Joe Ordóñez

Trainer

Joe has over 18 years experience training guides and naturalists throughout Alaska. He especially enjoys start-up projects, where companies need a helping hand getting a new tour or project off the ground.

In February of 2008, Joe was invited by the Alaska State Department of Commerce and Economic Development to participate in an educational DVD program. The purpose of the project was to help entrepreneurs interested in securing a cruise ship contract. The project was filmed in Anchorage. Joe described the growth of Rainbow Glacier Adventures and gave helpful pointers. Joe was the only cruise shore excursion representative invited to participate in this program.

Joe has trained guides and tourism employees in Alaska since 1986. In May, 20004 it was with Icy Straits Point in Hoonah, Alaska. Joe was given one week to transform unemployed loggers, truck drivers, and fishermen into eco-guides on their Bear Watching tour. The training was successful.

In 2001, Joe was hired by Royal Caribbean International to develop an Alaska Enhancement Program to teach the on-board guests about Southeast Alaska. He developed six Powerpoint presentations and a tour resources manual covering the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Haines, Skagway, and the Hubbard Glacier. He then trained on-board staff in history, natural history, and present-day issues.

In May of 1999 and 2000, Joe traveled throughout Alaska training Princess Tour staff on the basics of Customer Service. Some groups were over two hundred people.

In 2000, Ketchikan Indian Corporation hired Joe to develop their Bald Eagle and Salmon Hatchery tour program and train their guides.

Joe has also trained guides for Chilkat Guides, Chilkat Cruises and Tours, Gold Belt Native Corporation, Alaska Discovery, Gastineau Guiding Company, and Exploration Cruise Lines.