New Hampshire
• 9,351 square miles
• 13,000 miles of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds
• 18 miles of coastline
NH Travel & Tourism Industry
• NH’s second largest industry in terms of jobs and attracting dollars from outside of state.
• Contributes of $4.458 billion in direct spending to the state’s economy in FY 2008.
• Trips in NH for recreation and business estimated at 33.8 million in FY 2008
• Traveler spending in FY 2008 supported approximately 67,000 direct full-time and part-time jobs
• Visitors to NH paid $132.6 million in room and meals taxes in FY 2008 (65% of all rooms and meals tax collected)
• The Return on Investment for FY 2008 shows that for every $1 spent by NH Division of Travel & Tourism Development, $8.84 was returned in the form of state and local taxes and fees.
Granite State Ambassadors
“NH’s Information Specialists”
Granite State Ambassadors,Inc.adds value to state agencies, local businesses, and individuals through a training and service support network that sustains and enhances the New Hampshire experience. Over the past decade GSAs have worked tirelessly to promote and protect our sense of place by valuing both built and natural environments,culture, aesthetics,heritage, and the well-being our residents and guests alike. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization,we serve hundreds of travel and tourism related businesses including key partners, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and the NH Division of Travel and Tourism Development.
Community Impact of Granite State Ambassadors
Granite State Ambassadors,Inc.was founded on the simple idea that when visitors got off the plane in Manchester, New Hampshire, a friendly, New Hampshire "information specialist" would be there to provide answers to the questions that get asked.
Since 1996,GSA has certified approx 1,000 Ambassadors who have provided over $3.4 million in hospitality value through 170,000 hours of volunteer service at welcome/information centers.
In 2008 nearly 500 active Granite State Ambassadors, many of them volunteers, encouraged guests to visit New Hampshire restaurants,hotels and attractions as they greet visitors at welcome centers around the state, including Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Concord, Manchester, Portsmouth, Peterborough, Keene, Hampton, Hillsboro, Alton Bay, Colebrook, and several state owned locations.
Granite State Ambassadors personally greeted 8 million of the 34 million visitors New Hampshire welcomed in 2008; and served an estimated 1,000,000 guests in the New Hampshire Building at the September 2009 Eastern States Exposition.
Our Certification Trainings
Granite State Ambassadors Certification Training
• Held each spring March-June
• Locations around the state
• 2-Day / 14-Hours of Training
National Certification Training
• Administered on behalf of NH Division of Travel & Tourismin coordination with U.S.Travel Association
• 100 question exam to Nationally certify New Hampshire Travel Counselors
Specialty Trainings
• Special Events Certification Training
• NH Primary Training
• Orientations for each official GSA Event
• Computer Education
Special Events
• Farm & Forest Expo
• Made in NH Try It & Buy It Expo
• Keene Pumpkin Festival
• GeneralMills/Columbo Family Health Fair
• The Eastern States Exposition –“The Big E”
Outreach to Our Granite State Ambassadors
• Free familiarization tours around the state
• Center roundtable meetings
• Quarterly meeting with Airport Director
•Weekly E-Blast Communications
• News & Information, updates on private website
• Company Handbook
• Annual AMBIE Awards Celebration
• Social Activities & Fun!
Awards
2009 - "Profile Award"
In recognition of strength and character based on contributions to the state in preserving New Hampshire’s heritage, culture, resources, traditions, and history.
Awarded by Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund
2007 –“Governor’s Commendation”
For 10 Years of Service to New Hampshire
Awarded by NH Resource & Economic Commissioner George Bald for Governor John Lynch
2004 -“NH Business of the Year”
Tourism/Hospitality
Awarded by Business NH Magazine and the NH Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives
2004 -“Granite Pineapple Industry Leader”
Awarded to Bill Petersen, GSA President
by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce for his tourism leadership in the city of Manchester
2003 -“Most Valuable Volunteer”
National Award
Nominated by NH Lodging & Restaurant Association Awarded by American Hotel & Lodging Association
2003 -“Yankee Barn Raiser”
Awarded to Bill Petersen,GSA President
by Yankee Magazine for his service as president of GSA, Inc.and to the state of New Hampshire
2000 -“Very Best Volunteers In NH”
Awarded by NH Magazine and Voted by the residents of New Hampshire
1997 -“Tourism Person of the Year”
Awarded to Judi Window, GSA Managing Director
by the NH Travel Council for development of the Granite State Ambassadors Program