Kyle’s Chamber of Commerce’s CEO received a designation as a Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) based on completing course work from the Travel and Tourism College, a program of the Texas Travel Industry Association.
Julie Snyder, CEO of the Kyle Chamber, earned the designation earlier this month, according to a press release.
In addition to completing the coursework, Snyder also completed a capstone project required for the certification designation.
Snyder’s capstone project was the execution of Explore Kyle, one of three GeoTours in Texas. Explore Kyle launched in June 2016 resulting in 487 visitors to Kyle, with more than 30 percent spending an average of $75, and 68 overnight stays at Kyle hotels.
“The opportunity to participate and receive my Certified Tourism Executive designation has been very rewarding,” Snyder said. “Without a doubt, the education I received during my three years in the program, will have a positive impact on our marketing and branding efforts for Explore Kyle, and the Kyle Community as we continue to develop and create a memorable experience for our visitors.”
Travel & Tourism College (TTC) provides participants with an intensive professional education full of marketing, leadership and management courses taught by college professors and seasoned travel and tourism professionals from around the country.
Over the past three years, Snyder attended TTC courses that covered such topics as the emotional IQ of today’s marketing campaigns, hands-on strategies for handling any crisis situation and management excellence. Other topics included customer service, essential strategies for tourism marketing success, and how relationships affect advocacy and engagement.
“I am amazed by the amount of innovative solutions and ideas that I was able to bring back over these past three years,” Snyder said.
David Teel, president and CEO of the TTIA, said Snyder has taken her career “a step further,” increasing her knowledge and expertise in the travel and tourism field.
“She has increased her knowledge on current trends in the travel industry, social media and research, and is prepared to take on new and larger responsibilities within the travel industry,” Teel said.
