THE Whitsundays is once again a firm favourite for cruise lines, with 13 ships dropping anchor last month. More than 30,000 passengers disembarked to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and mainland attractions in Airlie Beach and Proserpine. Most of the passengers will have been greeted by Tourism Whitsundays’...
THE Whitsundays is once again a firm favourite for cruise lines, with 13 ships dropping anchor last month.
More than 30,000 passengers disembarked to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and mainland attractions in Airlie Beach and Proserpine.
Most of the passengers will have been greeted by Tourism Whitsundays’ Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors (pictured), who are overseen by dedicated volunteers to provide a positive and welcoming experience for arrivals.
The program was started by local community members in 2004, and today consists of 35 volunteers who meet every ship coming into Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.
The Ambassadors are easy to spot in iconic blue floral Hawaiian shirts, where they wait at the top of the jetty or at the bus stop, ready to greet guests with a warm Whitsundays welcome, and offer directions to all the highlights of Airlie Beach.
Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer Rick Hamilton is hugely appreciative of the work that the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors are doing to welcome cruise guests to the Whitsundays receive.
“The welcome passengers are receiving from our Ambassadors is another reason for them to get off the ship and explore The Whitsundays,” he said.
“Whether they are coming ashore to visit the chemist, have a meal or do some shopping, every dollar is going into our local economy.
“Our volunteers are from all industries but have one thing in common, a love of people and customer service, this is something that isn’t trainable, and we’re fortunate to have so many people who all love helping people enjoy their holidays.”
