A scheme providing people with training and knowledge about tourism in Denbighshire is proving popular with 200 signing up since its launch last year.
The Denbighshire Tourism
Ambassador Scheme offers a variety of online training modules on a variety of
themes in order to improve the overall visitor experience. It’s totally free
and open to everyone. This is the first online scheme of its kind in
Wales.
Module themes include -
Denbighshire towns & city, walking, cycling, history, arts, coast, Clwydian
Range & Dee Valley AONB, welsh language & culture, food tourism and the
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site.
There
are 3 levels of awards – bronze, silver and gold, depending on the amount of
modules completed. Each person receives a certificate, pin badge and window
stickers on completion of the awards.
Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans
OBE, said: “We know that continuous learning can have a positive impact on
people’s lives. Whether people are looking to brush
up on their skills, to try something new, to seek information or to improve
their job prospects; Adult Learners’ Week is a great time to start. The
Denbighshire Tourism Ambassador Scheme offers the flexibility and convenience
for you to gain new knowledge and become part of a shared interest community.”
The online scheme launched
in 2019 and continues to grow with a range of Ambassadors including local
people, accommodation and attraction providers, shops, pubs, students, library
staff, tour guides and volunteers.
Jenny
Whitham, who runs Faraway Follies boutique guest lodges in Llandegla said:
“Becoming a Tourism Ambassador is a great way of getting to know more
information about the area that I could impart to my guests. The online modules
are well-paced, a nice mix of video and words, they’re easy to follow and the
quizzes at the end are fairly simple. Adding that extra little bit of service
for guests is invaluable. If the locals are friendly and knowledgeable then people
will be encouraged to visit and return to the area.”
Paul
Hughes. walking group leader for the Vale of Clwyd Mind commented: “I chose to
become a Denbighshire Tourism Ambassador because it gives you more information,
it’s always handy to have more knowledge when you’re leading people on walks
and taking people around the different areas. The course is free as well which
always helps. And you can do it at home over a couple of evenings a week, so
it’s brilliant. You can’t have enough knowledge as they say, it’s always nice
to learn something new.”
The
scheme is now being recognised across North Wales and other local authorities
and National Parks are looking at running a similar online scheme. The
long-term aim is to establish North Wales Ambassadors to ensure tourism
messages are consistent to maximise the visitor experience and encourage
sustainable tourism.
The project has received
funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development
Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for
Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
* For more information on the scheme and to complete
the modules please visit – www.denbighshireambassador.wales
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