Press releases

West Dorset cabbies get the “knowledge” July 2006

Taxi drivers in Dorchester have been brushing up on their “knowledge”, learning the history of the area and sharpening their customer service skills.

Dorchester Chamber of Commerce and West Dorset District Council have supported the training to help local cabbies provide an even better service to visitors and local people.

Town crier Alistair Chisholm is teaching taxi drivers the history surrounding some of West Dorset’s most famous characters and landmarks – from Thomas Hardy and Judge Jeffreys to Maiden Castle and Athelhampton House.

And on Thursday 13 July local cabbies will attend a day long Welcome Host course, giving advice on everything from helping visitors and dealing with difficult situations to the importance of the Jurassic Coast.

Driver Roy Christopher, Chairman of the West Dorset Hackney Drivers Association, said: “Many of the local drivers want to help promote the town. We are often among the first people that visitors meet after getting off the coach or train.

“Training like this not only gives us a competitive edge, but means we can be real ambassadors for the town. I have learned more about the history of the town attending these sessions over the past few weeks than in 40 years of living here.”

Mr Chisholm said: “The story of Dorchester’s past is fascinating and people travel from across the world to be here. But many visitors arrive without a car and some interesting sites can’t be reached by bus or train. That’s why it is so important that local taxi drivers are able to talk about the local area and its history.”

West Dorset District Council Chairman Mary Penfold said: “Tourism is vital to the West Dorset economy and supports thousands of local jobs. Taxi drivers are a big part of many visitors’ experience. If they offer fantastic customer service and have good knowledge of the area holidaymakers are more likely to go away happy – and maybe return with friends next time.”

Drivers completing the Welcome Host course run by South West Tourism as part of its Welcome to Excellence programme received certificates and badges to display in their taxis. There are no tests or exams.

Drivers interested in taking part in the future can contact Caroline Morrish-Banham at West Dorset District Council’s Dorchester Tourist Information Centre on 01305 267992.

Developed over the last ten years, the ‘Welcome to Excellence’ programme is designed to improve the quality of service provided by tourism organisations and increase their competitiveness and productivity. The full programme consists of seven one-day training courses: Welcome Host; Welcome Host Plus; Welcome All; Welcome E-business; Welcome International; Welcome Line; and Welcome Management.

For more information on any of the Welcome to Excellence courses visit: www.swtourism.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Media opportunity
Friday 14 July at 10.45am – taxi driver Roy Christopher, Alistair Chisholm and Mary Penfold in front of Stinsford Church, popular with tourists as the resting place of Thomas Hardy’s heart.

For more information contact West Dorset District Council Head of Communications Colin Wood on 01305 252271.

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