Want to level up your tourism expertise? Visit Brookings offers CTA certification classes every other month – your ticket to becoming a professional destination expert!
Brookings Tourism Ambassador Program
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
The Brookings Tourism Ambassador Program aims to provide frontline employees and volunteers with learning experiences to enhance their knowledge of the region and improve their customer service skills. This certification equips participants with the resources and tools to effectively address visitors’ questions.
The principle is simple: when employees and volunteers offer quality service to visitors, the likelihood of a positive visitor experience increases. Positive experiences encourage repeat visits and prompt visitors to share their positive experiences in Brookings with others.
Increase confidence in addressing visitor questions and providing resources
Offer your employees opportunities to connect and learn from others in the industry
For Employees and Volunteers
Receive an industry recognized credential
Gain destination awareness
Develop valuable skills to enhance your resume
Attend networking opportunities within the Brookings community
“Hospitality goes beyond being nice. While a warm welcome, answering questions, and gratitude are important, genuine smiles and proactive assistance elevate the visitor experience. With the Brookings Tourism Ambassador Program, participants will provide excellent service and share the Brookings story, ensuring visitors leave fully informed and eager to return.”
Lisa Marotz Director, McCrory Gardens Past Chair, Visit Brookings’ Board of Directors
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT:
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
– Complete the required reading – Attend the 4-hour in-person class – Complete learning assignments during the class – Complete open-book examination during the class
Upon successful completion, participants will earn the Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) designation and receive a certificate and lapel pin.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
Module 1: The Power of Tourism Module 2: Discovering Brookings, SD Module 3: Knowing, Finding, Using Resources Module 4: Exceeding Customer Expectations
REGISTER FOR A CLASS
For easy enrollment, go to CTANetwork.com and click MyCTALogin at the top of the page.
Step One: On the BOTTOM of the log in page, click the Proceed to Activate button and follow the instructions on the page.
Step Two: Return to CTANetwork.com. Click MyCTA Log In and log in at the TOP of the log-in page. MyCTA Login becomes My Account. Click it again and select Manage My Account. Click the Access Enrollment Form button and proceed through class selection and check out (pay with a credit card or select Invoice Me.)
Step Three: Look for a confirmation email that you are enrolled!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Laura Schoen Carbonneau, at Laura@VisitBrookingsSD.com or 605.692.7444.
UPCOMING CLASSES
Registration closes 14 days before class dates. If enrolling less than 14 days before, email Laura at Laura@VisitBrookingsSD.com to check if spots are still available.
February 25 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm | Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center | Deadline to register is February 11. Contact for availability. April 24 | 8:30am – 12:00pm | Location TBD June 24 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm | Location TBD August 28 | 8:30am – 12:00pm | Location TBD October 28 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm | Location TBD December 18 | 8:30am – 12:00pm | Location TBD
FAQs
Is there a fee associated with the certification?
There is a one-time, non-transferable enrollment fee of $25 per person, this includes all class materials.
Will I need to renew?
Yes. You will need to renew after your first full year of certification. The early bird fee is $10 if you renew before October 31 or $20 if you renew before December 31.
Do I qualify for the Brookings Tourism Ambassador Program?
The short answer: YES!
The Brookings Tourism Ambassador Program is perfect for professionals and volunteers who want to develop valuable customer service skills and providing confidence when interacting with visitors within our community.
This includes, but isn’t limited to:
Bank Tellers
Bartenders
Business Development Managers
Chamber Members
City Council Members
Concession Workers
Downtown Business Owners
Event Coordinators
First Responders and Police
Gas Station Employees
Grocery Store Employees
Hospital Administration
Hotel Staff
HR Professionals
Mail Carriers
Museum Curators
Professors and Teachers
Real Estate Agents
Receptionists
Recruiters
Restaurant Staff
Retail Sales Associates
Rideshare Drivers
SDSU Student Ambassadors
Ticket Takers
Training Coordinators
Volunteers
Are there additional ways to get involved?
As a Brookings Tourism Ambassador you will be invited to take part in quarterly gatherings with other CTAs, tour different Brookings attractions and businesses and more.
Can we host a future Class at my workplace or venue?
Thank you for your interest in wanting to host a future Brookings Tourism Ambassador Program class. Reach out to Laura Schoen Carbonneau at Laura@VisitBrookingsSD.com for more information.
The class I want to register for isn’t online.
To ensure participants have adequate time to read and review certification materials before the class, registration for classes are closed 14 days prior.
To register less than 14 days:
Create your personal CTA account, go to CTANetwork.com and click MyCTALogin
On the BOTTOM of the log in page, click the Proceed to Activate button to create an account with a Username and Password. Watch for email confirmation.
Return to CTANetwork.com. Click MyCTA LogIn and log in at the TOP of the log in page.
MyCTA Login becomes My Account. Click it again to Manage My Account to see how to access your account in the future.
Once you receive the confirmation email, immediately send us an email to let us know. We will then enroll you into the class and you will receive confirmation that you are enrolled!
