Derry has become the first WorldHost Destination City in Britain.
Angela Hughes.
The WorldHost steering group was established in November 2011 with training rolled out across the city from January 2012.
Since then, 3,644 people have been trained with the necessary skills and competencies required for front line staff.
Making the announcement, Angela Hughes, strategy and regeneration manager with Ilex, the urban regeneration company, said Derry becoming the first WorldHost Destination City was a “fantastic achievement” and a “wonderful legacy” following the City of Culture year.
Ms Hughes, who is also chairperson of the local WorldHost steering group, added: “This accolade is down to many local businesses signing up to the customer service training, ensuring that their staff have the necessary skills to provide a world class customer experience.
“I would like to thank all the local businesses and the WorldHost steering group for their hard work and effort, in helping us get where we are today.”
Mayor of Derry Cllr Martin Reilly said the success in achieving the first WorldHost Destination City was because a number of organisations and their employees “proactively engaged” with the programme and had now received a nationally recognised qualification.
He added this has led to an increased sense of pride in the city and with the benefit of WorldHost training, Derry would continue to offer a world class visitor experience throughout Music City 2014.
He added: “We are delighted to celebrate this accolade and will mark the occasion at an official ceremony on 7 March in the Guildhall.”
Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) Industry Development Manager, Carolyn Boyd said the accolade would add to the “positive legacy” of City of Culture 2013 and provide a platform to showcase Board’s “warm welcome and impeccable service to visitors.”
Ana Colgan, WorldHost trainer said: “I am proud of our trainers who delivered the WorldHost programme to participants, ensuring visitors and customers alike have a world class experience in the city.”
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