Seattle Tourism Ambassador Program
The Seattle Tourism Ambassador certification teaches best practices to front-line employees and volunteers and ensures that they understand their role in increasing tourism.
A positive in-destination experience is critical to the impact of future visitors, how much they spend, and their intention to return. No one influences that experience more than our front-line hospitality community.
The objective of our Seattle Certified Tourism Ambassador Program is to foster a destination-wide culture of quality service, encouraging repeat business and turning visitors into advocates.
Why certification matters
By becoming a credentialed Certified Tourism Ambassador™, hospitality employees, volunteers, and community members will have the resources and training necessary to create a more memorable visitor experience.
Program curriculum & requirements
The curriculum consists of reading assignments, a half-day classroom session, and an open-book exam. Upon successful completion, participants will earn the Certified Tourism Ambassador™ designation and receive an industry-recognized professional credential and accompanying initials that can be used behind the person’s name to denote their commitment as a Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (e.g., Jim Smith, CTA). The CTA logo may also be used on your organization’s website and business cards/communications with approval. Annual renewal of certification is necessary to maintain your designation.
As a licensed Accredited Provider, Visit Seattle presents the official CTA designation on behalf of the Tourism Ambassador Institute®, the oversight body for the certification program.
Program cost
There is a one-time, non-refundable, non-transferrable enrollment fee of $45 per person and an annual renewal fee of $35 (discounted to $25 for early renewals).
Start Your Enrollment Now
Questions? Our team is standing by with answers!
“People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel.“
Who should enroll?
Certification enrollment is open to anyone who is directly or indirectly involved in the tourism industry or in serving locals and visitors (leisure travelers, business travelers, spectators, attendees, etc.). This includes but is not limited to people who represent:
- Airports
- Attractions & Activities (museum, cultural, gaming, sports, etc.)
- City/County/State Government (mayors, city council, police)
- Convention Centers / Event Centers
- Downtown Merchants
- Education (universities, community colleges, high schools)
- Hospitals (information desk; patient services)
- Hotel / Lodging (hotel/motel, Airbnb, B&B, RV park, etc.)
- Realtors
- Restaurants (upscale, café, etc.)
- Lounges / Nightlife
- Shopping / Retail (malls, districts, etc.)
- Facilities / Arenas (sporting events, festivals, etc.)
- Transportation (shuttle, cab, rideshare, public transit, etc.)
- Tourism Entities (DMO, CVB, Chamber, etc.)
- Workforce Development
- Economic Development
- Residents / Volunteers
How to Enroll into the CTA Program
Create An Account
- On the Registration Page, enter your email address
- You will be prompted to create an account with your name and password
- Watch for email confirmation of your new account
Log into Your Account
- Login on the Sign-In Page
- Under My Account, select Manage Your Account
Select Your Class
- Click the Access Enrollment Form button
- Select the WA Seattle provider
- Select your class
- Proceed through check out (pay or select Invoice Me).
Congratulations! You’re Enrolled!
Look for a confirmation email that you are enrolled!
Upcoming Schedule
For a schedule of upcoming classes, contact your local administrator or look at the list within the Enrollment Form page on CTANetwork.com
These are the in-person certification programs.
- Thursday, July 17, 2025
- Monday, August 18, 2025
- Wednesday, September 17, 2025
- Friday, October 10, 2025
- Friday, November 7, 2025
Questions? Our team is standing by with answers!
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