Three local businesses have recently stepped up to the mark to benefit their customers by putting staff through the WorldHost customer service training programme.
Bangor Tourist Information Centre, Quay Marinas – Bangor Marina and Pickie Fun Park have all put staff through the programme to gain this prestigious certification and accreditation in customer service.
First developed in Canada to train 40,000 volunteers and front-line tourism staff for the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, the WorldHost programme aims to give businesses in the tourism, hospitality, travel, passenger transport and retail sectors a competitive edge across the various areas of customer service.
Since 2010, over one million customer-facing staff globally have been trained on WorldHost customer service programmes.
Bangor Marina has become the first Marina in UK & Ireland to receive World Host recognition & accreditation with all the staff gaining the certification and accreditation in; Sales powered by service, Principles of customer service and World Host Ambassadors.
Kevin Baird, Manager at Bangor Marina said, “Our approach toward our customers whether they are from around the world, across the country or from the other side of the Lough forms a lasting impression. Courtesy, friendliness and professionalism are essential ingredients that help us provide a world class welcome to visitors. Through the different WorldHost programmes our staff have learnt new skills and techniques which have encouraged them to take pride in themselves and in the work that they do whilst promoting Bangor as a world class destination.’ He added ‘We are delighted to be the first Marina in the UK and Ireland to receive full WoldHost accreditation”
Bangor TIC has completed Principles of customer care and the WorldHost Ambassadors modules with Pickie Fun Park staff completing the Principles of customer care. Alex Irvine, NDBC Tourism Development Officer said “More so than ever, customer care has to be at the forefront of our service offering. Through WorldHost our staff have been able to improve their skills and knowledge with participation in this internationally accepted qualification and we are sure our customers will benefit from this in the future”.
For more information on the WorldHost Programme, course prices and funding support for training, please visit www.worldhostni.com.