Taxi drivers' tips for tourists

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A national park is using taxi drivers' natural gift of the gab to pass on helpful tips to tourists about the Brecon Beacons.

Some cabbies are tested on their "knowledge" of a town or city, but the beacons pilot scheme is seen as a way of enhancing the visitor experience.

Called the National Park Knowledge, it aims to provide tourists with details about events and places to visit.

Twelve taxi drivers have been swotting up on a course organised by the park.

Officials said the course focused on offering visitors "a helpful ride to their destination, with information on local activities, attractions, festivals and events and the main walking routes".

The park approached taxi companies a few months ago with the idea, which is also seen as a way of drumming up business for firms.

WHAT TAXI DRIVERS LEARNED Brecon Cathedral was previously a friary, and not made a proper cathedral until 1930Twenty-four lime trees line The Watton in Brecon in honour of the 24th regiment who fought at Rorke's DriftCharles I visited the town in 1642 looking for support. King's Steps in the Struet marks his exitThere are more than 500 protected buildings in BreconDuring the 13th and 14th Century Brecon was a walled town with tolls payable at four gates

Graham Davies, who runs Brecon Taxis, has been a cabbie for 30 years.

He said: "I found the course quite interesting. Having been a taxi driver for 30 years, I know the area quite well. I think the course is very useful for people just starting in the business.

"I did learn something. I didn't know there were tours at Brecon cathedral and out of hours tours can be arranged too."

He added: "I thought it was a very good idea to number the many car parks in the beacons, which will make it much easier for walkers and taxi drivers.

"There's often problems with pronunciation and sometimes people don't know where they are, but if they can say I'm at car park five then there shouldn't be a problem."

The national park said in exchange for the free training taxi drivers would pass on information to advise visitors on how best to enjoy the park.

Annie Lawrie, visitor transport officer for the national park, said she hoped the course would ultimately boost tourism.

She added: "Our local bus and taxi drivers already provide an excellent service to our visitors but this course will give them the opportunity to make it a memorable and knowledgeable service - which we hope will increase the number of visitors returning.

"We've had great fun researching the history of Brecon and we know that there is always something to learn and pass onto others."

Adrian Williams of A and A Cabs said: "It's been a very enlightening course and it will certainly be of benefit to our business and the visitors to the Brecon Beacons National Park."