The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism coordinates a
statewide
guest service training program that provides free tools to
help educate frontline employees regarding local attractions and
activities. Tourism workers are educated about things to see and do in
their communities so that they can better inform visitors and encourage
them to stay longer.
The goals
-
To increase customers' satisfaction with an Arkansas vacation
- To better inform industry personnel regarding local and state attractions
- To improve customer service in tourism
The incentives
"Welcome to Arkansas" is based on providing incentives for
frontline employees to learn more about what there is to see and do in
their towns and across the state and to share the information with
visitors. Representatives of lodging properties, chambers of commerce,
A&Ps, CVBs, and Welcome Centers help identify exemplary employees who
provide extraordinary
customer service in tourism.
How it works
Participating communities receive "Welcome to Arkansas" lapel pins, laminated area information
cards, and access to Arkansas video content, to be shared with area
businesses.
Through these free materials and grass-roots participation, local
tourism industry workers unite efforts to attract and retain tourists.
Communities are asked to:
- recruit local lodging, restaurant, and attractions participants;
- distribute the supporting materials to these organizations;
- recognize outstanding employees; and
- procure local incentives to reward those who display exemplary hospitality.
Each community appoints a "point person" to coordinate the team to
accomplish these traveler service actions. Incentives are as simple as inexpensive gift
certificates to gas stations, restaurants, or grocery stores. All
recognized employees are entered to win a grand prize given away at the
annual Governor's Conference on Tourism.
Training is available
The Department offers "First Impressions," an excellent
training program that educates both the employer and employee about
what can be accomplished through superior customer service in tourism. A trainer
comes to the community to conduct a session for the work force,
explaining traveler service skills and concepts needed to make hospitality top priority
every day.
Participating is easy
To learn more about bringing the "Welcome to Arkansas" program
to your community, contact Scott Sudduth at scott@arhospitality.org or
501-376-2323.
For information on the "Hospitality in a Heartbeat"
training, contact Kristine Puckett at Kristine.puckett@arkansas.gov or 501-682-1676.
