New tour guides ready to unleash the secrets of Winchester
Winchester’s newly qualified tourist guides were officially presented with their Green Badges at a presentation evening on Friday 15 July held in Abbey House.
The new cohort of tourist guides successfully completed the green badge accreditation after a rigorous six month training course culminating in one written and two practical examinations. They were presented with their coveted badges by Marilyn Collis from the national Institute of Tourist Guiding and the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Jane Rutter.
Winchester City Council has worked with Winchester Area Tourist Guides Association (WATGA) to develop this nationally accredited course as the growth of tourism in Winchester has led to an increase in demand for guided tours.
The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Jane Rutter said:
The new recruits’ commitment to Winchester and the course was clear to see and we are thankful for all their efforts and hard work. The tours they will be taking provide a fantastic introduction to our great city, giving visitors a chance to hear a few stories and scandals along the way. The range of tours offered by Winchester’s official tour guides have been enjoyed by tourists and even residents who are keen to learn more about the area they live in. We look forward to seeing the new tour guides out and about guiding Winchester’s visitors around our historic city.
The new guides will be ‘hitting the streets’ in August when the tour guides are offering three tours every weekday (one on Sunday). Tours begin from the tourist information centre, cost just £5 per person and do not need to be pre booked. For more information contact the tourist information centre on 01962 840 500 or email tourism@winchester.gov.uk