Yakima Valley Certified Tourism Ambassador Program
The Yakima Valley Tourism Ambassador Program teaches best practices to front-line employees and volunteers to ensure that they understand their role in the visitor experience. This is a program designed to enhance a visitor's trip by inspiring front-line employees and volunteers to turn every encounter into a positive experience.
ABOUT the CTA Program
A multi-faceted program that serves to increase tourism by inspiring front-line employees and volunteers to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience. When visitors have a positive experience, they are more likely to return in the future and also share their experience with others. Everyone benefits - the visitor, the industry, the local economy, and most importantly, front-line workers.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Provides a meaningful credential
- Increased business, higher tips
- Builds valuable skills
- Career advancement
- Networking opportunities
- Receive regular advice & updates
- Rewards and incentives
By becoming a Certified Tourism Ambassador™ 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. It is an official designation to add to your resume.
How to Enroll
For easy online enrollment, go to CTANetwork.com and click MyCTA Login
- Step One: On the BOTTOM of the log in page, click the Proceed to Activate Your Website Account button to create an account with a Username and Password. Watch for email confirmation of your new account.
- Step Two: Return to CTANetwork.com, click MyCTA Login and log in at the TOP of the log in page. MyCTA Login then becomes My Account. Click it again to Manage My Account. Click the Access Enrollment Form button, select a class, and proceed through check out (pay or select Invoice Me).
- Step Three: Look for a confirmation email that you are enrolled!
For a schedule of upcoming classes, contact your local administrator or look at the list within the Enrollment Form.
Program Fees
There is a one-time non-refundable, non-transferable enrollment fee of $30 per person and an Annual Renewal fee: Early Bird Fee $15, Regular Fee $20 per person.
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
- Module 1: The Power of Tourism
- Module 2: Discovering the Yakima Valley
- Module 3: Knowing, Finding, Using Resources
- Module 4: Exceeding Customer Expectations
The curriculum is delivered through reading assignments and in-class participation.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Every certification program requires successful completion of a core curriculum. The following recaps the requirements to earn the CTA designation:
- Complete required reading
- Attend half-day classroom session
- Complete learning assignments
- Complete open-book examination
Upon successful completion, participants will earn the Certified Tourism Ambassador™ designation and receive a CTA certificate and lapel pin. An annual renewal process of certification is also necessary to maintain your certification.
WHY CHOOSE THE YAKIMA VALLEY TOURISM AMBASSADOR PROGAM?
For Employers
Tourism is big business not only to large cities, but also to small communities in the United States and around the world. Visitors spend money attending to business, touring attractions or learning about the history of the area. This infusion of "new money" into the local economy often holds local tax increases at bay and gives the Yakima Valley extra money to enhance its infrastructure-making the destination more appealing over time. As a result, destinations invest a lot of time and money into courting conference and leisure travelers.
But in reality, no amount of money will make up for the visitor having a bad experience, which negatively impacts your business and our overall image as a destination.
The progam teaches front-line employees and volunteers best practices and ensures they understand their role in increasing tourism. YVTAP helps your front-line increase their knowledge of the region; provides answers to the variety of questions received from visitors; and gives your front-line a chance to meet one another, learn from each other's experiences and celebrate together!
For Employees & Volunteers
What separates our program from other training programs is that it's certification, not just training. Employees and volunteers who complete the program receive an industry-recognized professional credential and accompanying initials that can be used behind the person's name to denote their commitment as a Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (e.g., Jim Smith, CTA). The CTA logo may also be used on your organization's website and business cards/communications with approval.
Who Should Enroll?
- Airport Front of House
- Attractions & Activities (museum, cultural, gaming, sports, etc.)
- City/County/State Government (mayors, city council, police)
- Convention Centers / Event Venues
- Downtown Merchants
- Education (universities, community colleges, high schools)
- Hospitals (information desk; patient services)
- Hotel / Lodging (hotel/motel, Airbnb, B&B, RV park, etc.)
- Realtors
- Restaurants)
- Lounges / Nightlife
- Shopping / Retail (malls, districts, etc.)
- Facilities / Arenas (sporting events, festivals, etc.)
- Transportation (shuttle, cab, rideshare, public transit, etc.)
- Tourism Entities (DMO, CVB, Chamber, etc.)
- Workforce Development
- Economic Development
- Residents / Volunteers
As a licensed Accredited Provider, Yakima Valley Tourism presents the official CTA designation on behalf of the Tourism Ambassador Institute®, the oversight body for the certification program.
For questions or more information about the program contact the program organizer.