Program Benefits

"Why Should I Become a CTA?"

The CTA program has many benefits:

• Expands your industry social network - provides you with opportunities to network with and learn from your peers across the area and across the country.   
• Provides you with a meaningful credential (e.g. John Smith, CTA) that is visible to family, friends, employers, co-workers and, most importantly, visitors.
• Helps you stay "in the know" with regular updates.
• Offers "Freebies & Discounts" that give you free or discounted prices to experience attractions and gain first-hand knowledge of the things visitors ask about.  Offered for your family too, in some instances!
• Increases business which may lead to more tips or pay increases.
• Builds skills you'll have for a lifetime.
• Shows your commitment to the hospitality industry, which may lead to career advancement. Savvy employers are seeking CTAs because they know CTAs "get it".

What do I receive if I become a CTA?

Upon successful completion of the program you'll receive:

• A meaningful, nationally-recognized credential (e.g. John Smith, CTA) to use on your communications, letterhead and business cards.
• A certificate, suitable for framing, showing your designation as a CTA
• A gold lapel pin which identifies you as a Certified Tourism Ambassador^TM [PHOTO OF CTA PIN HERE SOMEWHERE]
• Exclusive access to the CTANetwork.com - the online community for  CTAs - where  you can log in to your local program's micro-site to: PREVIEW THE CTA NETWORK - The CTA Online Experience
  • Print coupons for Freebies & Discounts at participating restaurants and attractions (sometimes for your family too!)
  • Stay connected with fellow CTAs locally and nationally   
  • Stay "In The Know" about new developments and other industry ‘happenings'
  • Access details on area Attractions
  • Keep informed about upcoming events and things to do
  • Access and/or submit an event into the master events calendar
  • Register for upcoming CTA networking or educational events
  • Help visitors in real time
  • Stay abreast of important industry issues & trends
  • Record renewal points as you earn them; easy online renewal
  • Nominate yourself or others for CTA Star Awards
  • Post photos and vote on the CTA Spirit Photo of the Week
  • Share your thoughts, insights, and experiences with fellow CTAs
  • And more!

"What's the Big Deal?"

What separates the CTA Program from other training programs is that it goes well beyond customer service training.  It's a recognized, national designation - it's national certification.

Over 7,000 CTAs have completed the program!  By becoming a Certified Tourism Ambassador^TM, you'll have the tools and knowledge necessary to create a more memorable visitor experience and you'll reap the benefits.  Being a CTA is a great achievement. 

"In this day and age, where everyone's competing for the same dollar, what makes it is that personal interaction - your people are what really make the difference.  You're looking for the best of the best.  And, it's tough out there.  When hiring our line staff, I'm looking for more than anything else - their attitude.  And, that's what CTA does.  So, if I had an individual applicant who was a CTA trained vs. not, I'd probably lean toward the CTA trained individual.  Why not?"

Brian Johnson
Managing Director
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Chair-Elect, Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association
Tucson, AZ