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Seattle Certified Tourism Ambassador Program

Seattle Tourism AmbassadorTM Program

The Seattle Tourism AmbassadorTM 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.

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About the Program

The objective of our Seattle Tourism AmbassadorTM Program is to foster a destination-wide culture of quality service, encouraging repeat business and turning visitors into advocates.

Why certification matters

Logo for Certified Tourism Ambassador with a blue star, “CTA” in the center, and text: “Quality of Life. Quality of Experiences. Stakeholders • Visitors • Residents. Community Certified Tourism Ambassador.”.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®(for example, 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 with CTA® Now
Questions? Our team is ready with answers!

 

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, cafés, 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

“People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel.“

 

How to Enroll into the CTA® Program

You will need to enroll on the CTA website.

1. Create An Account

  • On the CTA® 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

2. Log into Your Account

3. 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!

People walk along a busy waterfront with shops, restaurants, and signs, including “MINERS LANDING.” The scene includes greenery, city buildings, and a distant stadium.

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.

2026

  • Monday, October 19, 2026
  • Monday, November 16, 2026

2027

  • Thursday, January 21, 2027
  • Monday, February 8, 2027
  • Tuesday, March 9, 2027
  • Tuesday, April 13, 2027
  • Wednesday, May 19, 2027
  • Tuesday, June 29, 2027
  • Monday, July 12, 2027
  • Thursday, August 19, 2027
  • Wednesday, September 15, 2027
  • Wednesday, October 13, 2027
  • Thursday, November 11, 2027

Blue star with “CTA” text, black and white stripes to the left, and the words “Community Certified Tourism Ambassador” below on a light background. Start Your Enrollment with CTA® Now

Questions? Our team is standing by with answers!

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Nick Hall Photography

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