First National Tourism Customer Service Week launched

The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Hon. Mark Okraku-Mantey has revealed that the Tourism component of the “Obaatanpa” project will be used in the training of foreign language skills development programs for frontline staff in key tourism establishments in the country.

He added that the training which will begin with the French language will enhance interactions with francophone visitors.

Hon. Mark Okraku-Mantey made the statement at the launch of the first National Tourism Customer Service week held today at the Labadi beach hotel in Accra on the theme: “redefining excellence through service experience”.

According to him, the Ministry will also upgrade and target different skills-set including management of facilities, tour operators, chefs, GPRTU drivers and frontline staff.

He urged stakeholders to prioritize customer experience saying “word of mouth is the most promotional or destructive material in the service delivery chain”.

“Customer service plays a pivotal role in the tourism sector hence stakeholders must be responsive and reliable in their dealings with clients”, he added.

The National Tourism Customer service week would be held from 4th – 8th October 2021 to recognize and appreciate employees and customers and also to highlight the roles and importance of customer service in the tourism sector.

Mr Caleb Kwofie, a leading official of Excellent Services Foundation, expressed great satisfaction with customer service delivery in the service sector in Ghana adding that despite the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, customer service professionals are still at the post to provide services even at the peril of their lives.

Mr Bella Ahu, president of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), commended the sector Minister for his 1 million job initiative.

To her, this is feasible because a satisfied customer will engage in repeat tourism and this in her view means return visits and further help build our brand and also create jobs.

There were also solidarity messages from the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Tourism Federation, representatives from the High Commission of Rwanda and Malta and Labadi beach hotel.