Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) launched the Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) program after months of research and preparation.
Front-line hospitality employees, volunteers and the community are now invited to become Certified Tourism Ambassadors, turning every visitor encounter into a positive experience.
“More than 24 million visitors travel to our region each year, and it is vitally important that we capture every possible opportunity to make a positive impression,” said Dan Lincoln, president and CEO, Cincinnati USA CVB. “This summer alone, tens of thousands of visitors will visit Cincinnati for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game, and the power and impact of our CTA program will be on full display. This group of ambassadors will enhance our destination’s reputation for years to come, helping us to attract future visitors, conventions and events.”
Cincinnati USA’s CTA program, called the Cincy USA Tourism Ambassadors program, is part of an industry-recognized international certification program developed by the Tourism Ambassador Institute, which has already successfully launched in 20 destinations worldwide, including Kansas City, Columbus, Houston, and Bermuda, among others. More than 10,000 individuals have achieved the CTA designation to-date, and the number continues to grow.
Those who pass the Cincy USA program become part of a growing network of dedicated CTAs in the region who will have the opportunity to engage in ongoing learning opportunities, visit regional venues and attractions, and earn CTA credentials to use in their respective careers.
Registration for the Certified Tourism Ambassador Program is now open to the public, and currently accepting applications. “As a CTA, our residents can make a tangible difference on the success of both our hospitality industry and our community,” added Lincoln. “The program helps to discover new ways to love the region, and shows participants how to create unforgettable memories for our visitors, every single time.”
The Cincinnati USA CVB is the accredited provider of the Cincy USA CTA Program. The Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network and meetNKY are partners in the initiative. For more information on Cincinnati’s CTA Program, visit www.cincyusa.com/CTA.
Earning the Cincy USA CTA Certification
Those interested in earning their CTA Certification are now able to register for one of the upcoming training sessions being held throughout the region. Registration and additional information on dates and locations are available at: www.CTAnetwork.com.
Prior to the four-hour training session, participants will also receive their own educational Cincinnati USA Pre-Class Reading and Reference Materials with extensive information on the region’s history, attractions, geography, and tourism industry, as well as best practices for customer service. Upon completing the course and exam, individuals will receive notification of their class certification and a CTA pin.
The CTA Certification will be offered at an introductory rate of $29 for all classes before All-Star Week in Cincinnati (July 10). If seven or more are registered in a group, the cost is offered at a special reduced rate.
A small group of industry leaders in the community went through a test certification process hosted by the CVB on Thursday, March 26. After completing the course, Brad Hill, COO of tour company American Legacy Tours, had a positive reaction, stating, “I believe in this program so strongly that we will be providing the class to our team for free and giving each team member a bonus for completing the course. I have completed my certification and believe that every business owner in the region should do so along with their team. This course is not just for increasing tourism – it focuses on developing great customer service skills that every business will find valuable.”
