Tourism chiefs call for ‘passion at work’

Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) said many people would be visiting the UK for the first time and it was important to create the right impression to encourage them to return.

The half-day Yorkshire Passion courses resume in March and have been completed by more than 2,500 delegates since being introduced in 2008.

Sandie Dawe, chief executive of Visit Britain, said it was vital to offer the right welcome during the games.

She said: “Getting the quality of our welcome and service right is going to be really important to the long-term success of the 2012 Games, especially as many visitors will be coming to the UK for the first time. Their experiences here need to be good enough to encourage them to return to the UK and recommend it to their friends.”

The courses include plays created by John Godber and are designed to improve the quality of service and workers’ knowledge of what the region has to offer.

Companies which have taken part include The Deep, St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, Premier Inn and Sewerby Hall and Gardens. VHEY said they had experienced improved customer relations and staff motivation since taking part.

Janet Reuben, VHEY chief executive, said: “2012 is going to be a very exciting year for tourism in this country, and Hull and East Yorkshire will be ready to offer our visitors the warmest welcome. Yorkshire Passion has had a superb impact on this region’s tourism industry and motivated thousands of people to enhance visitors’ experience of this region.”

The first course is at Pocklington Arts Centre on March 6. To book or find out more call 01482 486600.