Welcome to the Nanaimo Hospitality Ambassador Program, your Guides to the City!
Tourism Nanaimo prides itself in providing an exceptional welcome to visitors and first-class visitor information, regardless on where we interact with visitors in town. You can meet our Hospitality Ambassadors in their bright blue shirts at all cruise ship visits, at the Visitor Centre, at community events, conferences and sport tournaments.
With 80+ dedicated volunteers, the Nanaimo Hospitality Ambassador Program is a flagship program and one of the largest of its kind in BC. It was highlighted as a best practice example of mobile visitor servicing at the 2019 Destination BC Visitor Services Network Conference. Tourism Nanaimo is proud to have this amazing group of Ambassadors supporting their efforts to innovate visitor servicing in Nanaimo.
Do you love Nanaimo and want to share your knowledge of our city with visitors? Want to be an integral part of helping visitors make unforgettable memories while they are visiting Nanaimo and Vancouver Island? We look forward to receiving your application.
Please also read through the Ambassador Handbook below or follow the link to Hospitality Ambassador Handbook directly (it will get you to the same document). The Handbook gives you more information on what we do and expect, and what we offer our volunteers.
For more information, please contact Helga, our volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@tourismnanaimo.com or call at 250-751-1556.
I would like to volunteer
Get Social
General Interests
Mobile Information Booth (summer)
We are adapting to the changing times and are happy to announce we will be operating two mobile units this summer. These mobile units will be stationed along the harbourfront and on commercial street and will have COVID-19 safety protocols in place.
2hour and 4hour shifts will be available
Visitor Centre Ambassador
As a Visitor Centre Ambassador, you get the opportunity to engage with locals and visitors from around the world and inspire them to plan memorable experiences across Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. Ambassadors are an essential part of providing personable, authentic and passionate customer service and are the “Face of Tourism” in Nanaimo. Interact with local residents and visitors by extending a warm welcome and providing information about activities, accommodation, services, events and more will become second nature. If you are looking for a volunteer role where you meet people from around the world, learn about new things happening in the community and are part of a team that promotes this beautiful area, this position is for you!
Commitment: Days are flexible, but an approx. 4hour weekly commitment is required. Locations: 101 Gordon Street (mostly from Sep-May)
Street Team Ambassador
The world of visitor information centres and visitor servicing is changing, so that destinations are looking for new ways to engage with visitors in a more proactive and effective way. Meaning not to wait until the visitor comes to you, but rather bring the information to where the visitor is. The Street Team Ambassadors (minimum in pairs) will wander key areas in downtown Nanaimo such as the waterfront, Commercial Street and Old City Quarters in the peak summer months to assist visitors with information and directions while they’re already out exploring Nanaimo. If you an outgoing and outdoor loving person who is good on foot, and doesn’t mind approaching people, this is a great opportunity to play an active role in Nanaimo’s tourism landscape.
Commitment: 2hour shifts each, mostly late June to Labour Day Thursday-Sunday, asking for a minimum 10hour commitment through the season
Cruise Ship Ambassador
NOT AVAILABLE in 2021!!!
The Cruise Ambassadors are dedicated volunteers who are keen to ensure that cruise passengers make the absolute most of their short stay when they disembark in Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. On cruise ship days the Ambassadors can be found greeting passenger, guiding people to the complimentary shuttle buses, handing out maps and brochures, giving advice on local attractions and events and handing out Nanaimo Bar samples. The Nanaimo Cruise Ambassadors are crucial in providing the “White Glove Service” on cruise ship days that Nanaimo has become known for. Passengers are incredibly appreciative of the level of service they experience while in town. So if you’re looking for a fun filled day of showing of beautiful Nanaimo to cruise passengers, this if the volunteer opportunity tailored to you.
Commitment: 4hour shift on cruise ship days + a cruise specific training session
Event Booth Ambassador
As a Special Events Ambassador you will represent Tourism Nanaimo at community events, festival, sport events and conferences. Ambassadors will welcome event attendees and visitors to Nanaimo and offer information on Nanaimo’s attractions, event details, accommodations and other fun facts. Similar to cruise ship days, Special Event Ambassadors will be on the ground helping visitors to explore Nanaimo to the fullest and exceed their expectations. If you are an outgoing and enthusiastic person who is passionate about Nanaimo and Vancouver Island and loves to meet new people, this is a fun way to connect to your community and enjoy what Nanaimo’s events have to offer.
Commitment: approx. 4hour shifts, mostly between May – Oct. We’re asking for a minimum 20hour annual commitment.
Conference Ambassador
NOT AVAILABLE in 2021!
Nanaimo has several premium conference facilities and hosts a array of conferences and meeting throughout the year. Hospitality Ambassadors are often asked to provide delegates with information and suggestions on what to do pre-, and/ or post conference.
We usually set up a booth and staff it during registration and/or break times.
Commitment: shifts are usually short, at times even less than an hour; registration hours can be quite early or late at times. Shifts are only assigned as they are feasible
What we do!
- We support event organizers, local community events, sport tournaments, cruise ship visits and conferences with mobile and stationary on-site visitor information and hospitality services, in an effort to contribute to Nanaimo’s development as a preferred, year- round destination for leisure visitors, and to support the growth of the visitor economy.
- We aim to improve community relations with visitors and grow support for tourism businesses in the city by fostering a destination-wide culture of quality service and welcoming atmosphere.
- By providing resources, training, product knowledge and first-hand experiences, we aim to create a strong and passionate group of community champions.
