First Certified Maine Travel Counselors set a new standard for visitor experience
HALLOWELL — The Maine Tourism Association is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Travel Counselor Certification Program, a transformative initiative designed to elevate the visitor experience across Maine. This May, MTA introduced the state’s first-ever certification program, endorsed by the U.S. Travel Association, and the first cohort of Maine State Visitor Information Center staff have proudly earned their Certified Maine Travel Counselor designations.
“We’re incredibly excited to roll out this program,” said MTA Chief Executive Officer Tony Cameron. “These certifications are not just a badge of honor; they represent Maine’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and ensuring every visitor has an unforgettable experience.”
Among the inaugural honorees are Travel Counselors Kathryn Hamlyn and Tim Charboneau, along with Center Manager & Regional Partnership Manager Eva Johnson from the Maine Visitor Information Center in Fryeburg, and Beth Whitney from the Center in Yarmouth. Whitney remarked, “Achieving this certification not only raises the bar for visitor service but also reflects our deep pride in showcasing the best of Maine.”
“Being a Travel Counselor is a privilege as visitors trust me to help them plan their Maine adventures. The certification program has definitely broadened my own working knowledge of Maine”, she added.
The certification program, which has received endorsement from the National Council of State Tourism Directors, is no small feat. It requires passing a rigorous 100-question exam that covers a broad spectrum of topics, including Maine’s geography, history, culture, and customer service excellence. Those who achieve certification are celebrated with special recognition and exclusive benefits.
Jane Anderson, director of Visitor Services for the MTA and creator of Maine’s new training and certification program. says the program arms Visitor Information Center staff to fulfill their core purpose of “building the best Maine experience for each visitor, so they stay longer, explore more, and come back again to Maine”. Ultimately, she says, this benefits the businesses that serve visitors and travelers.
With over 1,400 members including lodging, restaurants, retail, outdoor recreation, guides, tour operators, amusements, and cultural and historical attractions the MTA is the heartbeat of Maine’s tourism industry. MTA also operates the seven Maine State Visitor Information Centers from Kittery to Calais on behalf of the State of Maine, and annually produces the state’s official travel planner, Maine Invites You.
