Cruise ship visitors to Geraldton, Western Australia, can look forward to even better shore experiences thanks to new training, funded by Tourism WA, according to a press release. 

The specialized short training program, delivered by Tour Guides WA, will be offered to Geraldton community members interested in becoming an accredited Western Australia Shorex Guide.

Tourism WA’s cruise spokesperson Christine Cole said tour guides have a very important role to play in the overall success of a cruise itinerary.

“Cruise lines consider unique landside visits an integral element of the overall cruise experience,” Cole said. “Tour guides conducting shore tours need specialized skills to make sure cruise passengers have a memorable visit.”

Tour Guides WA will deliver a specialized one-and-a-half day training program they have developed to provide a pool of cruise ready WA Shorex Guides.

Once they have completed the training, these guides will be assessed to hold and maintain Guiding Organisations Australia’s Tour Guide Accreditation, affiliated with the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, and recognized internationally.

President of Tour Guides WA, Cherie Toovey, will facilitate the training program.

With almost twenty years’ experience in the tourism industry as a tour guide, Toovey has been recognized for her extensive industry knowledge and skills, and has provided training for guides at WA landmarks including Rottnest Island and Parliament House.

Over the last four years, Toovey has facilitated Tourism WA’s State-wide delivery of three phases of ‘Welcoming Cruise Passengers to the West’ workshop across the State’s nine active port destinations.