Employer Spotlight

Advanced Parking Systems
Arlington Trolley
Blue Grass Airport
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Canadian Honker
Geppi's Entertainment Museum
Lexington Lansing Hotel
LexTran
National Sporting Library & Museum
Parkwood Lodge
River Park Square 

 

What do Disneyland and Advanced Parking Systems (APS) have in common? Yes, they are both in Anaheim, CA, but more importantly, they are both focused and committed to providing the best possible guest experience. APS has proudly handled the valet parking operation at the Hilton Anaheim for the past 10+ years, as well as managing other parking operations in Orange County.

Darryl Garibay, President of APS says, "as CTAs, our staff is far more educated in terms of the history of Anaheim, famous and historic places including Disneyland and what Anaheim was years ago."

Darryl says, "we personally congratulate our new CTAs and announce their achievement to the rest of the APS team at staff meetings and in our employer newsletter."

Darryl knows that he and his staff play a role in promoting Anaheim as a premiere tourist and business destination. He says, "APS is proud and honored to be a part of the Anaheim/OC Tourism Ambassadors Program. We look forward to continued and increased participation!"

Thank you Advanced Parking Systems, for your support of the Anaheim/OC Tourism Ambassadors Program!

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Get on Board!  The Arlington Trolley is Arlington's entertainment connection.  Arlington is located between Dallas and Fort Worth.  The Metroplex area is home to many signature entertainment venues, such as  Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor , Texas Rangers Ballpark, Cowboys Stadium, Lincoln Square Shopping Center , Arlington Convention Center, Arlington CVB and the International Bowling Museum, all of which are serviced by Arlington Trolley.

Desha Creecy, Asst. General Manager, says of the CTA Program, "our team has really benefited from the Exceeding Customer Expectations training.  Our drivers actively listen to our customers for opportunities to provide help in any way they can.  They take pride in their work and know how important they are in providing a positive experience."  Each front-line employee is required to become a CTA to graduate from Arlington Trolley's Employee Training Program.

Thank you Arlington Trolley for your support of the North Texas Tourism Ambassadors Program!

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"Blue Grass Airport began participation in the CTA Program so we could better serve our customers and educate them on the abundant tourism opportunities available in central Kentucky.  We greet visitors from around the world on a daily basis -- many of whom have questions on places to stay, dine and visit.  The materials and curriculum of the CTA Program have provided us with the history and an overview on each of the tourism areas within our region," says Amy Caudill, Marketing & Community Relations Manager.  In addition, she says, "our employees have embraced the training and are now working towards renewing their certification." 

Lexington's Blue Grass Airport is served by seven major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 14 major hubs and direct service to destinations worldwide.   Blue Grass is located just five miles from downtown Lexington.  In addition to commercial activity, Blue Grass Airport also offers a variety of corporate and general aviation services including US Customs, flight instruction, charter aircraft, airplane maintenance, aircraft storage and more.

Thank you Blue Grass Airport for your support of the Bluegrass Tourism Ambassador Program!

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"Our staff now provides a higher level of service and helps our visitors have a better experience," says Elizabeth Hurst, Visitor Center Manager of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Lexington.  She says, "I recommend the training to colleagues as a great group activity.  It brings new excitement to your job."

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Franklin County, Kentucky with a rich distilling tradition dating back to 1787.  Buffalo Trace is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon and vodka on site, and was recently named to the National Historic Register.  The distillery offers guided tours to walk-in visitors Monday through Saturday and has a Gift shop offering unique brand ware and gifts.

Thank you Buffalo Trace Distillery for your support of the Bluegrass Tourism Ambassador Program!

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Of course, Rochester, MN is well known for Mayo Clinic, but did you know 80% of their patients are treated as outpatients? So, where do they stay, what do they do, and where do they eat? Well, the Canadian Honker Restaurant & Catering is a welcoming dining option. Owners and CTAs, Cris and Joe Powers' pride in their community shows through in their involvement in local events, the military, non-profit organizations and of course, the CTA Program!

Joe says, "The CTA program does an excellent job of giving us the knowledge of Rochester. Our staff is now more confident when interacting with visitors." Having been in business for 27 years, Cris and Joe know that providing excellent food and service can give a small amount of comfort to someone that's not feeling well or had a bad day.

Fact: The Canadian Honker name comes from the 30,000 Canadian Geese Rochester attracts each winter.

Thank you Canadian Honker for supporting the Rochester Destination Medical Community Ambassador Program!

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"Since our staff has become certified, they are now more proactive, more confident, more approachable and always have a smile on their face.  They
are able to draw the visitor out and offer accurate and personalized information,"
says Missy Geppi-Bowersox, Executive Vice President of the Geppi's Entertainment Museum in Baltimore.  She says, "People CHOOSE where they want to spend their travel dollars, we want them to spend with us."

