The West End Development Corporation has launched a new ambassador programme to welcome visitors to Dockyard and provide them an insight into the area’s history.

The six-strong team of Marshell Smith, Shanley Todd, Tihana Booth, Lovette Marshall, Yasamine Douglas and John Scotland have been trained in customer service by Wedco and are all Certified Tourism Ambassadors.

The initiative involves the ambassadors greeting tourists, proving historical information and helping them work out where they want to go.

“They are stationed around Dockyard and interact with Dockyard visitors answering any and all questions,” Aqueelah Somner from Wedco said.

“If the programme is successful, we will look at repeating this idea in the future. So far, the feedback we have been getting has been very positive.”

To achieve CTA status the team had to attend two half-day sessions held by the Bermuda Hospitality Institute, which involved learning about the history of Bermuda, her people, each tourist hub and also customer service.

Ms Smith, who has worked in customer service for several years, said she enjoyed helping people make the most of their vacation.

“I love hearing the guests speak well of Bermuda’s beauty and cleanliness, and friendly people,” she added.

“Seeing the big grins on guests’ faces a day or two after helping some of them with their plans is great and they often tell me how being in Bermuda is one of their most euphoric experiences.”

Ms Todd added: “The part that I enjoy the most is the fact that there is never a day that is the same and I enjoy having the privilege of being able to meet different people from all different walks of life from all over the world and have a wide range of conversation with them.”

All of the Wedco team are qualified as CTAs and its outdoor team are also trained in CPR. Training will soon begin so the remainder of the employees are also qualified in life-saving techniques.

Ms Somner added: “Dockyard is a large and important tourist hub and we need to make sure our visitors have the help they need to ensure their stay is really enjoyable. Our staff are on the front line all the time and with the vast amount of visitors we have, both local and from abroad, it only made sense to ensure they were CTA certified.”