WHAT IS A CTA?

Learn more about our CTA program and what's in it for you!

· Background

· What makes a CTA

· National Certification

· Why is it important?

· What's in it for you?

· What's involved?

Background                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) program is an industry-recognized certification accredited through the Tourism Ambassador Institute® that strategically aligns a community's people infrastructure — community leaders, stakeholder businesses, and the tourism front-line. Administered at the local level, CTA is the only program to give an official designation to front-line employees, business owners, executives, government officials, and volunteers.

The Tourism Ambassador Institute®, founded by Mickey Schaefer, CAE, CTA, President of Mickey Schaefer & Associates LLC, customizes the CTA program for each destination through research and collaboration. This is the most comprehensive tourism and service delivery program of its kind. More than 50,000 individuals in the U.S. and Bermuda have been certified since the program's inception in 2006.

What Makes a CTA?                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

A Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) is a person who strives to be informed and knowledgeable about all that Quad Cities has to offer. CTAs work to educate not just themselves but everyone about the great things there are to see and do in our region.

Becoming a CTA enables you to expand your knowledge of the area's attractions, experiences, cuisine, history, and culture, as well as the critical economic impact of tourism in the QC. CTAs use this knowledge to make every encounter with a Quad Citizen and visitor a positive experience, passing on their knowledge about the region.

National Certification 

Our program provides you with a national certification, not just training. By completing the program, you'll receive a credential and accompanying initials that denote your commitment to hospitality as a Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (e.g., Jane Doe, CTA). Through your knowledge, you can exceed expectations.

Why is it important?

The Quad Cities bi-state regional destination brings billions of dollars to our local economy. Creating a positive visitor experience and hospitable environment is essential because over 7000 Quad Citizens livelihoods rely on tourism. Visitor expenditures help keep taxes down and provide funds to make our region a better place to live, work, play, and visit. As our community focuses on recovering from the economic impacts of the pandemic, CTAs will play a vital role in returning our area to the welcoming destination it's been in the past and being advocates for our tourism industry.

What's in it for you? 

Becoming a Certified Tourism Ambassador™ is a meaningful credential and impressive addition to your résumé and increases your knowledge base about your region. You'll have the tools and knowledge necessary to create a more memorable and positive visitor experience and reap the benefits.

· Expand your industry social network - provides excellent opportunities to network with and learn from your peers across the area and the country.

· Help you stay informed with regular updates and continuing education.

· Provide networking with fellow CTA Quad Citizens

· Volunteer opportunities for signature events in the QC

· We are currently working on special CTA discounts for events and attractions in the QC

What's Involved?

CTAs must register for the program, complete required reading, take a four-hour classroom course, and pass the exam to gain their accreditation. CTAs must renew their certification every year.