Sally Kruger is the ultimate professional.
A travel agent in Atlanta for 25 years, she moved to Savannah and has been working the concierge desk at the Hyatt Regency Savannah for the past four years.
She is often the first person visitors ask about what to see and do in Savannah and she takes pride in both her knowledge of the city and her people skills.
Like most professionals, she wants to continue to learn and polish her skills.
Kruger was among a group of guest services professionals who shared their interest in ongoing education and communication with the Tourism Leadership Council. The result is the newly formed Coastal Concierge Association, which will have its first meeting in the Aqua Star Seafood Kitchen at the Westin Savannah Harbor on Tuesday.
“This has been a long time coming,” Kruger said. “Savannah is such a great city for tourism, and all the other big tourism cities have professional concierge organizations.”
Concierge groups have come and gone over the years, she said, but they were mostly social organizations.
“We will still socialize, but our focus will be on education and training,” she said. “We want this to be the kind of organization people want to be part of.”
Michael Owens, president and CEO of the TLC, agreed.
“Tourism is a big business in Savannah,” he said. “We have always sought to promote communication and professional conduct among the industry’s front-line staff.
“There have been organizations in the past, but this one will have more teeth and be more inclusive.”
In addition to Kruger, organizing members of the council are Teresa Berry of the Westin, Renae Scott of Old Savannah Tours and Susan Reese of Paula Deen Enterprises. While the council’s early focus is on those workers who are the first to “meet and greet” visitors, it will eventually expand to everyone involved in the tourism field, Owens said, adding that Concierge Nights will be held monthly at different hospitality venues.
“It gives the hosts an opportunity to showcase their particular brand of hospitality while participants enhance their knowledge and communication skills,” he said.
David Moses, public relations manager for The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort, said his hotel is delighted to host the first Concierge Night next week, while TLC provides the training porton of the program.
“It will be a night of education and new culinary experiences,” he said. “We will come together to learn something new about our craft, as well as learn what our guests can do around town.”
Owens hopes it will serve as a building block to grow Savannah’s unique brand of hospitality.
“We want to make sure our front-line staff knows all the things that make Savannah one-of-a kind, whether it’s First Friday on the River or a new exhibit at the Jepson Center,” he said.
“The best way for our professionals to elevate their craft is through education and connections with one another and the rest of the industry.”
IF YOU GO
The first Concierge Night, open to all front-line hospitality workers, will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Aqua Star Seafood Kitchen at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. There is no cost, but reservations are requested. RSVP by emailing Teresa.berry@westin.com.
