Most of us return to a business if we have good customer service and a good experience. Even if you like the product, a bad experience can force you never to return.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could reward those who do get customer service right?
In the tourism community, we strive to increase our customer service efforts at every turn.
Because we live and die by customer service, we expect greatness out of all who make up the tourism community. We help achieve greatness by education and by rewarding positive behavior.
That’s why every year we take time to celebrate the truly exceptional.
This year, at the 17th Annual Tourism Awards & Scholarship Dinner, we’re going to celebrate some of the 24,000 people who work in tourism. It’s also a really fun night where we dress up, eat great food and celebrate our second largest industry.
Years ago someone called it the “Oscars of Tourism,” and I can see the similarities.
The Oscars seeks out the best and brightest stars, films and talent. The tourism awards do something similar, looking for the best of the frontline employees, the best of the managers and the best of those who represent tourism in Savannah.
Last year, we celebrated some amazing talent. The Service Star Award, which normally goes to someone on the frontlines of hospitality, was a tie for the first time.
Nick Webb, server at Lady & Sons, received the award because of his willingness to go above and beyond to serve the guests. Marquelle Jones, host/greeter at the Old Pink House, received the award for his infectious smile and for helping Savannah live up to its “Hostess City” reputation.
Have you been out and about and noticed someone who does their job really well?
The Oscars exposes you to movies you probably would not otherwise see. Tourism Awards helps all of us see some of the hidden gems in the industry.
For example, Wilhelmina Scott won the I AM TOURISM award in 2013. She cleans the Visitor Center on River Street and approaches every person with a great deal of kindness and respect.
One visitor wrote that she was the nicest person the visitor encountered on the
entire trip to Savannah. It certainly isn’t the most glamorous job, but she’s worth knowing.
Even with the similarities, the two obviously part ways.
Tourism Awards celebrates the future of the tourism community by awarding scholarships to students who plan to go into hospitality and tourism. To date, we have given away more than $65,000.
This year, we’re looking for applicants. If you know a student who is working to join one of the many facets of tourism, tell them to apply at www.SavannahTourismAwards.com.
Another dissimilarity from the Oscars, nominations come from customers and co-workers not the Academy. That means that if you know of someone who showcases exceptional service at a restaurant, retail, attraction or lodging property, let us know.
We want to highlight those who do their job well.
Let us know about these special people before Jan. 15. You can nominate them at www.SavannahTourismAwards.com.
We look forward to celebrating greatness.
Michael Owens is president/CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council, the largest non-profit trade organization that supports and represents the tourism industry. Contact Owens at michael@tourismleadershipcouncil.com or by calling 912-232-1223.