A new 2-day fully funded training programme to give employees the skills to deliver an unrivalled welcome to visitors to the Liverpool City Region has opened for applications to businesses.

As Liverpool makes a strong tourism bounce back this year as the visitor economy to the region recovers to hit £3.58bn, many businesses are looking for ways to capitalise on the on the rebound.

A new training programme, funded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and delivered by People 1st International, aims to help businesses build key skills of visitor-facing staff to maintain Liverpool’s position as a top 5 UK destination.

Jane Rexworthy, Executive Director, People 1st International comments:

“The UK visitor economy is a highly competitive marketplace so to retain Liverpool’s position in the top 5 visited cities it is important that the region maintains a highly skilled workforce, capable of offering world-class levels of service, not only to international travellers but also domestic visitors.”

Based on the foundations of the globally recognised WorldHost programme that has been used to welcome visitors to some of the highest profile events including London 2012 Olympics and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Hospitality Visitor/Tour Guide programme is designed to share the principles of excellent customer service and ways to communicate effectively with visitors to Liverpool and the LCRCA area.

Jane continues:

“This training is an important, free tool for local businesses, allowing visitor-facing staff to enhance customer service skills and local knowledge to become an ambassador for the region. The programme will ensure that the experiences of visitors are positive and memorable, encouraging people to return and enjoy the region’s world-class hospitality time and again.”

The programme is open to any businesses in the City of Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Wirral and Halton that interact with visitors, including attractions, venues, hotels, restaurants, cafes and passenger transport, to name a few.

The programme covers four key topics:

• Principles of customer service
• Accessible and inclusive service
• Communication skills
• Sourcing information on local attractions and services

To find out more about how your staff can upskill via the ‘Hospitality Visitor/Tour Guide’ programme contact info@people1st.co.uk