I am a Certified Tourism Ambassador for Tucson, Arizona.
Yesterday I attended a very upbeat and enthusiastic seminar about tourism and how important it is for our community. When I signed up for the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau Certified Tourism Ambassodors 4 hour class, I really didn't think I would learn much more about Tucson than I already knew. I mean, I have lived here for over 22 years now and I have been to every attraction Tucson and most of Arizona has to offer. I found I do know a lot about Tucson but I learned something equally important and valuable. It gave me an awareness on how I have an effect on people's opinions and views toward Tucson. Every newcomer that comes to visit goes away with some kind of feeling or memory and you can be sure they will tell atleast 15 other people. That is the ripple effect.
Think about it. All 50 states have cities, towns, parks, and points of interest that offer something to people who choose to travel to those destinations for pleasure or business. And it is BIG business. Did you know there is $3.4 billion per day generated in travel and tourism. Imagine you having to pay an extra $965 in taxes every year. Thanks to tourism, that is how much the travel and tourism industry generates equaling $105 Billion in local/state/federal tax revenues.
- What does tourism have to do with our local economy? Tourism brings in revenues that help support, grow and maintain our local businesses that we as residents actually enjoy having. It makes our lifestyle nicer. When we have a service that is available to tourists and to us residents, we feel like we are a part of something special too. In turn, it gives us pride.
- How does tourism effect local real estate? It makes sense that if visitors have a memorable time in Tucson, for example, they will keep coming back. Making sure your clients and customers have a pleasant time...going over and above....reaching even higher than what our customers expectations have, are what sells you and your town and brings them back, possibly to stay. They buy a house and tell their friends and family to come out. Their friends and family buy a house, their friends and families kids grow up, go to college in your town if you're lucky enough to have a University like we do in Tucson, then get married and buy a house. Ideally that's the way we would like it to go. And many times it does.
- Why is it so important for us in the real estate industry to show spirit and enthusiasm for our town? It's fun and makes people feel welcome and excited too. Your enthusiasm is contagious. The next time you have a client in from out of town, they may just want to take a tour around town. Take them. Don't worry about if they are wasting your time or your gas.
Be happy that you have the opportunity to sell your city/ town that you so proudly live in. Take the time to find out what your area has to offer. Research it so it will roll off your tongue and you will sound like the expert.
Think of yourselves as a Brand. You are what the visitor will remember. BUT if that same visitor has a bad experience because of someone else's bad mood or negative attitude, it will have the same ripple effect. Leave your issues at home. We are in the industry where it is always "show time".
There are many cities around the country who are offering this opportunity to become a Certified Tourism Ambassador. Find out if your city or town offers this class to any businesses that depend on tourism. It's a wonderful program and I highly recommend it.
I would love to hear from anyone who is a CTA. To see if you have a program near you click the link:
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