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DOT Prepares St. Croix for Influx of Cruise Passengers
DOT Prepares St. Croix for Influx of Cruise Passengers
ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, October 30, 2008 - The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is leading a number of initiatives to ready St. Croix for the return of cruise ships beginning November 28. In conjunction with the Economic Development Authority, the Department of Tourism is sponsoring two training workshops designed to prepare local business leaders and their front-line employees for the arrival of cruise passengers.
The first workshop, "Coaching for Exceptional Service," will help business managers and supervisors acquire the tools necessary to develop a sustainable culture of service excellence and high employee morale. The half-day session takes place on Monday, November 17, first from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and again from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The second workshop, "Delivering World-Class Service," takes place on Tuesday, November 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. This session will allow front-line employees to engage in interactive exercises as they learn the skills needed to effectively serve their customers in a world-class manner. The course focuses on proven service industry concepts and techniques that ensure customer satisfaction.
Both seminars are being offered free of charge and will take place at Carambola Beach Resort. Bryan Williams, a Virgin Islander and former Corporate Director of Training and Organizational Effectiveness at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, will lead the workshops. Williams, who now runs his own training and consulting business in Washington, D.C. believes it is crucial for businesses to distinguish themselves through exceptional service.
Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty urges all those who come in contact with cruise passengers from government employees, taxi drivers and retailers, business owners and restaurant workers to take advantage of the training. "We want to ensure that everyone has the necessary tools to achieve success." She added, "I am confident that St. Croix will succeed if we all endeavor to deliver the highest level of service to our visitors."
In August the Department of Tourism and Economic Development Authority hosted the Preparing the Path conference on St. Croix aimed at readying the community for the return of cruise ships. The conference, attended by nearly 200 participants, covered topics from customer service and tour operations to marketing native arts and crafts and starting a business. The November workshops were subsequently planned based on interest and feedback from conference attendees including cruise line executives. For more information and to register for the customer service workshops contact the Department of Tourism at (340) 772-0357 or e-mail lajames@usvitourism.vi.
To create greater awareness within the St. Croix community about the return of cruise ships, the Department of Tourism has also launched a major local advertising campaign themed, "St. Croix - It's our Time to Shine". The campaign includes daily ads counting down the days to the arrival of the first cruise ship, as well as print and radio ads featuring members of the St. Croix community. The campaign emphasizes community pride and the importance of a good first impression.
The Department of Tourism continues to work closely with other government agencies to ensure readiness. The Virgin Islands Police Department has assured a strong police presence to address concerns about passenger security. Housing Parks & Recreation has renovated restrooms at Frederiksted Beach. Public Works is focusing on roads, sidewalks and other improvements, while Port Authority has recently completed maintenance including replacing all fenders on the pier.
The first workshop, "Coaching for Exceptional Service," will help business managers and supervisors acquire the tools necessary to develop a sustainable culture of service excellence and high employee morale. The half-day session takes place on Monday, November 17, first from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and again from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The second workshop, "Delivering World-Class Service," takes place on Tuesday, November 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. This session will allow front-line employees to engage in interactive exercises as they learn the skills needed to effectively serve their customers in a world-class manner. The course focuses on proven service industry concepts and techniques that ensure customer satisfaction.
Both seminars are being offered free of charge and will take place at Carambola Beach Resort. Bryan Williams, a Virgin Islander and former Corporate Director of Training and Organizational Effectiveness at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, will lead the workshops. Williams, who now runs his own training and consulting business in Washington, D.C. believes it is crucial for businesses to distinguish themselves through exceptional service.
Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty urges all those who come in contact with cruise passengers from government employees, taxi drivers and retailers, business owners and restaurant workers to take advantage of the training. "We want to ensure that everyone has the necessary tools to achieve success." She added, "I am confident that St. Croix will succeed if we all endeavor to deliver the highest level of service to our visitors."
In August the Department of Tourism and Economic Development Authority hosted the Preparing the Path conference on St. Croix aimed at readying the community for the return of cruise ships. The conference, attended by nearly 200 participants, covered topics from customer service and tour operations to marketing native arts and crafts and starting a business. The November workshops were subsequently planned based on interest and feedback from conference attendees including cruise line executives. For more information and to register for the customer service workshops contact the Department of Tourism at (340) 772-0357 or e-mail lajames@usvitourism.vi.
To create greater awareness within the St. Croix community about the return of cruise ships, the Department of Tourism has also launched a major local advertising campaign themed, "St. Croix - It's our Time to Shine". The campaign includes daily ads counting down the days to the arrival of the first cruise ship, as well as print and radio ads featuring members of the St. Croix community. The campaign emphasizes community pride and the importance of a good first impression.
The Department of Tourism continues to work closely with other government agencies to ensure readiness. The Virgin Islands Police Department has assured a strong police presence to address concerns about passenger security. Housing Parks & Recreation has renovated restrooms at Frederiksted Beach. Public Works is focusing on roads, sidewalks and other improvements, while Port Authority has recently completed maintenance including replacing all fenders on the pier.
Anthony for Virgin Islands On Line