World Host Training

DRIVERS at a Llanelli taxi firm have been given world class training in customer relations to boost tourism.

The drivers, from DR Taxis Minibus and Coach Hire have taken part in a pilot project for World Host Training put on at Parc y Scarlets by Carmarthenshire County Council’s regeneration and leisure department in partnership with Coleg Sir Gar and People First.

Council marketing & tourism development officer Hywel Davies said: “It was World Host Training and we were training taxi drivers to the same standards as for the Olympics Games.

“This was a pilot scheme with DR Taxis who will start doing tours of the county and taking people to Pembrey Country Park on trips. They have been awarded a certificate.

“We will be getting feedback before deciding whether to roll out the training.”

DR Taxis owner Carol Rees said: “The World Host Training was excellent and well delivered. The customer services training was an extra opportunity for the drivers and they thoroughly enjoyed the course. Thank you to Carmarthenshire County Council for doing an awesome job.

”We are doing trips within the county to demand but we have also sorted out different things. We are going to do the National Botanic Garden and are targeting tourists coming into the area. As of Monday we will be doing a daily minibus return trip to Pembrey Country Park starting at 9.30am and coming back at 5pm.”

Carmarthenshire executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to put on this pilot scheme for World Host Training and that it has been so well received by DR Taxis.

“Olympic standard customer service can add so much to people’s enjoyment of a visit to Carmarthenshire on top of everything else the county has to offer.”