Supporting The Program

Employers may celebrate and recognize their employees any way they desire and in keeping with their company's policies and practices.  The most common methods of recognition to individuals for having achieved the CTA designation are:

  • Recognition in front of their peers
  • Recognition in the company newsletter/website
  • Celebration in public space with other team members
  • Putting the CTA initials on their name badge

The CTAs commonly indicate that they are seen as the "go to" person on their team.  That builds pride and confidence in the individual, which is a powerful feeling.

Employers can also support the program in other ways:

  • Learn more about the program and its importance to your company and its importance to your city/destination.
  • Work to promote the program throughout your organization at every opportunity.
  • Determine the "best and brightest" of your front-line employees or volunteers who are most likely to be "early adopters" to become certified.  Then, encourage other staff or volunteers to do the same.
  • Help assist the local administrator (CVB, etc.) in capturing measures/data that can help evaluate the program's value.
  • Offer incentives (i.e., free or discounted admission, food, etc.) to encourage CTAs to visit your place of business.  Give CTAs first-hand experience with your establishment so they can tell visitors what you have to offer.
  • Provide your observations and suggestions for improving the program over time.
  • Recognition, recognition, recognition in every way possible to show your appreciation for team members who make the commitment to become a CTA.

WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE SAYING

Michael Schneider, CTA, General Manager
"I was skeptical, so I enrolled first. I was pleasantly surprised at the thoroughness of the program curriculum regarding not just the area attractions and history, but the importance of tourism to the region, as well. You cannot get frontline service training this effective, thorough and well presented for anywhere near this price per person, whether you use a consultant or do the work in house. The enrollment fee and yearly renewal fee are a bargain considering the content and information that is provided.

Our drivers are now asking customers more questions about what they're interested in - what they want to know - and, thus, are providing a better customer experience.

We celebrate the employees that make the leap from adequate service to stellar service and are requiring all of our frontline employees to become and renew as CTAs. We hosted my peers here in Milwaukee for a recent GO owner/GM meeting. Everyone wanted to know, ‘What did you do to your drivers? WOW!"

Michael Schneider, CTA
General Manager
GO Airport Connection
Milwaukee, WI


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...
» Read Original Article