Queenstown Resort College (QRC) CEO Charlie Phillips said the main focus of the day-long Spirit of Queenstown course would be to ensure all visitors to the resort had a quality experience, helped by effective communication of the region's history.
"This is done by equipping people with good quality knowledge; letting them identify how to understand the real needs of the visitor, how to connect and engage with all cultures - and just maximise the opportunity of the visitor," Mr Phillips said.
"By being knowledgeable and having a clear understanding of the visitor's needs you are able to channel a good outcome for that visitor."
After consultation with local businesses and bodies such as Destination Queenstown, QRC decided on course content based around the myths, legends and history of the Wakatipu region.
"It's about bringing these stories to life, understanding the origin of Queenstown visitors - where they're from and how they get here - and being able to communicate across cultures," Mr Phillips said.
He said QRC's vision was that any frontline service or retail salesperson who came in contact with visitors would take the course at some time during the year.
An introductory version of the course will start on February 1, and Mr Phillips said further courses would take place monthly or, ideally, fortnightly.
The day-long course will cost $99, but discounts may be negotiable for businesses.
Spirit of Queenstown course quick facts:
• William Rees' original settlement at what we now call Queenstown was simply known as "The Camp".
• Frankton is named after Williams Rees' wife Francis.
• Nicholas Von Tunzlemann and William Rees were the first farmers in area, and arrived at the top of the Crown Range with barely a toe nail between them, ripped to shreds by Matagouri after weeks of travelling to find their promised land.
• Hayes Lakes is named for Douglas Hay, one of the first European explorers, and so, Lakes Hayes should really be spelled Lake Hay's.
• Arrowtown was originally named Fox's after William Fox.
