THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 9, 1996 TAG: 9605090425
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
The Dare County Tourist Bureau and the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce unveiled plans Wednesday for a program aimed at making residents better hosts to out-of-town visitors.
The Tourism Certification program involves developing a ``visitor/customer first'' attitude among tourism-related businesses in the county.
Dare County Tourist Bureau President Warren Judge said the new program's benefits will extend beyond the tourism industry.
``In the long run, a more formal approach to visitor service will mean increased revenues and business opportunities, a more stable work force, and an enhanced reputation for excellent service with visitors and residents alike,'' Judge said.
The new program is expected to be fully implemented by early 1997. The Dare County Tourist Bureau has budgeted $30,000 over the next two years for the program.
Alvah Ward, executive director of the bureau, stressed the importance of customer service in the industry.
``A study from the North Carolina Division of Travel and Tourism ranked friendliness next to value as the most important factors in choosing a vacation destination,'' Ward said. ``We want to show visitors how important they are to us.''
The program will include a multilevel training program for business employees, annual certification renewal and a ``train the trainer'' program so that the program could be shared with part-time workers.
``The Outer Banks has a great tradition of Southern hospitality,'' Ward said. ``As it becomes more and more competitive to get those discretionary travel dollars, improving our visitor service can only increase local business.''
John Bone, executive director of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, said there is also the possibility of a joint effort with the College of the Albemarle that would allow participants to gain college credit for their work. A six-member steering committee will formulate the program.
``The chamber has put a big emphasis on training,'' Bone said. ``At one time, we brought the Walt Disney people in and trained 500 people. Others have not been as successful. We hope this will be our most successful effort.''
KEYWORDS: TOURISM OUTER BANKS by CNB