Aarhus now has 1,300 locals who will greet cruise guests, show them attractions and help at events
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Travellers visiting Aarhus in Denmark will now be welcomed to the port and shown around the city by a team of 1,300 local volunteers when they disembark their cruise ships.
VisitAarhus created the ReThinkers volunteer group a couple of years ago to help it support the city’s tourism sector, which has been growing significantly since 2011. Following another increase in visitors after Aarhus was the European Capital of Culture in 2017 and a donation from the Sailing Funds organisation, the tourism authority has expanded the group to 1,300 volunteers for 2018.
The initiative in Aarhus is first of its kind in Europe – other European cities tend to only recruit volunteer teams when they are hosting special events. Although there are similar city-based volunteer efforts in Vancouver, Canada and Melbourne, Australia, they do not have as many local volunteers as Aarhus.
”We are extremely happy that 1,300 locals have said yes to continue volunteering as hosts for the city's guests,” said Peer Kristensen, director of VisitAarhus. ”Not only because it is a good story and strengthens a good guest experience, but also because it demonstrates the unique unity and dedication we have created in Aarhus. We have a reputation of doing things in our own way and ReThinkers is a perfect example of this.”
The ReThinkers volunteer team will provide year-round services, welcoming cruise passengers to the port, showing them around the city and assisting at concerts, festivals and other cultural events. They will be recognisable by their blue t-shirts and ’Ask me’ badges.
”Since 2010, Aarhus has evolved considerably as a cruise destination,” said Nicolai Krøyer, chief commercial officer for Port of Aarhus. ”In 2010, only two cruise ships and 4,300 guests called in Aarhus. This year, the number of cruise ships is expected to be 41 and the guest number to increase to almost 100,000. ReThinkers assist in ensuring a positive development for Aarhus as a cruise destination as they, in addition to cultural experiences, beaches and beautiful nature, provide guests arriving in Aarhus with an authentic and personalised service and welcome from the local community.”