SHIPSHEWANA — The LaGrange County Convention and Visitors Bureau celebrated 22 local
tourism professionals on Friday, July 17, upon their completion of Tourism Academy 2.0, an advanced
hospitality and customer service training course focused on exceeding visitor expectations.
Titled “Outrageously Excellent Hospitality,” Tourism Academy 2.0 was developed for participants who
completed Tourism Academy 1.0. The advanced course offers practical ways businesses and employees can strengthen the community’s welcoming culture through thoughtful, memorable service.
Participants explored how everyday interactions, from anticipating needs to offering helpful assistance,
can leave a lasting impression and encourage guests to return to Shipshewana.
“With more than 120 people completing Tourism Academy 1.0, 30 completing Tourism Academy 1.5 and
now 22 completing Tourism Academy 2.0, we continue to be thrilled by the level of participation and
personal growth we are seeing,” said Sonya Nash, CEO of the LaGrange County Convention and Visitors
Bureau. “Our frontline employees, partners and stakeholders are committed to going above and beyond
ordinary customer service and taking the Outrageously Excellent Hospitality our community is known for
to the next level.”
The Tourism Academy program helps participants expand their knowledge, better understand the
community’s tourism culture and recognize the important role they play in welcoming visitors.
