LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Those wanting to promote Lake County and share more about its history, resource and amenities are encouraged to become Certified Tourism Ambassadors.

The Lake County Chamber of Commerce has contracted with the county of Lake to oversee the Certified Tourism Ambassador program.

The chamber has scheduled several classes through June. Course material based upon Lake County is provided to every student for a four-hour class.

The classes are interactive and many who have lived in Lake County all their lives have said they learned facts about our area that they never knew previously.

Many of those who call Lake County home are aware that fellow residents make negative remarks about the area. When those negative comments are made to visitors or within earshot of visitors it could mean the visitors do not or will not return. The CTA program can help us turn that around.

The following is from the official Web site, www.ctanetwork.com : “CTA Program Objective: To increase regional tourism by inspiring front-line hospitality employees and volunteers to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience."

Accredited through the Tourism Ambassador Institute and administered at the local level, the Certified Tourism Ambassador program is industry-recognized certification. It's the only program in existence today that gives an official CTA designation to individuals – from mayors, to general managers, drivers and waiters, people who care about their destination and want everyone who visits to talk positively about their experience.

With more than 17,000 current CTAs nationwide, the program has proven success in aligning the destination's people infrastructure – its stakeholder businesses and front-line – to build tourism by Enhancing the Visitor Experience.

Through its locally-customized curriculum, the CTA program focuses on the experience given to visitors, whether they are leisure travelers, business travelers, or attendees.

You’re never too old to learn and for employers investing in their businesses by sending their employees to the classes. When customers are greeted by knowledgeable employees who value our communities, you have created a welcoming atmosphere for that visitor.

To sign up for a class go to www.ctanetwork.com/schedule/; there you can locate upcoming Lake County CTA classes and sign up for one that fits your schedule.

The cost per student is $25, payable to the county of Lake.

For questions please contact the Lake County Chamber at 707-263-5092.