The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) has launched a new tourism-focused version of its bestselling Guest Service Gold® training and certification program designed to arm all hospitality and tourism employees with the skills they need to deliver high-caliber service to every guest, every time.

In a digital world where 9 out of 10 travelers think reading online reviews is important, and 70% of travelers who use review sites look at up to 20 reviews in the planning stages of their trips, it is essential that tourism businesses deliver experiences that lead to positive reviews. And what leads to a five-star review? According to a survey of 1,800 top-rated venues, 72% of five-star ratings cited great service, while only 11% of top reviews cited value or cleanliness.

Guest Service Gold® Tourism demonstrates how tourism employees can use seven guest service elements to connect with guests in ways that create memorable encounters and repeat business. Topics are:

  • Recovery: Turn it Around
  • Personalization: Provide an Individualized Experience
  • Knowledge: Be in the Know
  • Passion: Inspire Others
  • Commitment: Be All In
  • Inclusion: Include Everyone
  • Personality: Be Yourself

"Today's travelers are quick to share their experiences—good or bad—online. It's absolutely essential for every tourism venue to be committed to delivering amazing guest service that visitors will want to rave about," said Lawrence J. Lynch, FASAE, CAE, senior vice president, certification & operations, National Restaurant Association. "Guest Service Gold® Tourism teaches tourism professionals seven ways to impress guests and inspire repeat business."

The training prepares individuals to earn the Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP®) designation, held by nearly 40,000 hospitality employees worldwide. Properties and tourism businesses that certify all guest-facing staff can become Certified Guest Service Properties.

Guest Service Gold® Tourism is offered in print and online formats. English and Spanish versions are available. For more information, visit www.ahlei.org or contact [email protected] or 1.800.349.0299.

About the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)

Established in 1953 as the nonprofit education and training arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), AHLEI's mission is to be the preferred provider of quality resources to educate, develop, and certify hospitality educators, students and professionals worldwide. AHLEI became part of the National Restaurant Association" Training & Certification division in 2017, connecting and leveraging the resources of two organizations that are deeply committed to a vision of career success and upward mobility for current and future hospitality, restaurant, and food service employees.