Mountain Maryland Tourism Ambassador Program

Trailblazers Wanted — Guide the Way as a Tourism Ambassador!

Welcome!

Explore Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, and discover how tourism shapes our community. The Mountain Maryland Ambassador Program empowers frontline workers, volunteers, and community members to deliver exceptional visitor experiences.

Whether you work in hospitality, run a local business, or simply love showing off your hometown pride, this program is for you. Together, we’ll rediscover what makes Mountain Maryland special — from our scenic trails and small-town charm to our creative spirit and deep roots in history.

Program Overview

Participants begin their journey with a self-paced online learning module that introduces the value of tourism and the vital role each of us plays in shaping a visitor’s experience. From there, the adventure continues with an in-person Familiarization (FAM) Tour, where you’ll experience Mountain Maryland like a visitor — exploring historic downtowns, connecting with local makers and entrepreneurs, and sampling the flavors that define our destination.

Complete both components and you’ll earn your certification as an official Mountain Maryland Ambassador — ready to welcome visitors with pride, passion, and local expertise.

Ambassador Perks

Every certified ambassador will enjoy:

• Official Certification & Recognition from Allegany County Tourism
• Ambassador Pin, Swag & Toolkit to use on the job and in the community
• Exclusive Access to ambassador updates, events, and local tourism resources

Business Bonus

Businesses that achieve 75% staff certification will be recognized as Certified Mountain Maryland Businesses, highlighted in tourism communications and partner materials — a badge of excellence in hospitality and visitor service.

Online Training: Learn, Engage, and Discover

The Mountain Maryland Ambassador online training is a dynamic, learn-at-your-own-pace experience made up of five engaging modules featuring short videos, interactive slides, and local storytelling. Each module builds your knowledge of how tourism works and gives you practical tools to guide visitors with confidence.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

In-Person Experience: Tourism Ambassador FAM Tour

Once you’ve completed the online training, the real adventure begins! The Tourism Ambassador FAM Tour takes you out into the heart of Allegany County for a hands-on exploration of the destinations, experiences, and local stories that make Mountain Maryland unforgettable.

This immersive, half-day tour provides first-hand knowledge of our region’s key tourism gateways in Cumberland and Frostburg, highlighting trails, scenic rail experiences, arts and entertainment, and iconic local food stops. You’ll meet business owners, community partners, and local tourism leaders who help shape the visitor experience every day.