Tourism NI Delivers Being Big Hearted Training

Designed for those who currently work in the sector, the City & Guilds Level 2 Principles of Customer Service in the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism Industries aims to not only champion excellent customer service but also attract new entrants to the sector.

The course, which was delivered at the HMS Caroline Pump House, supports Tourism NI to deliver on its strategic objectives and priorities with regards to customer service in line with the Embrace A Giant Spirit brand.

It is the aim of the course to address the challenge of training frontline staff and attracting those who may be considering a career in tourism and hospitality challenge.

Those who work in customer-facing roles within the tourism industry play a key role in the delivery of Northern Ireland’s world-famous giant welcome and therefore, it is critical that both they, and the businesses they represent, receive all support possible.

Today’s course covered a number of topics including the tourism sector’s contribution to the region’s economy. It also offered an overview of the Embrace a Giant Spirit campaign, concentrating on Big Heartedness and the role frontline staff play.

Attendees also received an introduction to the range of development materials available to support the delivery of excellent customer service including Tourism NI’s E-learning platform – MyTourismNI. 

Carolyn Boyd, Industry Development Manager at Tourism NI, said: “I am delighted that our partnership with Belfast Met is going from strength to strength as we continue to roll out these accredited courses which are vital to championing excellent customer service in tourism and in attracting new entrants to the sector" 

Mark Rice, Curriculum Business Lead for Hospitality & Tourism at Belfast Metropolitan College, said: “Being Bighearted in Tourism and Hospitality focuses on upskilling existing employees within the sector to deliver excellent customer service aligned to the Tourism NI Big Hearted and Embrace a Giant Spirit campaigns.

“These are designed to enhance the overall visitor experience that Northern Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sector are renowned for.”