Visitor Information Counsellor

The primary role of a Visitor Information Counsellor is to provide verbal, written & print information to Visitors in a professional, respectful & timely manner. The secondary role is to maximize the economic benefits of tourism by promoting tourism products & services & generating increased tourism revenue in the community. Students will also be involved in working on different Chamber of Commerce events, as well as Visitor Centre Markets and the Parksville Summer by the Sea Street Market.

Duties & responsibilities:

• behave and dress in a professional manner
• greet all visitors to the Visitor Centre in a friendly and professional manner
• answer the phone 
• keep Visitor Centre grounds tidy, keep interior and public restrooms clean, tidy and organized, including the kitchen area
• answer visitor enquiries by mail, email, phone and in person 
• review publications for upcoming events and news of interest to visitors 
• research community information of interest to visitors 
• update files and reference materials 
• keep brochures well-stocked and organized
• monitor publication stocks and notify supervisor when re-ordering is necessary
• post current information of interest to visitors such as Tourist Alert, road, ski and weather reports
• promote local tourism products, services and events
• plan travel itineraries in response to visitor enquiries
• encourage longer and/or return visits to the community, region and province
• book accommodations using the SNBC® Reservations Program (training provided) 
• record data using official Tourism BC forms related to each visitor party enquiry 
• sell retail products including BC Road Map & Park Guides, BC Park Passes, etc. 
• other Chamber of Commerce duties as required

***These positions are for students between the ages of 15 & 30 years of age & that have been registered as a full-time student in the previous academic year & intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the fall (as per Service Canada)***.
We are looking for individuals who are energetic, self-motivated, have a positive attitude, and are resourceful, able to work well under pressure, be a team player, have a passion for the tourism industry, and enjoy meeting and helping people from all destinations in the world. Previous customer service experience plus cash handling, sales and computer knowledge are essential. Applicants must be able to thrive in a fun, fast paced & dynamic work environment.

Other job qualifications:

• Excellent written & communication skills 
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of attractions, events, tourism products and services in the local area, as well as Vancouver Island & B.C. 
• Ability to multitask
• Stock and sell merchandise 
• Handle cash transactions (including point of sale system) 
• Administrative, organizational & time management skills 
• Ability to work in a team environment 
• Promote tourism products 
• Encourage new and return visits 
• Gather information and develop new resources 
• Answer questions and provide information specific to region or site
• Ability to remain calm and organized under pressure in a fast paced environment 
• Current computer skills including internet, email, Word, Excel and some inter-office computer systems 
• Knowledge of a second language is an asset (not a requirement)

Candidates must also possess a valid BC Driver’s License and have access to a vehicle for the summer & be able to work on weekends.

Application process: please email patti@parksvillechamber.com or fax: (250)248-5210 by Feb. 26, 2010.

Only those short-listed will be contacted. No phone calls please.