A SCHEME aimed at getting a wide range of people involved in showcasing the best that Leicester has to offer to visitors has been expanded.
Visit Leicester has developed its popular Tourism Ambassador scheme to encourage bus drivers, taxi drivers, retail workers, hotel staff and people who work in other customer facing roles in the city to get involved.
The scheme offers participants the chance to gain a wider understanding of the local tourism offer and the importance of the tourism sector to the city’s economy which last year was valued at £884million.
So far, fifty people have taken part in the informal and fun training required to become a Tourism Ambassador since the launch of the new scheme in autumn. These include bus drivers, taxi drivers, hotel and shopping centre staff and the team at De Montfort University Museum.
The new Tourism Ambassadors will be provided with regular city tourism information and updates as well as free maps, restaurant and café guides and a list of the Top 30 venues and attractions to help promote the city’s growing tourism offer.
Sarah Harrison, Leicester city centre director said: “The tourism ambassador scheme is a lovely opportunity for people with an interest in local history, eating out, entertainment and culture or the city’s many visitor attractions to get involved in promoting the city.
"Tourism is a vital part of the city’s economy, bringing in millions of pounds every year, and our new Tourism Ambassadors will play a vital role in showcasing some of the city's highlights for visitors to Leicester.
“We’re really pleased to have the support of so many local organisations who understand the importance of having knowledgeable and helpful staff to help customers who are visiting the city.
“This new initiative is part of a wider ambassador programme and we are proud to announce that we will soon have 20 trained Volunteer Tourism Ambassadors who are happy to volunteer their time to support the city’s tourism venues, attractions and events.”
Natalie Rackliff, staff manager at First Bus, said: “As a leading bus operator in Leicester, we connect people and places and keep the community moving. We felt it was important to get involved with the Tourism Ambassador scheme as it promotes what Leicester has to offer and encourages everyone to visit and support local attractions.
“Our tourism ambassadors are more aware of local attractions and history and able to assist with queries from members of the public, and the quiz provided some entertainment during breaks as people tested their Leicester knowledge.”
If you work in a customer facing role in the city centre and would be interested in a training as a tourism ambassador, please contact gitte.magielse@leicester.gov.uk to register your interest.