New Orleans, La. (Jan. 20, 2023) – The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) celebrated the graduation of Johnnye Kennon, Administrative Assistant of the Webster Parish Convention & Visitors Commission from the 2022 class of Louisiana’s “Certified Travel Specialists” (CTS) at the association’s 2023 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.
The 12 members of the CTS class spent all of 2022 developing their skills through four educational sessions. The graduates learned about customer service, heard from leaders in the state travel industry, explored their personal growth process, learned how to navigate Louisiana tourism resources and connected their jobs with their community.
“I’m excited to graduate as a Louisiana ‘Certified Travel Specialist” (CTS),’ said Johnnye Kennon, Administrative Assistant of the Webster Parish Convention & Visitors Commission. “I was exposed to a lot of new ideas and learned so much from established leaders in the tourism industry. I believe I will benefit from this program for years to come.”
The graduating class of CTS also includes: John Adams, with Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou; Kacy Young, with Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau; Stevie Robinson, with Acadia Convention & Visitors Commission; Katelyn Romero, with Mcllhenney Co. – Tabasco; Kathleen Abels, with Livingston Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau; Pam Strickel, with Ruston-Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau; Christine Friedman, with Atchafalaya Basin Landing; Melissa Trahan, with Visit Lake Charles; Bailey Vidrine, with Iberville Parish; Victoria Leger, with Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Evon J. Rodgers, with Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“CTS has been a tremendous opportunity for those interested in learning more about Louisiana’s tourism industry, and we are proud of the 2022 graduating class,” said Kim Dodd Boasso, LTA President and CEO. “Through our partnership with the Louisiana Office of Tourism, we are able to train our state and regional travel counselors, as well as our front-line employees in hotels, attractions and restaurants.”
About the Louisiana Travel Association
LTA is a trade association leading and strengthening Louisiana’s vibrant tourism industry through advocacy, education and promotion on behalf of our members. Tourism generated $16.8 billion for Louisiana in 2021 and is the 5th highest employer in the state. For more information, visit LouisianaTravelAssociation.org.