News

WorldHost awards for Tourism trade members

WorldHost awards for Tourism trade members

Tue, April 24, 2018

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Tourism Team recently hosted a WorldHost training programme for members of the tourism sector.

Participants, including those working in accommodation, visitor attractions and eateries took part in the initiative which aims to develop customer service skills and ensure positive visitor experiences.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “I’m delighted Council can now provide this important programme through our fully trained member of staff as we continue to look at new ways to provide practical support to our hospitality partners. Our beautiful landscapes and visitor attractions have helped to make us Lonely Planet’s Number One place to visit this year and we want to ensure this is matched by first class customer service. I would like to congratulate all those who completed the course and offer my thanks for their commitment to ensuring the Causeway Coast and Glens remains a top tourist destination.”

World Host trainer and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Trade Engagement Officer Vicky Stevenson said: “Customer service is becoming increasingly important for businesses, especially those in the hospitality and tourism sector. Research by People 1st found that 61% of those businesses think customer service will be the most important staff skill over the next five years. 

“With The Open Golf Championship coming to Royal Portrush next year, the Causeway Coast and Glens destination has an opportunity to grasp huge economically benefits for the future. We need to ensure that our visitors have an excellent experience from beginning to end which makes them want to return. Providing first class customer service and ‘going the extra mile’ is key to that.

The WorldHost training course covers the key principles of customer service, including the communication process, effective listening skills, making an excellent first impression, businesses that ‘wow’, the value of the visitor economy and accessing local visitor information resources.

Course participants included representatives from Bushmills Distillery, The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, The Fullerton Arms, Ballintoy, The Peppermill, Cushendall, Limavady Visitor Information Centre and Blackrock House Bed &Breakfast in Portrush.

Further WorldHost training sessions will be held over the coming months.  Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses that are interested in attending the next session can find out more and book their place by contacting engagement@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

More information about WorldHost training can be found at www.people1st.co.uk/worldhost  

World Host trainer and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Trade Engagement Officer Vicky Stevenson pictured with those who recently completed the WorldHost customer service training programme: Tony McLaughlin, Graeme Watton, Dara Watson, Selena Hagan, Diane Cairns, Julie Dixon, Kate Payne, Michaela Lau, Annie Leech, Laura Fleming and Colleen Cochrane.