Meet Karlskrona's Ambassadors
Karlskrona's inhabitants are proud of their city. Over the past 20 years there have been several initiatives to create ambassadors for the World Heritage site.
Meet Ann-Kristin Woltil and Tomas Pärlklo who have participated in an ambassador training. An initiative they hope will continue.
Ann-Kristin Woltil: Being a World Heritage Guide is a Big Mission
Why are you an ambassador for Karlskrona's World Heritage?
I was born in Karlskrona but have lived abroad for 30 years and gained perspective on my hometown. Since I previously worked as a guide, it was natural for me to register for the training to become a certified World Heritage guide. I have also attended the DUNC project's ambassador training. It was good because it attracted a wide audience and spread awareness of our beautiful World Heritage.
What does it mean for you to be an ambassador?
I feel like an ambassador for Karlskrona, regardless of education. I am very aware of the uniqueness of our World Heritage and the ambassador training made me realize that it is important that more people are aware. We have to constantly remind them of the World Heritage.
In what way do you make a difference as an ambassador?
I think I make a big difference. Being a World Heritage Guide and Ambassador is my main task and a big mission in my life. For me, it's a lot about showing the living World Heritage, telling what it's like to live here, what it has been like and what the future looks like. I talk about this in my everyday life, when I have guests at home. It is a message I spread every day.
Is there any topic you are particularly interested in?
My broad academic background and age mean that I have a lot to tell you about as a guide. I like to talk about how the civilian society and the military society have always lived in symbiosis with each other. It is the entire naval city, not just the shipyard, naval base and fortifications, which is the naval city of Karlskrona.
Do we need more ambassadors?
All of us who live here should be ambassadors. We should be aware of and proud of the World Heritage, but also think about how we can use our World Heritage to contribute to Karlskrona's welfare. Over the last ten years, tourism has increased and the city has become more open. At the same time, we need to ensure that tourism is sustainable so that it is possible for future generations to come here.
Is it possible to book you for a guided tour?
Yes, you book via visitkarlskrona.se.
Tomas Pärlklo: I try to strengthen Karlskrona's Brand
Why are you an ambassador for Karlskrona's World Heritage?
I grew up in Karlskrona and love my city. I signed up for the ambassador training because I saw the opportunity to gain more knowledge about the World Heritage. We were a group that got to join guided tours and learn more about the city. In addition, the participants in the group had knowledge in different areas, so we had interesting discussions.
What does it mean for you to be an ambassador?
It means I have been given a beautiful title. Jokes aside, it feels fun and a little responsible that I get to talk a lot about Karlskrona when I get the chance. I have facts and knowledge. It has a positive impact, for example on how we welcome our residents and visitors.
In what way do you make a difference as an ambassador?
I try to strengthen Karlskrona's brand, show that it is attractive to live and work here. The brand needs to be constantly maintained and developed, and for that purpose ambassadors and World Heritage guides do an important job. When you see the guides, it makes you curious and it shows that the city cares about residents and tourists.
Is there any topic you are particularly interested in?
I am especially interested in the archipelago with everything from guided tours towards Kungsholm's fort to the ferry to Aspö to visit beautiful Drottningskär and the coastal artillery museum. Everything is close by and you are in the middle of the archipelago when you start the journey.
Do we need more ambassadors?
I think it should be replenished with ambassadors at least every two years. We ambassadors must enthuse other people and then it is good to be able to refer them to a course or a forum for those who are interested in the World Heritage Karlskrona. It would be a good investment for the municipality to continue with the ambassador training and it is a privilege to be able to attend it.
Is it possible to book you for a guided tour?
As a World Heritage ambassador, I tell friends and colleagues about the World Heritage as soon as I get the opportunity, but so far it is not possible to book me because I am not a trained guide. When I get more time, I would like to attend the World Heritage Guide training.
Are you interested in becoming an ambassador for Karlskrona's World Heritage?
How to become an ambassador for the World Heritage, karlskrona.se