With the first, impressive group of Franklin County Certified Tourism Ambassadors trained and ready to go, Franklin County Visitors Bureau (FCVB) announces April and May Franklin County Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) Training. The April class is set for April 23 at the new Coyle Free Library in downtown Chambersburg. On May 17, the class is being held at the Greater Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce. Both classes begin with an 8 AM registration.

CTA training is a nationwide training certification that helps communities know the value of their destination by providing information about history, culture, art, recreation, and outdoors. The program’s goal is to bring consistency, positivity, and pride to the people visitors meet in the community. It could be an event planner, a waitress, a real estate agent, a front desk person, or a docent of a heritage site. The program is a good way to expand awareness of community, quality of life, and tourism assets.

In March, fourteen Certified Tourism Ambassadors graduated from the first Franklin County PA CTA training.  The class included representatives from across Franklin County, including Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mont Alto, Quincy, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro. As well, eight CTA trainers were trained by the founder of the Certified Tourism Ambassador Program, Mickey Schaefer.

Being a CTA builds the confidence to go above and beyond with the visitor experience. Plus, it provides a way to network, support pride in community, stay in the know on local happenings, gain knowledge of local history and culture, and develop leadership qualities.