The first ever pan-Wales workshop on tourism ambassador schemes was held today at the Imperial Hotel in Llandudno. The workshop was a collaboration between Snowdonia National Park Authority and the Next Tourism Generation Project and highlighted the benefits of ambassador schemes.
Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism welcomed participating businesses, trade associations and destination managers.
L-R; Joe Bickerton (Destination Manager, Wrexham CBC), Katie Williams (Techniquest Glyndwr), Donna Hughes (Cadwyn Clwyd) and Sam Regan (Chair - This Is Wrexham)
In stressing the importance of this national event, Wales Tourism Alliance Chair, Andrew Campbell said, "collaborative and partnership working is at the heart of all successful tourism development. Ambassador schemes have a proven track record in promoting active networking, improving local knowledge, developing more effective digital and customer service skills, and enhancing the destination visitor experience.
This ‘best practice’ workshop was invaluable for those needing to know more about the benefits of such schemes and for destinations wishing to enhance their competitive edge.
Ambassadors from Wrexham, Denbighshire, Brecon Beacons and the Gower peninsula will talk about their schemes and the benefits for businesses and the destination.
Joe Bickerton, Destination Manager at Wrexham Council who spoke at the event said that "training gives ambassadors in-depth knowledge and helps them to effectively promote, enhance and develop their destination collectively. Ambassadors show visitors the unique appeal of their areas, which makes them want to stay for longer and return for another visit. In essence, ambassador schemes can support sustainable tourism benefiting the local economy, community and environment”
Current and potential future ambassadors will discuss and contribute to the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s planned Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) pilot programme around Llanberis, Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu as part of the Snowdon Partnership Plan.
The workshop was chaired by Iwan Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Pembrokeshire Local Action Network for Enterprise and Development (PLANED). There was also a networking lunch and exhibitors, included Keep Wales Tidy (Green Key and Blue Flag), Experience Community, Family Holiday Association, Snowdonia Society, Snowdonia Active and Wales Official Tour Guides Association.
The organisers wish to thank the sponsors of the event in advance: Mid Wales Tourism (MWT Cymru), Wales Tourism Alliance, Loving Welsh Food, Retreats Group Ltd., Pembrokeshire, Parc GreenWood Park, Ribride, The Imperial Hotel Llandudno.
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