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                   How well do you know the South Coast? Become an Ambassador!

How well do you know the South Coast?  Could you give visitors an accurate history of local attractions like Corfe Castle or Lyme Regis?  Where are the top museums or best places to spot wildlife?  When are the best festivals or events held and where should art-lovers head to?

If you're in any doubt, now is the perfect time to put your skills to the test with englandscoastambassador.co.uk, a free, online product-knowledge training course tailored for everyone who interacts with visitors. 

Developed by the National Coastal Tourism Academy, (NCTA) which focuses on boosting the number of international visitors toEngland's Coast, the course is packed with information on the South Coast.

"This free online training course is ideal for anyone working in the hospitality industry or meeting international visitors in any capacity, whether you're a restaurateur, hotelier, work in a bar, shop, café or hair-dresser," says Samantha Richardson, Academy Director of the NCTA.

"It's more important than ever that we offer international visitors superb service and a very warm welcome.  We know they're keen to visit the coast and are key to boosting the tourism industry on our coast."

Ladram Bay

The Ambassador course has already been completed by hundreds of businesses around the coast, prompting a series of positive comments.

Emily Freeman, South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, Poole, says: "Providing excellent customer service is at the very heart of our business and is integral to how we communicate with our guests.

"The England's Coast Ambassador Programme focuses this with key information on the local area and high-quality customer service tips, along with some interesting reflections on how to make your customer journey that bit more special. I recommend it highly!"

Keith Costello from the Inn Collection Group, Northumberland, comments: "I enjoyed doing the course. As well as being able to assist any visitors to our area it also taught me a few things I wasn't aware of so a win/win all round."

Englandscoastambassador.co.uk features modules on nature, local towns and villages, top tips on getting around the county, activities and more, and there's a special module on understanding how to welcome international visitors, facts on the key markets and what businesses need to do to attract and retain these visitors. 

There is a total of eight courses covering every section of the coast of England; the course is free, can be undertaken in stages and on successful completion, users can download a personalised certificate.  

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For more press information contact Sheron Crossman, England's Coast Marketing & Communications Manager,sheron.crossman@coastaltourismacademy.co.uktel: (0)1202 451805.

Notes to editors:  englandscoastambassador.co.uk is delivered by theNational Coastal Tourism Academywhose partners includeP&O Ferries, City Cruises Hornblower Poole,  Visit Northumberland, This is Durham, North York Moors National Park Authority, Discover Yorkshire Coast, Hull and East Yorkshire, Thanet, Dover District Council, White Cliffs Country, England's Creative Coast, Brighton, Experience West Sussex, Discover Gosport, Portsmouth City Council, Visit Isle of Wight, Bournemouth/Christchurch/Poole, English Riviera, Teignbridge District Council, The Seafood Coast, Somerset and Exmoor National Park Authority, Visit Lancashire/Greater Liverpool/Cumbria/, North Devon Council