Thanet District Council’s Visitor Ambassador Training, led by the Tourism and Visitor Services team, celebrates its 15th Anniversary in 2025.
Launched in 2010, the Visitor Ambassador Training programme gives local people working in tourism and hospitality valuable knowledge about Thanet as a visitor destination. The training is designed for anyone in a visitor-facing role, and includes taxi drivers, attraction staff, volunteers, accommodation providers, hospitality workers, coastal teams and even estate agents.
The programme gives participants a comprehensive understanding of the area, so they can advise visitors with confidence. Trained Visitor Ambassadors recommend places to explore, and enhance visitors’ overall experience. Delivered online for flexibility, the training includes interactive content, videos, quizzes, and informative modules that can be completed at the participant’s own pace. Each Ambassador receives a certificate, badge, and access to an exclusive newsletter with the latest visitor updates, when they complete the training. As part of the 15th anniversary Visitor Ambassadors can claim a Visitor Attraction Pass, allowing them free entry into some of Thanet’s visitor attractions.
To mark the 15-year anniversary, some of the 500 trained Ambassadors were visited by the Visitor Services team in the places where they work or volunteer.
Tim Coltham, Bay Inspector and Visitor Ambassador said: “I love Thanet’s beaches and bays. As we are often at the same bay year after year, the Visitor Ambassador training improves your general knowledge of the area. Being able to pass this on to our visitors is really useful.”
The latest Visitor Ambassadors to complete the free online training are Community Safety Officers at Kent Police.
PS Paul Robson from Kent Police said: “Thanet has a rich heritage and diverse community. It’s not surprising that we have so many visitors over the summer months who come to enjoy our beaches, historical sites and other attractions. Through the Visitor Ambassador programme, we have been able to work collaboratively with the council to ensure our local beat officers really understand the local community, and can provide information and signposting to visitors.
“Officers within the Community Safety Unit (CSU) are always looking for ways to integrate with the community. The council’s Visitor Ambassador training has supported our newer officers as they develop local links and their understanding of the district where they work.
“Neighbourhood policing is at the core of everything we do. Within the local CSU we work hard, based on feedback and engagement with local community groups, to make Thanet a safer and more vibrant place to live and visit. Collaboration with the Thanet Visitor Ambassadors seemed like a natural step.”
The scheme has also reached a second milestone; the 500th Visitor Ambassador has completed the training programme, which moved online in June 2022.
Cllr Kristian Bright, Cabinet Member for Parking, Tourism and Culture at Thanet District Council, said “It’s fantastic to see so many visitor-facing staff and local residents embracing this brilliant initiative. Becoming a Visitor Ambassador is more than just gaining knowledge — it’s about sharing our pride for the area and playing a role in shaping unforgettable visitor experiences.
“A warm welcome and some helpful local knowledge can turn a simple visit into a memorable one — encouraging people to stay longer, come back again and again, and spread the word about all the amazing things Thanet has to offer. That’s how we grow a thriving visitor economy — together.
“I’d like to thank all our current and previous Ambassadors for the incredible difference they make. Now is the perfect time to step forward, make an impact, and help give every visitor a reason to come back.”
Samantha Richardson, Director at National Coastal Tourism Academy, said: “It’s a credit to Thanet Tourism that they have continued to build their Visitor Ambassador programme over the last 15 years, with many more to come. Having 500 trained ambassadors is an impressive achievement and one that is sure to have a positive impact on the local economy. Research shows us that the welcome people receive when visiting a new place can encourage them to stay for longer, spend more money in the area, and come back again and again.”
In this anniversary year, Visitor Ambassadors will receive a special one-year pass offering free entry to attractions across Thanet. People working in a visitor-facing role are encouraged to join the training programme and join the growing network of Visitor Ambassadors. For more information about the Visitor Ambassador training, head to the Visit Thanet website.
Photo credit: Tourism at Thanet District Council
