PARTNERSHIP

The level of engagement and commitment of the local tourism and hospitality industry is intrinsic to the success of Visit GPS' Destination Development Plan. Under the aegis of the Destination Development department, the Partnership team is the key liaison between Visit GPS and hospitality and tourism Partners. The team works closely with Partners to discern their business objectives and develops innovative programs, new opportunities and strategic enterprises aimed at increasing awareness of Partner companies and organizations. Partnership focuses on expanding community relationships with a shared interest in promoting the destination through Partner participation in special events, communications, and a wide range of marketing and sales opportunities.

Partnership Retention & Growth

Partnership will remain focused on the following priorities in 2019: expanding awareness of Visit GPS Partner marketing and advertising opportunities, and providing educational and networking resources to advance knowledge and synergistic relationships within the destination.

In 2019, Partnership will move forward on objectives to grow and retain investing Partners by promoting strategic opportunities to gain exposure. Partners can capitalize on the following:

• advertising platforms on the Visit GPS website
   
• booking engine integration for hotels and attractions
   
• the Chill campaign, providing an online showcase to market year-round promotions and packages
   
• co-op advertising campaigns, furthering awareness and driving visitation and sales
   
• collaboration with Palm Springs Life magazine, including directory listings and special advertising incentives

In 2019, The Partnership team will also advance efforts to build relationships with third-party clients like TravelZoo to offer special discounts and benefits to investing Partners.

Visitor Center

In 2019, the Partnership team will continue to gather and curate Partner marketing collateral to ensure the Visitor Center inventory remains relevant, up-to-date and informative. With Visitor Center merchandise representing all nine cities, inventory will be further enhanced with memorable gifts and souvenirs to maximize the visitor experience.

Certified Ambassador (CTA) Program

As identified in the Destination Development Plan, access to education and continuing education are paramount to achieving and maintaining a thriving tourism industry, skilled workforce and robust economy. Visit GPS and its Partners will need to provide continued support to the growing hospitality programs at California State University San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus and College of the Desert.

Visit GPS introduced the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Ambassador program in 2018 to augment existing educational opportunities and maintain the highest standards for excellence in the local tourism and hospitality community. Accredited through the Tourism Ambassador Institute®, the program is designed to elevate performance, enhance the visitor experience, and increase tourism in the destination.

In 2019, in the program’s first full year of operation, Visit GPS seeks to certify 500 local Tourism Ambassadors. Trainings will be held at various Partner sites throughout the region in the format of half-day interactive sessions that demonstrate the vital importance of tourism and its direct impact on the destination when visitor expectations are exceeded.

The CTA curriculum is designed to engage groups around a deep understanding of the history and highlights of the region. Graduates of the GPS Tourism Ambassador program will receive the official “CTA” designation upon completion of the program and will be required to participate in continuing education activities to maintain annual certification.

The brand campaign for the Tourism Ambassador program is built around and inspires pride in our distinctive destination by offering the highest standard of visitor service as indicated by the branding IAmGreaterPS, associated with the overall theme and mission of the program.