Welcoming the excited traveller who are stepping off the cruise ships is none other than the capable team of Whitsundays Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors.
Taking out Silver in the Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group category of the 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, the Ambassadors could not be more excited.
“Winning Silver at The Whitsundays Tourism Awards for the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors was such a fantastic achievement and a huge credit to the volunteers!” said Dea Huvonen, Visitor Service Manager of Tourism Whitsundays.
“We are very happy that the cruise ambassadors have been recognised for their passion and long-term dedication to the tourism in the Whitsundays.”
With 38 volunteers, the Ambassadors program strives to make sure cruise ship visitors have the best time in Airlie Beach.
“The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors offer immense direct and indirect value and benefit to the local tourism industry,” Dea explained.
“Their role extends to include warmly greeting passengers, providing collateral such as maps and brochures, answering various questions and providing advice on where to eat, shop and places to visit.
“Over the years, their premium customer service experience has encouraged hundreds, if not thousands, of cruise passengers to return to The Whitsundays for a longer holiday. They truly are ambassadors for the whole Whitsundays.”
Established in 2004, the volunteers have greeted over 570 cruise ships and have welcomed over 800,000 cruise passengers into Airlie Beach.
“This is a remarkable achievement by a volunteer run group.”
The Cruise Ship Ambassadors have welcomed over 570 cruise ships to Airlie Beach. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