Geppi's Entertainment Museum is a journey through over 250 years of American pop culture, located in historic Camden Station at Camden Yards in Baltimore Maryland , just a few blocks from the city's famed Inner Harbor . The museum exhibits nearly 6,000 pop culture artifacts including comics, toys, dolls, games and memorabilia. Travel from the late 1700s to the present day and revisit favorite characters like Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, Mickey Mouse, Barbie, G.I. Joe, and many more.

Thank you Geppi's Entertainment Museum for your support of the Baltimore Tourism Ambassador Program!

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The logo says it all..."it's about you."  To live up to that motto, Lexington Lansing Hotel team members aim to exceed visitor expectations and create memorable experiences for tourists and locals alike.  With over 20 CTA team members, Cindy Bowen, General Manager says, "the best thing we can do is offer a service that compels our visitors to want to return to Lansing because it is the friendliest place ever!"

Lexington Lansing Hotel team members that earn the CTA designation are pictured on a special bulletin board in the associate break room and are recognized at meetings and on their social media sites.  The hotel also offers special discounts to fellow Lansing CTAs through Freebies & Discounts.

Thank you, Lexington Lansing Hotel, for your support of the Greater Lansing Tourism Ambassadors Program!

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Imagine half a million people coming to visit you for two weeks!  Where do they stay?  How do they get around?  Well, Lexington, KY was prepared when they hosted the World Equestrian Games in 2010.  And, Lex Tran, Lexington's only public transit system, was ready to not only transport those visitors anywhere they needed to go, but also answer any questions they had.  Over 40 of their drivers are CTAs!  "Our drivers really enjoyed talking to people and sharing the story of Lexington.  I received many emails after the Games about how polite and knowledgeable our drivers are," says Rocky Burke, General Manager .

Even though the Games are over, Lex Tran continues to serve over 6 million riders a year.  In addition to their routes around town, they provide service to the airport, hotels and major attractions in the Bluegrass Region.  A new service on their website called Google Transit gives information on how to get to and from a location on Lex Tran.

Thank you Lex Tran, for your support of the Bluegrass Tourism Ambassador Program!

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The National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg, VA is a world class research center to horse and field sports. The facility houses over 17,000 books and works of art! Rick Stoutamyer, Executive Director believes it is important that all of his staff are CTAs. He says his staff is more aware of all the activities available in the Journey Through Hallowed Ground area.

Rick is a big supporter of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Tourism Ambassador Program. He readily hosts CTA classes and events. He also takes time to recognize each staff member when they become certified.

"We're pleased Rick has encouraged us to become CTAs. It's important to be part of a network that enhances the visitor's experience in our community," says Maureen Gustafson, Director of Communications & Education.

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What CTA destination was named one of the top ten vacation destinations in North America by Money Magazine?  What CTA destination is often referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest and hosts over two million visitors a year?  Give up?  It's Door County, WI!  Door County is a 75-mile long peninsula located on the eastern side of Wisconsin.

Denise Stillman, CTA and her husband, own the popular Parkwood Lodge and manage three other properties in Door County.  Denise says, she and her front-line CTAs not only ensure guests enjoy their visit after checking in, but also motivate guests to stay longer, when making their reservations, because they are more aware of what's going on and know how to use all of their resources.  In addition,  her CTAs support and encourage one another to earn renewal points.  Pride in their community and what they do, really shines through!

Thank you Parkwood Lodge for your support of the Door County Tourism Ambassador Program!

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People travel many miles just to shop at River Park Square in Spokane, the premier shopping center in the Inland NW.  Providing a high level of service for their customers is very important.  Bryn West, Asst. Director of Marketing says, "As CTAs, our staff has enhanced their ability to serve our customers, many of which come from out of state, or Canada.  We provide many customers with information about local events and happenings in Spokane, as well as itineraries to help them explore them all."

River Park Square CTAs also enjoy attending CTA networking events to meet other CTAs and learn about different venues in the region.

Thank you River Park Square for your support of the Spokane Regional Tourism Ambassadors Program!

CTA Pride

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CTA IN THE NEWS

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Posted 03/27/2010
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Gettysburg 'ambassadors' train for 150th

Posted 01/15/2010
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Posted 11/19/2009
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Lexington Cops Certified In Bluegrass Tourism

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Cities Turn Workers into Tourism Ambassadors

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Frisco leaders converge on Collin College for ambassador program

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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
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Anaheim signs up Disney District workers for tourism etiquette classes

Posted 08/03/2008
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