What is the Loudoun County  Tourism Ambassador Program? 

The Loudoun County Tourism Ambassador Program is a multi-faceted program that serves to increase tourism by inspiring front-line employees and volunteers to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience. When visitors have a positive experience, they are more likely to return in the future and also share their experience with others. Everyone benefits – the visitor, the industry, the local economy, the hospitality professional and the community as a whole.

 By becoming a Certified Tourism Ambassador™ you’ll have the tools and knowledge necessary to create a more memorable visitor experience and you’ll reap the benefits. Being a CTA is a great achievement!

How do I become a CTA?

Simply follow the link below and register online for a local CTA certification course!   Remember to review the curriculum and be prepared to complete the required reading. Anticipate four to six hours of reading, followed by a three to four hour class, which includes an open book certification test.

To register for a CTA class, go to CTANetwork.com

Program Curriculum

Module 1: The Power of Tourism

Module 2: Discovering Loudoun

Module 3: Knowing, Finding, Using Resources

Module 4: Exceeding Customer Expectations

Program Requirements

Every certification program requires successful completion of a core curriculum.  The requirements to earn the CTA designation are to complete required reading, attend a half-day training session, complete learning assignments and take an open book examination.  Upon successful completion, participants will earn the Certified Tourism Ambassador™ designation and receive a CTA certificate and lapel pin. 

There is a one-time non-refundable, non-transferable application fee of $45 per person.  An annual renewal process and fee of $25 are also necessary to maintain your certification. 

Upcoming Class Schedule 

** Class registration closes automatically two weeks prior to the class date. If you'd like to register within those two weeks, contact Jenn Bodamer directly at bodamer@visitloudoun.org.

April 30, 2025                9:00 - 1:00 PM PUBLIC Training at Move Leesburg

May 20,  2025               9:00 AM - 1:00 PM PRIVATE Training for Visit Loudoun Members at Visit Loudoun

July 14, 2025                  1:00 - 5:00 PM PUBLIC Training at Three Creeks Winery 

August 26,  2025               9:00 AM - 1:00 PM PRIVATE Training for Visit Loudoun Members at Visit Loudoun

September 17, 2025       9:00 AM - 1:00 PM PRIVATE Training for Middleburg Residents and Businesses

October 15, 2025          9:00 AM - 1:00 PM PUBLIC Training at Oatlands

November 18, 2025        9:00 AM - 1:00 PM PRIVATE Training for Visit Loudoun Members at Visit Loudoun

For Employers

Tourism is big business not only to large cities, but also to small communities in the United States and around the world. Visitors spend money attending to business, tourism attractions, or learning about the history of the area. This infusion of “new money” into the local economy often holds local tax increases at bay and gives Loudoun extra money to enhance its infrastructure-making the destination more appealing over time. As a result, destinations spend lots of money courting business and leisure travelers.

But in reality, no amount of money will make up for the visitor having a bad experience, which negatively impacts Loudoun’s brand and overall image as a destination.

The Loudoun County Tour Ambassador program teaches front-line employees and volunteers best practices and ensures that they understand their role in increasing tourism. It helps your front-line employees increase their knowledge of the region and provides answers to the variety of questions received from visitors; and gives your front-line a chance to meet one another, learn from each other’s experiences and celebrate together! 

For Employees and Volunteers

What separates the Loudoun County Tourism Ambassador Program from other training programs is that it’s a certification, not just training. Employees and volunteers who complete the program receive a credential and accompanying initials that can be used behind the person’s name to denote their commitment to their profession as a Certified Tourism Ambassador ™ 

CTA Networking Events

One of the benefits of the program is networking with your fellow CTAs.   Our past events have been at Old Ox Brewery, Crooked Run Fermentation, Lost Barrel Brewery, Axes and O's, Magnolia's at the Mill, The Branch, The  Zone, and the Tarara Summer Concert Series

Upcoming Events:

CTA Networking Event: Polo in the Park at Morven Park, June 21.  Bring your family and a picnic and experience one of the most fun events in Loudoun.  Save the date!  More information to follow.

CTA Educational and Volunteer Events

CTAs are also invited to take part in Educational or Volunteer Events.  Educational events may include a Lunch & Learn program or an in-person tour or visit. Educational events provide continuing education and are an opportunity for CTAs to learn about new businesses in the county, current events or other topics in the hospitality industry in Loudoun.

Upcoming Events:

CTA Tour:  George C Marshall’s Dodona Manor, May 14, 9:30 -11. Join us for a tour of George C. Marshall's Dodona Manor, one of our unique Loudoun historical properties. The tour will be about 70 minutes and is limited to 30 guests.  Please register at Dodona Manor Registration.

Scrape for the Grape, March 29 and April 12  Help remove the Spotted Lantern Fly from Loudoun!  Join your fellow Loudouners for Scrape for the Grape on Saturday, March 29, 2025, and/or Saturday, April 12, 2025, to help protect our vineyards and orchards from this destructive pest. Your participation can make a real difference!  For complete details and to sign up, visit https://www.loudouninvasives.com/scrape-for-the-grape.

Pride in the Vines, May 17, 2025, 12 – 5  The Loudoun Winery and Winegrowers Association (LWWA) is hosting the third annual “Pride in the Vines” event as a celebration of Pride Month May 15 - June 3.  For information go to: https://www.loudounwine.org/pride-registration.   The kickoff event will be on May 17 at Mt. Defiance Cider Barn.  Volunteers are needed for greeting guests, restocking and other organizational activities. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting as a thank you for your volunteer efforts!  Contact Tiffanie Gulledge at Mt. Defiance Cider Barn to volunteer:  tiffanie@mtdefiance.com

Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival, June 7.  This family-friendly event toasts the Trail with brews & bites, tunes & tastes. They need volunteers to welcome visitors or help in the many festival activities including the art show, crafts tent, vendor sales, or auction.  Learn more about the festival at www.loudounat.org.  Contact Jody Brady  at jody@loudounat.org for more information around volunteering.

CTA Tour - Town of Middleburg, Monday September 15, 9:30-11.Meet at Middleburg Town Hall at 9, then depart at 9:30 for a walking tour of Middleburg,

CTA Tour - Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, Oct 15, 1:30 - 3:00