A NEW initiative will enable West Somerset people to brush up on their local knowledge to become a Tourism Ambassador for the area.

A partnership operating under the name of West Coast 360 has packaged essential information into an online programme.

In Minehead, almost 50 per cent of the working age population is employed in aspects of the tourism industry. By improving awareness of the local area and customer service, West Coast 360 aims to raise the skills and prospects for people working in hospitality and tourism.

The programme is easy to access online and focuses on both local knowledge and tips for providing top class customer service.

Once signed in, the user can continue the programme whenever they have a spare few minutes, picking up from wherever they left last time.

Each training unit takes only a few minutes to complete. There are no time limits for completion and, once all units are completed successfully, confirmation and certificate is sent by email.

Paul Ruttledge, of the Beach Hotel, said: “Anyone working in a customer service role is effectively an ambassador for the area. So, the aim of the training is to give customer focused workers and volunteers the tools to do that job even better.

“We want to make sure that we share some of these special places with our visitors to ensure that they experience all that there is to see and do in the area while they are here and keep them coming back.”

Cllr Andrew Hadley, West Somerset Council portfolio holder for regeneration and economic growth, said: “We’d encourage anyone to take the initiative to complete the online programme – business owners, shop workers, taxi drivers, or anyone just interested in talking to those visitors that they meet in the street.

“West Somerset Ambassadors who popularise the attractions of the region, will encourage those who already visit us to experience more and come back.”

The West Somerset Ambassador programme is free to sign up to and complete at www.westcoast360.co.uk.