The Challenge
Before launching the training program, MeetMtP recognized an opportunity to deepen local engagement and improve how frontline and community workers represented the destination. While Mt. Pleasant hosted a variety of events and had distinct community segments—from the university to the casino and tribal heritage—many locals were unaware of all the region had to offer. The CVB sought a way to proactively boost community pride, equip workers with consistent knowledge, and ultimately create more welcoming, informed interactions with visitors.
The Solution
MeetMtP discovered [Learn Tourism] through industry webinars and digital content. Jordan, the CVB’s Content & Communications Coordinator, had engaged with educational webinars and explored sample materials, sparking interest in how online learning could support their goals. After reviewing a similar program implemented in Kalamazoo and comparing other Michigan-based tourism efforts, MeetMtP saw an opportunity to stand out with a customized training platform tailored to local strengths and needs.
Ultimately, they chose Learn Tourism for its ability to deliver an on-demand, mobile-friendly training course that combined community storytelling with practical tourism knowledge. Key features that drove success included:
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A customized curriculum highlighting Mt. Pleasant’s events, downtown, and tribal heritage
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A branded learning environment that was easy to update and track
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Multimedia content and real-time analytics for monitoring engagement
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Integration of tools like the MeetMTP app to encourage continued learning and visitor support
From the customer’s point of view:
“I hope to be able to really highlight Mt. Pleasant well and serve as an optimistic voice in our community.” – Course Participant
This proactive approach enabled frontline staff and locals to become informed advocates, delivering better guest experiences and aligning with MeetMtP’s long-term goals of community pride and visitor return.
The Results
After implementing the Mt. Pleasant Expert Course, MeetMtP saw measurable improvements in local engagement, visitor readiness, and alignment with community branding goals. Frontline workers reported a stronger understanding of what the destination has to offer, increased confidence in answering visitor questions, and greater motivation to share local tools like the MeetMTP app.
Key outcomes include:
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87.5% course completion rate, indicating strong interest and follow-through
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100% of participants shared specific ways they now apply their knowledge, demonstrating confidence and relevance
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76.2% cited actions like sharing the app or offering tailored visitor recommendations, showing real-world impact
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Nearly a quarter (23.8%) said they wouldn’t change a thing, affirming course satisfaction
Graduates described their experience as empowering and informative:
“I have shared the app before but will definitely be sharing it more. I also plan on getting involved in more of the activities around Mt. Pleasant as I was not aware of the events calendar.”
The program turned curiosity into action, helping MeetMtP not just promote the area, but activate it through its own residents and workforce. By investing in people, MeetMtP is now better positioned to deliver exceptional visitor experiences and nurture a stronger sense of place across all three of its core communities.
