Tourism Ambassadors Initiative in Wicklow

The need for this project was identified at the Joint Policing Committee Meetings in Wicklow County Council in co-operation with Gardaí, NPWS, Wicklow Tourism, Community organisation’s, Wicklow County Council, Wicklow Uplands Council, Mountaineering Ireland and Rural Recreation Scheme.   

The County Wicklow Partnership was ideally placed to roll out the Tourism Ambassadors initiative through the Tús Programme and it is in operation since July 2014.  The project employs over 21 participants who work part time as Tourism Ambassadors in various car parks at tourist hot spots throughout the County, including Sugarloaf/Greystones, Enniskerry/Sally Gap/Roundwood, Glendalough, Glenmalure, Tinahely, Aughrim, Wicklow/Brittas Bay and Blessington.

The role of the Tourism Ambassadors is to offer support and guidance to tourists and locals and to act as security or deterrent but in the form of a tourist information officer.  They also provide visitors with maps and offer advice on walking routes, proper clothing required and vehicle security.  They can notify the relevant authorities of suspicious activities in the area but they will not intervene themselves. 

Tourism Ambassadors have accredited security training, manual handling and occupational first aid training and they completed site specific training in tourism.  They are easy to recognise as they wear a uniform. 

This project is an excellent example of multi-agency approach to address a countywide issue and is very welcome among recreational users with a very positive impact on tourism in County Wicklow.