Drivers and guides affiliated with the Incoming Tour Operators Association (ITOA) would be the first to be invited and endure the coaching programme earlier than, it’s anticipated, it will likely be prolonged and rolled out to employees of companies throughout Clare.
A brand new coaching module geared toward selling the tradition, heritage and the atmosphere of the Burren is ready to be rolled out to vacationer guides, coach drivers and employees of tourism associated enterprise.
The Ambassadors Training Module for the UNESCO Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark encourages contributors to turn into educated ambassadors and custodians throughout their journey to and interactions with guests to the Burren and County Clare on the whole.
Jointly funded by Clare County Council, the Cliffs of Moher Experience and Fáilte Ireland beneath its Burren & Cliffs of Moher Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP), the programme options 5 separate modules specializing in UNESCO Global Geoparks, The Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren Ecotourism Network and Leave No Trace, which promotes accountable outside recreation.
Drivers and guides affiliated with the Incoming Tour Operators Association (ITOA) would be the first to be invited and endure the coaching programme earlier than, it’s anticipated, it will likely be prolonged and rolled out to employees of companies throughout Clare.
“Tourism is a vital part of the Clare economy and having the UNESCO Global Geopark designation in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher region is integral to how tourism businesses operate in the area and how they ensure that all that County Clare has to offer will be sustained and available to future generations,” commented Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
Ms. Gleeson mentioned the academic module equips ambassadors to the area with important data on the Geopark, rules of depart no hint and tips on how to work together responsibly in and across the Burren and Cliffs of Moher.
“Research has shown that the more knowledgeable guides and visitors are with a destination, the better the overall experience,” Ms. Gleeson added. “Generating a sense of guardianship or contribution also has been shown to increase engagement between the visitor and the host destination and to increase a feeling of investment in the future wellbeing and sustainability of the destination. This exchange has become an important feature of tourism and is particularly relevant to the Burren.”
Commenting on the ITOA’s fulsome assist of this coaching programmes, ITOA President Des Annett famous that offering the drivers and guides with right, easy, and related data will improve the interactions with them and add to the pool of tourism ambassadors which might be already employed inside Clare’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“The initial information received by visitors can often be the lasting information so ensuring those delivering it are well informed and enthused can only have a positive impact on the tourism product,” added Mr. Annett. “Inbound Tour Operators are uniquely positioned to guide and educate visitors on the culture, heritage and environmental wonders of County Clare, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher. This partnership also helps reinforces the sustainability and responsible tourism message across the entire supply chain “We are delighted to work with the Geopark, Clare County Council, Cliffs of Moher Experience and Fáilte Ireland in increasing the knowledge base of drivers and guides and by doing so, enrich the overall experience for those visiting the Burren.”
Margaret Jenkins, Manager of the Wild Atlantic Way for Fáilte Ireland, mentioned, “Through our Destination and Experience Development Plan, Fáilte Ireland is committed to playing a key role in establishing the Burren as a ‘must do’ destination and motivate visitors to stay overnight and spend more, extend the length of the season, and to improve the overall economy of communities through strengthening individual businesses, creating new entrepreneurial opportunities, sustaining and increasing job creation and increasing the attractiveness of the area for other forms of economic growth.”
According to Geraldine Enright, Director of Cliffs of Moher Experience, “The Ambassadors Training Module will focus on the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark; its important designations, the specialness of its geology, botany, archology, natural and cultural history, and how local businesses are getting involved in protecting its future. The training will also provide an overview of the tourism product of County Clare as a whole and with detail of the principles of Leave No Trace and the Burren’s Code of Practice. We look forward to further expanding the programme to Clare businesses in the near future.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network the place she is the Editor-in Chief. She can also be liable for the each day operation and the monetary coverage. She holds a Bachelor’s diploma in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has a few years of each educational and industrial expertise throughout the journey trade. She has written/edited quite a few articles in numerous tourism magazines.