This year, Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission launched a program to train Certified Tourism Ambassadors for the city. Since January, more than 1,000 CTAs have been certified in the Greater Columbus Tourism Ambassador Program, which trains local residents to be ambassadors for the city, thereby improving the experience of visitors to Columbus.

Participants in the program learn more about the region, develop answers for frequently asked questions, share ideas, and come to understand how they can help increase tourism to the area.

"The Greater Columbus Tourism Ambassador Program engages our entire community and fosters a culture of quality service and welcoming citizenry," said Robbie Banks, CTA, Senior Visitor Experience Manager for Experience Columbus.

A number of Capital Crossroads SID staff members have attended the training and become Certified Tourism Ambassadors. Lisa Defendiefer, Deputy Director of Operations and Advocacy, said of the program, "It is terrific that Experience Columbus has developed this program. Their goal of creating a positive, seamless experience for visitors is an important one. Everyone from our office who participated in the CTA program took away valuable information."

To achieve certification, participants must attend a half-day classroom session, complete required reading assignments, and pass an open-book exam. The cost is $29 to enroll, which covers the materials, and CTAs must renew their certification each year.