18th May 2009 - 00:00
Abstract
Lancashire Police officers are joining the tourism frontline as the whole town comes together to provide better service to visitors and boost the local economy.
Workers in customer-facing jobs across the entire seaside destination are taking up the Welcome to Blackpool training course, delivered by Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board in partnership with Blackpool Council. Some 3,000 people are set to complete the course over the next two years from organisations including Northern Rail, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Blackpool Hilton, Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool International Airport, Pontin's, Leisure Parcs and Blackpool Leisure Beach, plus many more hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, pubs, retail and leisure attractions' owners and staff. Chief Superintendent Russ Weaver said: "We share the same goal of making Blackpool a welcoming and thriving destination for tourism. Our officers meet thousands of visitors face-to-face throughout the year and through this initiative we can make a real difference to their stay." Mike Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, said: "Acquiring good customer service skills is key to the successful revival of our resorts, as increasingly discerning and demanding customers look closer to home for their annual holiday or short break. Great customer care will distinguish one resort from the next and this pioneering programme is equipping local people with the knowledge and experience to take full advantage of the rise in 'staycations', helping maintain Blackpool's reputation as the UK's most popular seaside destination." The course gives customer-facing staff wide-ranging product knowledge on what to see and do, how to travel around, where to eat and drink, and where to shop. Training incorporates core customer service skills so people can communicate effectively with domestic and overseas visitors, understand their needs, and provide advice and information in an inspiring way. Course participants learn about: - the history and heritage of Blackpool - identifying transport routes to and within the resort - key visitor attractions, sport and active leisure facilities, parks and open spaces - entertainment options and shopping facilities and what they offer - major annual events - the wide range of hospitality services in the resort - key destinations and attractions along the Fylde Coast - plans for Blackpool's future