The specialist course is open to everyone in Geraldton, which is 424km north of Perth, including tour coach drivers, tourism attraction guides and cruise ship meet and greet volunteers.
Once they have completed the training, they will be assessed to hold Guiding Organisations Australia’s tour guide accreditation which is affiliated with the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations.
Christine Cole, who attended Seatrade Cruise Global for the first time in 2014 and is responsible for implementing the state’s Cruise Shipping Strategic Plan 2012-2020, said a pool of ‘cruise ready’ shore excursion guides will be available in Geraldton for the 2017/2018 wave season.
Cole said tour guides have a very important role to play in the overall success of a cruise itinerary.
‘Tour guides conducting shore tours need specialised skills to make sure cruise passengers have a memorable visit,’ she said.
The president of Tour Guides WA, Cherie Toovey, who is facilitating the training programme, has provided training for guides at WA landmarks, including Rottnest Island and Parliament House.
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