Tourism Northern Ireland recently held its training day (Thursday 1 September 2016) for the new round of WorldHost Ambassador Workshop programme delivery at Balloo House in Killinchy, recognising that the borough of Ards and North Down has a fabulous reputation for its food and drink: from growers and producers to suppliers and places to consume.

Tourism Northern Ireland recognises the value that customer service along with great food can deliver for any business and is co-operating with Ards and North Down Borough Council to deliver a bespoke programme which presents a golden opportunity for front-line staff to develop their skills and knowledge to power sales in local businesses this year.

The WorldHost Ambassador Workshop gives staff and volunteers the skills to deliver a warm and friendly welcome to customers and visitors, and is particularly focused on their role as an ambassador for their local area. WorldHost Food Ambassador is a recognised and accredited training programme tailored specifically for Northern Ireland’s acclaimed food and drink industry.

Louise McKinstry, Tourism NI said, “We are delighted that Ards and North Down Borough Council have seized this opportunity to shine a light on, and invest further in both their people and their food”.

Candidates will learn how to equip themselves with knowledge about what’s on offer in their local community which can take their service to another level. They will be encouraged to think about what is available in the local area, and how a positive and enthusiastic attitude can have a real effect on the visitor experience and ultimately, visitor spend.

2016, as the Year of Food and Drink offers the perfect opportunity to showcase produce, tastes, venues and to shout about our home-grown classics and to spread the word about our amazing chefs and restaurants, building a legacy for Ards and North Down as the destination of choice for a fabulous food experience.

The programme will commence in the autumn and details can be obtained by visiting www.signalni.com or contacting Ards and North Down Borough Council on 028 9147 3788.