CATS
CATS Stands for Certified Ambassadors of Tourism and Sports
This is Visit Central Florida’s innovative program to train locals and hospitality professionals. This program is the first to unify visitor experience on a countywide level. Our goal for our CATS is to learn, experience and share Polk County and all it has to offer. CATS will influence and encourage visitors to enjoy Polk County.
With the Program you will become an expert in all the things fun in Polk County! You will get an official certificate and an official CATS pin. You’ll also get the opportunity to tour local attractions with exclusive CATS tours.
Who Are CATS?
Visit Central Florida’s CATS can be anyone!
- Anyone passionate about Central Florida is invited: whether you’re a longtime resident, new resident, or a snowbird.
- Hospitality Industry Professionals: Hotel concierges, restaurant servers, drivers, local attraction employees … anyone who comes in contact with guests.
- CATS are experts on Polk County attractions. They are pioneers in hosting Polk County to visitors. CATS are people who are proud of the experience Polk County has to offer and wants to share Central Florida with the world.
Testimonials
ALI, Hospitality Industry Professional
I initially wanted to join the Visit Central Florida Organization to familiarize myself with what they had to offer. After one class, I was hooked! Engaging, informative and light-hearted the Visit Central Florida team made everyone feel welcome; it was an easy “yes” for me to join. Our group tours are filled with educational facts on all Polk County has to offer. I was pleasantly surprised there was so much to see! I definitely recommend the program for anyone interested in travel, tourism, sports or history.
MARY, Polk County Native
Being a certified CATS member is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and places in Polk County. I love to travel and share my experiences of places to see right here in our own beautiful county. As a member of CATS I am able to learn about new areas to explore and even more information about places I have already been. We have monthly meetings in amazing places with special behind the scenes tours. Sign up and join us to learn more about our amazing County.
CINTIA, Polk County Resident
The CATS program is a wonderful opportunity to learn about everything that Central Florida offers to residents and visitors. Before training, I had no idea that Polk County offered so many options to have fun and learn. As a Certified Ambassador of Tourism and Sports (CATS), I am excited to explore and tell others about the best local places, activities, and events. From hiking trails to museums to public gardens, there is something for everyone! If you are passionate about Central Florida, join the program! You will network, discover new attractions, and become a Polk County expert.
SHARON & ED, Polk County Snowbirds
Originally, we wanted to be involved with Polk County Tourism so we could learn more about the county. While becoming CATS, we discovered things we would not have found on our own. Now the word has gotten around, so locals will ask us for help themselves or friends. We help plan day trips – biking, walking, lectures, nature, or something else. We always have materials from the Visitor Information Center on-hand to pass to locals and visitors. There is such a variety of things to do and see. We have a lot to learn but in the meantime, we have truly fallen in love with Polk County.
How to Become a CATS
- Register
- Registering secures you a seat in one of Visit Central Florida’s monthly, fun, interactive Training Sessions and Guided Tours.
- Registration is only $10
- Training Session
- Monthly one-hour presentation hosted by Visit Central Florida.
- Guided Tours
- Explore and learn about popular attractions from a local professional.
- Explore Polk County
- Now it’s your time; be your very own tour guide!
- Experience local places, events and activities of your choosing!
- Places, events and activities are all ranked.
- By having fun and exploring you earn points that go toward your CATS! Here’s your new favorite excuse to have fun!
- Utilize Social Media
- Tell the world!
- Show friends and family your new amazing experiences via social media! #VisitCentralFL
Upcoming CATS Events
TBD
