Fun quiz will help tourism businesses become ‘landscape ambassadors’

A new initiative aimed at encouraging tourism providers across the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to become ‘landscape ambassadors’ launches today.

Booker Common – Photo by Jack Whitfield

Developed as part of “Our Land” (www.our-land.co.uk) – a sustainable tourism initiative celebrating the UK’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks – this new fun quiz is designed to equip those working in tourism with sound knowledge of the special features of the Chilterns.

The free online quiz (http://knowour-land.co.uk) takes the form of themed multiple-choice questions that test the knowledge of tourism providers about the Chilterns AONB. It can be used by anyone working in the industry – from hoteliers and attractions, through to cycle hire companies and visitor information staff. The general public are also welcome to have a go.

A wide range of topics are covered, including wildlife, historic buildings, landscape features, famous people, accompanied by some stunning images. After successful completion, participants can print out and display their own ‘Landscape Ambassador for the Chilterns’ certificate.

There are 126 businesses across the Chilterns, including nearly 50 in south Oxfordshire, who are signed up with Our Land and who are committed to ensuring visitors have an excellent experience and a positive interaction with all aspects of their local landscape – from the food they eat, to the people they meet; and from the buildings they visit, to the history and heritage they learn about. They are also signed up to support a more sustainable tourism industry through a variety of activities, including supporting local suppliers and producers, encouraging use of public transport, and contributing to wildlife conservation.

Claire Forrest, Information and Interpretation Officer, Chilterns Conservation Board said: “Here in the Chilterns we offer visitors special places to stay and things to do in a cherished and beautiful landscape. The Landscape Ambassador Training initiative will help tourism providers tell the story of their landscape, this will make people’s visit even more special, real and memorable.”

In addition to the Chilterns AONB, the new landscape ambassador training initiative is available across eight other protected landscapes: Cotswolds AONB; High Weald AONB; Isle of Wight AONB; Kent Downs AONB; New Forest National Park; Surrey Hills AONB; and South Downs National Park.

Any tourism business wishing to find out more about Our Land and the new training initiative should contact Claire Forrest on 01844 355521 or email: cforrest@chilternsaonb.org