Blondale Thomas (Media Relations/Event Coordinator) and Jercandyia Holmes (Information Specialist) attended the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s 2018 Regional Visitor Information Center Conference (RVIC) with over 80 state tourism professionals in Statesboro, Georgia, April 18-20, 2018. Douglas’ Regional Visitor Information Center is located inside the Ashley-Slater House.
To remain a Georgia certified RVIC, the center’s representatives must attend mandatory training which includes attending the RVIC Conference, training with a State Visitor Information Center and attendance at a sister Center meeting, as well as optional training throughout the year.
Blondale and Jercandyia attended several workshops including Emergency Preparedness, Rock Your Social Media and Customer Service training. Several local familiarization tours were held at tourist locations throughout Statesboro such as Georgia Southern University’s Wildlife Education Center, Splash In the Boro, Georgia Southern’s Shooting Sports Education Center, Jumpshot Indoor Trampolines & Paintball, and Eagle Creek Brewing Company.
While attending the RVIC conference, Blondale Thomas received her certification as a Georgia Certified Professional Travel Counselor (GCPTC). To become a G.C.P.T.C., a person must fulfill requirements set by the certifying committee and complete an examination that meets the standards adopted by the National Council of State Tourism Directors.
Blondale, is the second City of Douglas employee to receive this certification. Georgia Henderson (Douglas Community Development Director) received her certification in 2017.
While attending the RVIC conference, Blondale Thomas received her certification as a Georgia Certified Professional Travel Counselor (GCPTC)
