Press releases

THERMAE BATH SPA PREPARES FOR INTERNATIONAL GUESTS

26 June 2006

Thermae Bath Spa held its first in-house Welcome International course recently, prior to their opening and in preparation for their international guests.

The aim of the one-day course in Bath was to give Thermae’s frontline staff confidence in welcoming international visitors. The 15 members of staff were taught how to welcome visitors in a range of languages including French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese, and spent time learning about other cultures.

The Welcome International course that is organised by South West Tourism, is designed to assist businesses from the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sectors in providing their staff members with greater confidence in meeting and greeting international visitors in another language. This is something that is extremely important to the team at Thermae Bath Spa and South West Tourism.

Peter Rollins, Sales and Marketing Manager for Thermae Bath Spa, said:

“Visitor interest in Thermae Bath Spa is not only coming from the UK but also from all over the world. Therefore, in order for us to be able to offer first class customer service to all our visitors, the staff have successfully participated in the Welcome International course, and we look forward to welcoming our international visitors with confidence. It was a fantastic course; and a thoroughly enjoyable day.”

Helen Jones, Training Co-ordinator of South West Tourism, said:

“Tourism is a ‘people industry’ with customer service right at the heart of what makes a good holiday, and ultimately what encourages visitors to return year after year. Businesses that invest in training are enhancing their staff skills by ensuring they obtain a new valuable qualification in addition to increasing their confidence, motivation, and making them feel more valued.”

The course is delivered through open and in-house training programmes by high-quality and experienced trainers who use a variety of training activities to ensure an interesting and enjoyable day.

The course provides a basic introduction to key phrases in two languages from Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Norwegian and Spanish. Participants also develop an appreciation of cultural differences to assist them in improving service standards.

Tourism businesses that are interested in attending a one-day Welcome International course or would like to organise an in-house package should contact Helen Jones, Training Co-ordinator of South West Tourism on: 01392 353 240 or email: hjones@swtourism.co.uk

 

ENDS

For more media information please contact Liz Dale in the South West Tourism press office on: 01392 353 218 or email: pressoffice@swtourism.co.uk

 

Notes to Editors:

South West Tourism is a partnership of private enterprise and both local and central government. We work to encourage the promotion and development of tourism in Bath, Bristol, Bournemouth/Poole, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire (including Cotswolds & Forest of Dean destinations) and Wiltshire.

www.swtourism.co.uk

Developed over the last 10 years, the ‘Welcome to Excellence’ programmes are designed to improve the quality of service provided by tourism organisations, increasing their competitiveness and productivity. The full programme consists of seven one-day training courses: Welcome Host; Welcome Host Plus; Welcome All; Welcome E-business; Welcome International; Welcome Line; and Welcome Management.

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