Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is participating in a new regional tourism ambassador program that is designed to enhance the visitor experience throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.
The Cincy USA Certified Tourism Ambassador™ Program is supported by meetNKY as part of a joint effort with the Regional Tourism Network and led by the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The ambassador program is part of a national customer service certification program designed to increase tourism by inspiring front-line hospitality employees and volunteers to turn every visitor encounter to a positive one.
The program officially kicked off in Northern Kentucky in April with a 24-member inaugural training class at the Embassy Suites RiverCenter in Covington.
Additional classes are scheduled to take place throughout the area in an effort to certify as many new ambassadors as possible in anticipation of the 86th MLB All-Star Game, which is expected to bring more than 200,000 people to the region in early July.
“The CTA program will help ensure that our 24 million annual Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati tourists have the best experience possible while they are visiting our exciting destination.” said meetNKY President and CEO Eric Summe.
The premise is simple; when visitors receive quality service, they are more likely to have positive experiences, and more importantly are more likely to return to the area in the future.
meetNKY believes this program will benefit everyone – visitors, hospitality workers and their employers, as well as the local and regional economies.
“Our region is experiencing an exciting period of transformation and growth,” Summe said. Visitors want to experience the rich heritage and many exciting activities we offer. And the CTA program will ensure that all of us are focused on this important mission.”
David Bowles, General Manager of the Embassy Suites which hosted Northern Kentucky’s first CTA class emphasized the importance of the program.
“This program will teach and inspire front line hospitality associates to view each visitor encounter as an opportunity to help shape customer perceptions and promote the many tourism assets in the area,” Bowles said. “Our destination will be further strengthened, as our hospitality partners strive to improve their customer service skills and knowledge of our region.”
To become an ambassador, participants must take a four-hour class and complete a 180-page reading that includes tourism industry facts and stats, Greater Cincinnati history and attractions information and customer service tips. After successful completion of the class, participants may use the official CTA designation in their title and receive a commemorative pin to signify their CTA status. Additional benefits include invites to CTA networking opportunities, discounts and invites to attractions, plus much more!
Before All-Star Week begins July 10, classes are $29. After, they will be $34. Registration and more information can be found at cincyusa.com/CTA
. Registration to become an ambassador is open to everyone.
For more information visit meetNKY.com.
About meetNKY:
The mission of meetNKY is that of an aggressive sales, marketing and service organization whose primary responsibility is to positively impact the Northern Kentucky economy through conventions, meetings and visitor expenditures.
*****
You might be interested in reading this NKyTribune story on Eric Summe, NKy’s chief cheerleader
Featured photo by Cincinnati Reds
Story from meetNKY
Please send me a 2016 northern Kentucky travel guide and a map as soon as possible.thank you so much