WITH Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association. There is no underestimating the
role of guides in the delivery of a
positive onshore experience for
cruise passengers.
As such I was delighted to receive
the news this week that Tourism
Western Australia has provided a
much needed grant to Tour Guides
WA to fund specialised training
programs for those involved in the
greeting process.
The program will begin its roll
out in Geraldton later in May with
training open to tour coach drivers,
tourism attraction guides, cruise
ship meet and greet volunteers and
any others in the community who
might be a touchpoint for pax.
We understand the training will
next be held in Busselton in June
with further roll out to other WA
ports in the near future.
Guiding has often been a subject
of discussion at our conferences
and the Association has delivered
workshops around Australia
reinforcing the importance of the
destination delivery programs.
Christine Cole spearheaded this
program for Tourism WA working
closely with Cherie Toovey,
President of Tour Guides WA.
Cherie has extensive experience
delivering meet and greet
workshops and has also worked as
a guide.
James Coughlan, Intercruises,
another ACA member supported
the development of the training
framework – key elements of their
company’s online program will be
incorporated.
In rolling out this program,
cruise lines will now get additional
reassurance that our Association
and its members are working
hard to deliver a continuation of
the excellent service that their
passengers receive on board.
