08/04/2010

A new pilot scheme to give York tour guides a ‘York Badge' of recognition for their inside knowledge on the city's history and tourist hot spots, will be launched on Thursday 15th April.

The scheme, brainchild of tour guide Keith Mulhearn, and supported by Visit York, will offer accreditation to tour guides working in the city and offer the opportunity for already trained guides to brush up on their skills. Guides currently working in York, including voluntary guides are invited to attend the first two day course happening on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 April at The MonkBar Hotel, St Maurice's Road, York.

Course attendees will be able to boost their knowledge of the city, covering areas such as:
- Story telling
- Constructing a tour
- Tips for guiding
- Bus and coach guiding
- Familiarisation trips
- Health and safety
- Using the Visitor Information Centre
- Visitor experience and customer care
- Dealing with problems
- Accessibility for visitors with disability

Sue Frumin, Visit York's Business Engagement Manager, said: ‘York is an incredibly vibrant and historically rich city so it's important that visitors have access to a wealth of information that will help guide them around. This new scheme gives visitors a trusted and accredited source of information from the experts who know the city inside out. We hope the new ‘York Badge' scheme will also offer anyone involved in guiding in the city the chance to brush up on their knowledge and skills.'

The course will end with a practical and written test and those attending will receive the ‘York Badge', depicting the York flag - the red cross of St George and five lions - which they will wear whilst working.

To find out more or book one of twelve places on the first course contact Keith Mulhearn Tel: 07707 892747 or email keith@completeyork.com . ENDS

For further information please contact:

Kay Hyde - PR Manager - Visit York
Direct Line: 01904 554451
Mobile: 07961 828092
Email: kh@visityork.org

Katie Porter - PR Executive - Visit York
Direct Line: 01904 554436
Email: kp@visityork.org