It creates a community of Certified Tourism Ambassadors that are more knowledgeable for our visitors.   Knowledgeable front-line staff creates more credibility for each of the businesses that participate in the Program.  Visitors learn more, stay longer and carry the message to encourage others to visit Tucson - we all win win!

Vicki Doyle, Vice President, Partner Development & Visitor Services
Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau

 

Launch Date September 2007:  The Greater Phoenix CVB is proud to be working with our industry partners on the Valley Tourism Ambassadors Program. As attractive as our destination is, so often it's the people visitors encounter at our hotels and attractions who have the power to make the most lasting impression.  This certification process shows we are committed to helping our front-line tourism representatives deliver a level of hospitality, knowledge and passion that is as memorable as our sunny weather and scenic beauty.

Steve Moore, President & CEO
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

Launch Date February 2008:  We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising and marketing to entice visitors to our area, and it only makes good business sense that we take care of them while they are here. The Certified Tourism AmbassadorsTM (CTA) program is designed to provide professional service training tailored to the Bluegrass Region.  In our industry, customer service is paramount. Unfortunately, in today's hectic world, customer service has become a lost art.  This certification program allows the tourism industry to change that reality and exceed customer expectations in the process.  Lexington and the Bluegrass Region will host the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The CTA program is a perfect way to prepare our front-line for this unprecedented event, while giving us a program of lasting value for many years to come.

David Lord, President
Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau

 

Launch Date February 2009:  Our visitors are our greatest asset. We are proud to work with our front-line customer service employees to ensure our visitors receive a branded, customer centric experience in the Greater Fayetteville Area. The Fayetteville Area Ambassador Program creates a strong service workforce for the benefit of the entire community.

John Meroski, President & CEO
Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

Launch Date March 2009:  The CTA Program enables us to raise the bar on both destination knowledge and customer service skills presented by all our frontline personnel.  It ultimately helps to enhance the overall guest experience while developing a greater sense of pride among those who work in our destination.  We have been fortunate to always maintain a great community here in Anaheim and Orange County, however, the national recognition provided by the CTA Program has and will continue to fuel the excitement of what we offer to all our visitors.

Charles Ahlers, President
Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau

 

Launch Date May 2009: Over 10 million out of town visitors enjoy Fort Worth annually and that number doesn't include our own 700,000 citizens who enjoy our city. The CTA program motivates and better informs our hospitality industry associates and improves the service levels and guest/visitor experiences throughout our North Texas Metroplex.

David DuBois, CMP, CAE, CTA, President & CEO
Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau



Launch Date August 2010: The focus groups accelerate buy-in to the program by the community and provide instant feedback and insights from the stakeholders.  In addition, the predicted attributes of the CTA program played out in the focus groups, reinforcing the value and validity of the program.

 Lee Hladki, President/CEO
Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau



Launch Date May 2009: I was really impressed with the CTA course.  With the history of North Texas, orientation with tourist interests, and basic service training, it undoubtedly will help our front line service personnel be true ambassadors to our visitors.

D. S. Freeman, Jr., Chairman
Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau


 

Launch Date August 2009: We believe strongly in the regional tourism concept.  The Journey's CTA training is a win-win for everyone.  The CTA program is incredible, and we're getting great reviews from those who have gone through the course and used the information they learned!

Kurt Burkhart, Executive Director
Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau