26th April 2023
As the owner of Owl Cottage in Middleton-in-Teesdale, providing excellent customer service is a top priority for me. That’s why I recently attended the Welcome to Durham customer service training at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, run by Visit County Durham. The training provided me with invaluable skills to deliver a warm and friendly welcome to customers and visitors, and helped me become a better ambassador for Durham.
The first half of the day was focused on the skills needed to provide excellent customer service. We learned about the importance of active listening, effective communication, and being proactive in anticipating the needs of our guests. We also discussed the different types of visitors we might encounter, including families with children, international tourists, and business travellers, and how to tailor our approach to meet their needs.
One of the key takeaways from this session was the importance of being an ambassador for County Durham. As business owners and tourism professionals, we have the power to shape visitors’ perceptions of Durham and to create lasting memories. By providing a warm and friendly welcome, we can help visitors feel at home and inspire them to explore all that County Durham has to offer.
The second half of the day was led by an experienced Blue Badge Guide and provided an overview of the visitor offers of County Durham. We learned about the County Durham rich history and cultural attractions, including Durham Cathedral and Castle, and many more. We also discussed the importance of working together as a community to promote County Durham and to provide visitors with a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Overall, the Welcome to Durham customer service training was an invaluable experience. I came away with a renewed commitment to providing excellent customer service and being an ambassador for County Durham. I highly recommend this training to anyone involved in the tourism industry in Durham, and I look forward to welcoming visitors to Owl Cottage and helping them discover the beauty and charm of this wonderful region.
Thank you to Visit County Durham for organizing this excellent training session, and to all of my fellow attendees for sharing their insights and experiences. Together, we can make County Durham a truly unforgettable destination for visitors from around the world.
Photo credit: Visit County Durham in the grounds of Auckland Castle
