Victorian Town at Work member Roger Blackburn (at left) points out features of the Oamaru historic precinct outside the landmark Criterion Hotel to business representatives who will become ambassadors promoting attractions and events in the Waitaki district, especially during the Rugby World Cup later this year.
They were part of a group of about 50 representing a broad range of 40 Oamaru businesses taking part in ambassador training this week by the Waitaki Development Board and Tourism Waitaki.
Events manager Jan Kennedy said the aim was to train people in frontline businesses about what was available in Oamaru to see and events to attend.
"We want to get people, particularly free independent travellers, to stay in the town and take in our attractions instead of just passing through," she said.
While initially aimed at the influx of visitors for the Rugby World Cup in September and October, it would be ongoing after that.
Visitors calling into Oamaru shops and businesses would be told what the town had to offer.
