Waterford Welcome Ambassadors
Programme Launch
“Here To Help”
The volunteer Welcome Ambassadors are always a welcome sight on the streets of Waterford City every year. Each summer for the past six years, the Welcome Ambassadors have extended a warm welcome and provide helpful information to visitors from all over the world.
In an exciting development for 2019, the Welcome Ambassadors have been rebranded as the ‘Waterford Welcome Ambassadors’ (previously Viking Triangle Welcome Ambassadors) and the programme will now extend beyond the city, as local volunteers take to the streets of the historic town of Lismore this summer to meet and greet tourists.
The Mayor of Waterford City & County Council Cllr. Declan Doocey welcomed the initiative and had particular praise for the volunteers; ‘The expansion of the Welcome Ambassador Programme beyond the city is a very welcome development for the tourism sector in Waterford. Our thanks must go to all of the volunteers who give of their time to provide the service; let their pride in promoting Waterford be an inspiration to us all’.
The Waterford Welcome Ambassador programme in Lismore is being managed through the Lismore Heritage Centre. Mealla Fahy, manager of the centre believes the programme to be an important tourism promotional initiative; ‘It’s by effective cross marketing and networking that we can all make Waterford a top tourist destination. This programme will help to encourage visitors to stay longer and help support the local economy. Anyone interested in becoming involved can contact the Lismore Heritage Centre by emailing info@lismoreheritage.ie or by ringing 058 54975.’
The Welcome Ambassador Programme in Waterford City is managed through the Waterford Volunteering Information Service, which is provided by the Waterford Area Partnership. Catherine Power of the Partnership stated that ‘The volunteer Welcome Ambassadors have played an essential role in the warm welcome to those who visited Waterford City for the past six years. Waterford Area Partnership CLG is extremely proud of its role in supporting and coordinating this tourism programme.’
Waterford City & County Council Tourism Officer Orna Holohan noted that ‘A positive interaction with a Welcome Ambassador can create a memorable experience for a visitor; they not only provide useful information but also delight visitors with local tales and authentic insights from the area. The Programme will contribute to Waterford’s growing reputation as a leading destination in Ireland’s Ancient East where you can discover unique heritage, landscapes, attractions and stories in welcoming and friendly surroundings’
The Waterford Welcome Ambassador Programme runs every weekend for 12 weeks and on cruise ship days during the summer months. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer Waterford Welcome Ambassador in either Waterford City or Lismore, email connect@volunteerwaterford.ie for more details.
