The new look, incorporating bespoke purple blazers and trilby hats, has been introduced following the fifth anniversary of the service, which was launched in August 2013.
The Ambassadors provide an invaluable on-street visitor welcome service. They also help to spot and report issues in the city centre, such as graffiti, littering, and problems with street lighting and other street 'furniture', sending reports directly to the relevant authorities and keeping abreast of them until they are fixed.
From 1st April, the service has been delivered by Visit Cambridge and Beyond (VCB) on behalf of Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), who continue to fund the initiative. The joint venture heralds a new closer working relationship between VCB and Cambridge BID, who have a shared focus on creating a world-class experience for all who visit, live and work in Cambridge, a global city.
Emma Thornton, CEO of VCB said: “We’re extremely proud of our ambassadors. Over the past five years they have helped create a safe and welcoming environment for the thousands of visitors who’ve come to Cambridge every year. VCB is now delivering this service on behalf of Cambridge BID, to join up our visitor welcome.”
Ian Sandison, Chief Executive of Cambridge BID said: “Our goal was to develop a coordinated visitor welcome with VCB. Our friendly team of Ambassadors are a great addition to the city. As well as the professional welcome they give, they also play a vital role in ensuring the city operates as it should, reporting environmental issues and liaising with businesses on Cambridge BID projects and activity.”
Over the last five years the Ambassadors have greeted and assisted more than 250,000 visitors to Cambridge. Come rain or shine, they are on duty 363 days a year, each covering an average of 10 miles a day.
During the summer season, from April to September this year, the number of Ambassadors increased from four to seven, and they expanded their reach to incorporate a permanent presence at the train station, one of the key gateways to the city.
“With their smart purple blazers, striped ties and distinctive hats, our Ambassadors will be a highly visible presence on the Cambridge streets. We wanted to create a new look and identity that reflected the spirit of the city,” added Emma.