Invitation to become Welcome Ambassador

Offering this is one way that Outer Hebrides Tourism (OHT) is leading the development of the region as a world class tourism destination, recognising that outstanding customer service is absolutely key to sustaining this.

Ian Fordham of OHT commented: “The Outer Hebrides is famous for our Hebridean hospitality. We want all visitors to our islands get a taste of that welcome and hospitality.

“We want them to tell family and friends what a fantastic and friendly place this is and to come back again and again!”

‘Our Hebridean Welcome’ was launched at OHT’s annual conference late 2015 by James Rusk, Chairman of Glasgow Welcomes and is now available to anyone interacting with visitors in the Outer Hebrides in all tourism-related businesses, large or small.

Businesses and individuals are invited to sign up and be part of making sure visitors get the best Hebridean experience possible.

The training is Outer Hebrides specific, although covering just a small selection of what is on offer to visitors, with some key tips on great customer service.

It also encourages participants to continue their own research afterwards to find out more about what their local area has to offer.

A great way to train new or seasonal staff, participants can dip in and out to suit, completing this online training in less than two hours, building their awareness of some of the sights, activities and places around our islands for tourists to enjoy.

Ending with a set of multiple choice questions, on completion they receive an ‘Our Hebridean Welcome’ certificate.

The interactive training programme has been developed with support from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CNES), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), VisitScotland and Skills Development Scotland.

Alison MacCorquodale of CnES said: “We hope businesses will recognise the importance of excellent customer service in enhancing the visitor experience.

“Our islands have so much to offer and this training will further ensure that visitors leave with positive tales to tell of their holiday in the Outer Hebrides.”

Joanna Peteranna of HIE added: “Our Hebridean Welcome is a fantastic training tool, not just for tourism businesses, but for everyone who comes into contact with visitors to our islands.

“Highlands and Island Enterprise recognises the importance of people as part of the visitor experience and is pleased to be collaborating to support OHT in delivering this project.”

For more information about the training programme go to: website