Tourism providers '˜can deliver a world class customer service'
The course was part of the Coastal Tourism Hub, covering Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey and Larne and developed by the Meadowbank Road-based agency.
The hub initiative has 30 participants drawn from a range of areas including the B&B, self catering, coffee shop and sports club sectors.
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Hide AdThe course, delivered by Northern Regional College, was designed to give staff the skills to deliver a warm and friendly welcome to customers. Content covered included Principles of Customer Service.
The group also participated on a familiarisation trip to improve their knowledge of local landmarks and attractions. This included visiting The Gobbins and Carrickfergus Castle.
Kelli Bagchus, manager of Carrickfergus Enterprise, said: “The hub is designed to highlight many of the hidden gems on the coastal route which are perhaps not often visible to potential visitors.
“By completing World Host training, our local businesses are geared up to ensure that they can provide world class customer service to visitors to the area.”
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Hide AdCertificates were presented to course participants by the outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Borough, Councillor Bill Ashe. “Our citizens are already well known for their ability to deliver a warm, friendly and genuine welcome to customers and other visitors alike, so it is especially pleasing to officially celebrate local success through World Host Ambassador training,” said Mr Ashe.
The Coastal Tourism Hub is in its final stages with participants benefiting from a range of support over the last 12 months including social media training and ICT support to implement online booking systems as well as mystery shopping and mentoring. A visitor map for the area was recently published.