The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee is hosting a ‘Manx Hospitality Day – Excellence by Working Together’ at the BEST WESTERN PALACE HOTEL AND CASINO on Thursday 16 April from 1 – 5pm in a celebration of the Manx hospitality sector and its employees. As well as a number of industry professional presentations and exhibitions, the meeting will also feature a special presentation from Jane Urquhart entitled “7 Star Belief, 7 Star Service, 7 Star Isle of Man”.
A renowned industry expert, motivational speaker and founder of one of the UK’s most prestigious household staff training and recruitment agencies, Jane Urquhart Limited, Jane Urquhart operates in the world of private households, villas, yachts and jets, top hotels and establishments where client expectations of their staff are of the highest and where discretion, a
quality personal service and attention to detail is the key.
Designed to engage and promote all those who work within the hospitality sector, this inaugural event provides a series of informative and inspirational presentations by some of the sector’s most highly qualified speakers. It will enable those who work in hospitality in a visitor facing capacity to provide outstanding assistance to their guests, to consider the further career development training that is available on-Island and meet others involved in the sector who also promote the visitor economy as ‘ambassadors’ for tourism.
A specialist programme has been designed by Chamber of Commerce organisers to provide a comprehensive outlook on the sector. Presentations will include an address from Manx National Heritage entitled ‘2015: What’s On, What’s Different’, a discussion of relevant issues around social media from Ashgrove Marketing, as well as a motivational presentation from local entrepreneur Phil Taylor of Rock Food Concepts: the group presiding over 14 North, Little Fish Cafe and Bath & Bottle. Other highlights include a guide to further training opportunities from the Isle of Man College of Further & Higher Education and, to close, the event’s headline presentation from Jane Urquhart.
It is the hope of the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee that Manx Hospitality Day will become an annual calendar event and will continue to support local businesses in the tourism sector in their bid to provide a 7-Star service and 7-Star guest experience. The tourism sector provides a range of employment opportunities and also supports local businesses in encouraging external investment and further diversification of the Manx economy. The benefits of tourism to the Island extend far beyond visitor accommodation and direct spending, and have a positive effect on a number of local, ancillary businesses which provide products and services to hotels, bars, restaurants and other tourist hotspots.
The consistent refinement and growth of the Island’s hospitality sector is, therefore, a central component of the Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development’s Vision2020 strategy because this will lead to a more prosperous Island economy which will benefit all residents.
Commenting on Manx Hospitality Day, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee, Sara Richards, said: “The Tourism Committee is dedicated to working with Government to promote growth in all aspects of the visitor economy and to encourage better understanding of its value to the economy of the Island as a whole. The development of close working relationships between different sectors of the industry and crucially, those who work in it, are considered vital to the success of the aims and objectives set by the group, and an event such as this is the perfect opportunity to nurture those relationships. We are also very proud to welcome a number of expert speakers who will no doubt provide a fascinating insight into current visitor expectations and also help to reinforce our opinion that the Isle of Man is not just a centre of business excellence, but also a world class destination for visitors of any interest.”
Also commenting on the event was Jane Urquhart: “I do believe that the Isle of Man is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Its rich natural and cultural heritage is self-evident in every detail, but what I really hope to communicate to the audience is that, ultimately, it’s the people and the service they provide which leaves the greatest impression on their guests. In many ways, mine is a motivational presentation. I hope to impart to our hospitality professionals a sense of confidence and self-belief in their offering which is commensurate with the attributes of this stunning destination. Together, we can then build a bright future for the visitor economy, and upon a foundation which is true to the unique personality of the Island and its ambassadors.”
For further information, please call the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee on 674941 or contact sararichards@manx.net
To reserve a place: e-mail julie.stephens@iomchamber.org.im.
Photo - Jane Urquhart, event guest speaker.
