250 Visitor Ambassadors complete online training programme

Thanet District Council’s Visitor Ambassador Training, led by the Tourism and Visitor Services team, has supported over 250 Visitor Ambassadors since its launch in June 2022. 

The training is aimed at anyone who comes into contact with visitors to the area. Taxi drivers, attraction staff and volunteers, accommodation providers, hospitality staff, coastal staff as well as estate agents have all completed the online course.

The programme equips people with a wide range of information on the area as a visitor destination and what it has to offer. It supports them in answering visitors’ questions, suggesting places to visit and things to see and do. 

The online training includes interactive content, films, questions and quizzes in easily accessible sections. Participants can complete the course in sections, when convenient to them. Everyone who completes the programme receives a certificate and badge and can sign up to receive a dedicated ambassador e-newsletter, with up-to-date information on the Isle of Thanet.

Sue Henesy, Dickens House Museum volunteer said, “I enjoyed the Visitor Ambassador Training as it helped me learn so many new things about the area I live in. The process was easy to follow and interesting. I have used much of the information I learned as I volunteer for both the Dickens House Museum and the RNLI. I fully recommend this course.”

The training has also provided local residents with the tools to answer visitor queries. Tim Smillie, a regular beach user at St. Mildred’s Bay and the 250th trained Visitor Ambassador said, “I live locally and am at St. Mildred’s Bay most days. I am regularly asked questions by people visiting the area. I thought the Visitor Ambassador Training would help me to learn a bit more, which it did. I also learned the importance of tourism to the local economy. I would recommend the course, it’s interesting and very easy to do, plus you get a lovely shiny badge.”

Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Thanet District Council said, “It’s good to see that this wonderful initiative is proving so popular with visitor-facing staff and local residents. A knowledgeable and friendly Visitor Ambassador will help to improve the visitor experience and contribute to our aim to grow the visitor economy. If visitors have a good experience, they may be encouraged to stay longer, visit again and share their positive experience with family and friends. This could result in additional visitors. 

“I would like to thank all of our Visitor Ambassadors for helping us to provide visitors to the area the warmest of welcomes, and encouraging repeat visits.”

Anyone who is interested in promoting Thanet as a visitor destination is invited to take part in the Visitor Ambassador Training. You can complete the course on the Visit Thanet website. 

For further information, please contact Visitor Information Services on visitorinformation@thanet.gov.uk or 01843 577577.

Photo features Tim Smillie, 250th trained Visitor Ambassador