THE BADGE OF HIGH Quality customer service that helps boost tourism has been earned by Forres and its surrounding area.
The Moray town has received WorldHost status after a number of businesses in and around Forres signed up to a programme of customer care training.
That demonstrated their commitment to providing excellent customer service to existing and new customers – and earning them a certificate which demonstrates to visitors that they take customer care seriously.
WorldHost is an internationally recognised programme bringing about a new industry benchmark that businesses and their operators can use to ensure that high quality customer service standards are integral to their operation. It has already been used to train over 10% of Scotland’s tourism workforce and represents an investment of over £2million since it was launched in Scotland.
The Moray Economic Partnership is leading the roll out of the initiative across Moray, under its Tourism and Culture Group with its goal to have MoraySpeyside awarded WorldHost Regional Destination status.
Debbie Herron, Local Development Officer of Forres Area Community Trust said: “As we move into spring and the start of what we hope to be a busy tourist season, we are delighted to have gained WorldHost Recognised Destination status for Forres and Logie showing our commitment to good customer service.
“Whilst we all pride ourselves on offering a warm welcome to visitors, this certificate demonstrates to the visitor that we take customer care seriously and that they can be assured of a warm welcome.”
Laura Hanson, Director of Babalu said: “As a small business, good customer service is vital to our survival, despite many years in the business I did still pick up some tips and hints.
“I think that taking part in the World Host training will be a benefit to my business and will help Forres gain WorldHost status which will hopefully encourage more visitors to visit our beautiful town.”
For more information, prices and for a course near you see: www.facebook.com/morayspeysideworldhost where you can also fill out an application form.
The companies who earned WorldHost Status
Babalu; Cameron Taylor Consulting; Ray’s Opportunities – Community Café; East Lodge; Forres Area Community Trust; Gordon and MacPhail (Benromach); The Mosset Tavern; Oh How Sweet; Philip’s Fine Food and Canary Dwarf have received WorldHost Destination Status.
Logie Steading: Logie Steading Bookshop; Logie Steading Art Gallery; Logie Estate; Hellygog craft shop; Iolaire print and design have achieved WorldHost Destination Status.
Around Forres: Cairngorm Leaf and Bean; Phoenix Café and the Loft.
Pics courtesy Padkirk Images.