British Tourism Week 2010
28th July, 2010
The Devon Tourism Careers Ambassadors programme which is funded and supported by Devon County Council has welcomed 10 new Ambassadors to the scheme during British Tourism Week.
The scheme has been running since autumn 2005 and was set up by the County Council in partnership with the Devon Tourism Skills Network. Ambassadors promote tourism as an exciting and rewarding career to the county’s young people and link local businesses with surrounding schools, colleges and training providers.
Ambassadors come from Devon hotels, attractions and other tourism services. The select group of professionals, with established careers in Devon’s tourism industry, have been given training in preparation for meeting with students in the classroom, at annual careers fairs and exhibitions.
The programme brings industry talent into contact with students and young people. They share their experience of working in the sector and explain the variety of careers on offer.
Councillor William Mumford, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Strategic Planning said: “Over 6 million people visit Devon every year and the county provides more than 49,000 jobs in tourism. The sector is fundamental to the county’s economy and it is therefore vital that we ensure its future success through securing young people who are enthusiastic about developing careers in the sector.
“Ambassadors can show not only how rewarding working in tourism can be, but convey the importance of customer service, business development and professionalism. These qualities will ensure that Devon remains the best holiday destination in the UK.”
New Ambassador Gemma Balaam is the General Manager of Buckland-tout-Saints Hotel in Devon’s South Hams. She worked her way up, developing her career and volunteered to become an Ambassador.
Gemma said: “I got involved because I really wanted to show people how, wonderful, varied and vibrant this industry is. There’s nothing to replace the feeling of exceeding customers’ expectations. It’s just so varied and there are new challenges every day – I love it! I hope, as an Ambassador, that I can share my experiences help to inspire people to work in Tourism.”
Heading up the project is Jen Brogan at Devon County Council. She said: “It is all about the industry providing a service to their potential pool of future employees. Developing a specialist member of staff within local businesses improves the sector’s links with local schools, colleges, Jobcentre Plus offices, and community groups.
“The key thing is that tourism Ambassadors will be helping to inspire people to consider not just the jobs, but the wide range of careers that are available to them within the industry.”
Ends
Photos available
Contact:
Jen Brogan, Devon County Council
01392 382188 / 07970 705961
Jennifer.brogan@devon.gov.uk
OR
Deirdre Makepeace,Press and marketing
01803 782539 / 07768 573969
deirdremakepeace@btinternet.com
New Ambassadors starting during British Tourism Week 2010 include:
Jenny Thompson, Operations Manager, Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay
Heather Measey, General Manager, Arundell Arms, Lifton
Gemma Balaam, General Manager, Buckland-tout-Saints, South Hams
Paul Callard, Assistant Manager, Buckland-tout-Saints, South Hams
Dan Chidley, Dartmouth Golf & Country Club
Scott Woodall and Andy Morton, Thurlestone Hotel, Salcombe
Chrissie Le Marchant, Tour Manager and Blue Badge Guide
Damien Spinks, Chef, The Globe Hotel, Topsham
Businesses supporting the scheme have included:
Harbour Hotel, Salcombe
Escot
Thurlestone Hotel
Buckerell Lodge
Riviera International Conference Centre
Brend Hotels
Exeter Underground Passages
Atlantic Village
English Riviera Tourist Board
Blue Badge Guides
Globe Hotel, Topsham
Details of the project and future Ambassador events can be found at www.devontourismadvice.co.uk/careers
* www.britishtourismweek.com
**South West Tourist Value of Tourism 2007
· 6,057,000 staying trips representing a total of 26,147,000 staying nights plus a further 19,897,792 day trips in the county.
· 49,221 directly employed in the industry and a further 18,760 in indirect or induced jobs
