Llanelli taxi drivers take time to build their tourism knowledge

One firm of Llanelli taxi drivers took time out over Easter to discover Carmarthenshire’s hidden gems.
It’s all about DR Taxi drivers increasing their “knowledge” and making sure they can better inform or suggest to their passengers some great places to see that they might otherwise miss.
From cuddling chocolate spotted piglets at the Agri Tourism Cwmcrwth Holiday Cottage Farm to studying flocking Flamingos at Penclacwydd; uncovering the secrets of her Ladyship’s Chamber at Llanelly House and learning of the 2,000-years of magical power and influence at Newton House and the medieval deer park in the grounds.
Partner in Stepney Street’s DR Taxi’s, Carol Rees, said working with Carmarthenshire council’s touring department they were giving added value training to 16 of their drivers to become Carmarthenshire Ambassadors.
“As a result our drivers can now offer visitors high quality customer service and a warm and friendly welcome to our county.”
Carol said the idea had been spawned by American couple who when visiting Llanelli popped into their Stepney Street booking office looking for a ride out to Kidwelly Castle.
“Our driver was able to regale them with lots of anecdotes about local history and other castles in the county. They were so impressed hearing about Carreg Cennen Castle and seeing literature and pictures he was able to produce from a pack in his taxi they decided their quickly expiring holiday did not allow them time to do all the things our driver had inspired them to do.
“They said they would be coming back to visit Carreg Cennen.
Lowri Jones of Carmarthenshire Tourism Association said this was an example of how local people played a vital role in welcoming visitors, giving them positive experiences, memories to take home and in this case, a reason to return.
“There are 86 official county ambassadors across the county and they are encouraging people to spend in the area, stay longer or return with the result the whole region benefits.
“The Carmarthenshire Ambassador scheme was initially part of our European funded Rural Clusters project. Based on its success we are hoping to recruit and train even more.”
The county’s tourism team are designing taxi seat head covers and new literature holders for vehicles to build on the success of the ambassador’s scheme.
Details of all Carmarthenshire Ambassadors are listed online at: www.visitcarmarthenshire.co.uk/ambassadors.cfm