Reaching a new level of hospitality in Kansas City. That’s exactly what the Heartland Tourism Ambassadors Program strives to do by training hospitality employees as Certified Tourism Ambassadors (CTAs). The program empowers tourism employees with knowledge on how to assist with visitor needs in Kansas City, turning every encounter into a positive experience.  

Download Application Form • Access CTANetwork

PROGRAM BENEFITS

• Informs visitors about all there is to do in Kansas City, giving them a reason to visit again.
• Brings the region’s convention and visitors organizations and frontline workers together to enhance the visitor experience.
• Improves the visitor experience, potentially leading to bigger tips and more frequent visits.
• Increases economic expenditures by making customers want to stay longer.
• Enhances Kansas City's perception in the eyes of the nation and the world.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

The Heartland Tourism Ambassadors Program is open to all hospitality and tourism employees and volunteers—such as concierges, wait staff, hosts, bartenders and drivers—who have direct contact with visitors to the Kansas City region.

CTA: WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Tourism is about creating experiences, and frontline hospitality workers can have the biggest impact on making a trip to Kansas City the best it can be. Providing visitors with good service and insider suggestions about the city makes them more likely to:

• Leave bigger tips
• Extend their stay
• Return for future visits

By becoming a Certified Tourism Ambassador, you’ll have the tools and knowledge necessary to create a more memorable experience for visitors, allowing you to reap the benefits of good customer service. In addition, being a Certified Tourism Ambassador is a great achievement and national designation to add to your resume.

HOW TO GET CERTIFIED

To become a Certified Tourism Ambassador, frontline workers must complete the Tourism Ambassador Program. This includes pre-class reading, assignments, a half-day session and an examination. The program is taught in an interactive classroom setting and consists of four modules:

1. The Power of Travel and Tourism
2. Knowing the KC Region
3. Knowing, Finding and Using Resources
4. Enhancing the Visitor Experience

Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certified Tourism Ambassador certificate and lapel pin to acknowledge your achievement. An annual re-certification process will also be necessary to maintain your designation.

2008 TRAINING SESSIONS

All sessions are held from 1-5 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

• June 19: Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch (Truman Center)
• July 24: William Jewell College (Pryor Center)
• July 31: Embassy Suites KCI
• August 21: Holiday Inn Express-Village West (Kansas City, KS)
• September 25: National Frontier Trails Museum (Independence)
• October 23: Hereford House Downtown
• November 6: Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa
• November 10: William Jewell College (Pryor Center)

COST

There is a one-time registration fee of $25 per person. Payment should be made by check or money order.

Download Application Form • Access CTANetwork