Visitor Ambassador Training moves online

Thanet District Council’s Tourism and Visitor Information Team, in partnership with the National Coastal Tourism Academy, has moved their popular Visitor Ambassador Training online.

This is in response to the requirements of the local tourism industry following the COVID-19 pandemic and for the convenience of those wishing to become Visitor Ambassadors.

The online training includes interactive content, films, questions and quizzes in easily accessible sections, so that participants can do as much or as little as they like, when they like. Anyone who completes the training will receive a certificate and a badge and can sign up to receive a dedicated ambassador e-newsletter, with up-to-date information on the Isle of Thanet.

The Visitor Ambassador Training is aimed at anyone who comes into contact with visitors to the area, including receptionists, waiting staff, tourism volunteers, bay inspectors and taxi drivers. Anyone who has a keen interest in promoting the area is invited to take part in the training. 

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

Cllr Reece Pugh, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Thanet District Council said:

“The Visitor Ambassador Training is a wonderful initiative. Since it began in 2011 for the ‘Countdown to Turner’ activity, over 700 people have participated.  

“A knowledgeable and friendly Visitor Ambassador will help to improve the visitor experience, which contributes to our aim to grow the visitor economy.  If people have a good experience, they may stay longer, visit again and share and discuss their positive experience with family and friends, which could result in additional visitors.  

“Now that the training is available online, even more local people will have the opportunity to participate.”

Samantha Richardson, Director of the national Coastal Tourism Academy, which helps deliver the course, said:
“The Visitor Ambassador Training offers visitor-facing staff and Isle of Thanet residents the opportunity to polish up their knowledge of the local area and pick up useful tips on how to look after UK and international visitors.  It’s easy to use and for the first time this comprehensive information has been collated in one free, online course.

 “The Isle of Thanet is one of the most interesting parts of the country, attracting visitors from all over the world, the Visitor Ambassador Training will provide these visitors with the very warmest of welcomes and encourage multiple visits.”

Mike Bridges from Lillyputt Mini-Golf and Chairman of Broadstairs Tourism and Leisure Association said: “The new online Visitor Ambassador Training will make it much easier for small businesses and their staff to participate. It’s not always easy to arrange cover so that people can attend training in person.”

In 2015, Thanet District Council made it mandatory for everyone applying for a taxi licence to complete the Visitor Ambassador Training.  In 2016 the training was listed as one of the Tourism and Visitor Information Team’s main successes when they received a Gold Award for Excellence from Visit England. 

The Visitor Ambassador Training can be accessed on www.thanetvisitorambassador.co.uk

Anyone wanting further information can contact Visitor Information Services on visitorinformation@thanet.gov.uk or on 01843 577577.