Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) is led by CEO Filip Boyen, seen here above left, with his predecessor, Jerry Inzerillo, ongoing Deputy Chairman of FTG as well as CEO of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Diriyah Gate project, on the outskirts of Riyadh.
FTG this Monday introduced a new set of complimentary Back-to-Work Best Practice guidelines, coupled with a new Virtual Training program to support luxury hospitality establishments globally with post-quarantine service changes. Both resources have been launched to assist hospitality professionals in re-imagining luxury service while following national and local government policies related to the pandemic. They follow FTG’s recent poll of 1,200 hospitality professionals, where 67% of respondents said they expected significant changes in service delivery due to the pandemic.
The newly published guidelines are intended as a living document to provide guest-service guidance for hospitality experts as they re-open for business. FTG has taken a considered approach to address elements of guest service in: Cleanliness & Sanitation, Communication, Social Distancing, Food Presentation Safety, Health & Hygiene, as well as Touchless and Limited-Contact Services. The guidelines also include helpful service hints that illustrate how best to apply the recommendations while maintaining an exceptional level of service.
Forbes Travel Guide’s team of certified trainers will deliver the new virtual training program, just like Forbes Travel Guide’s existing and renowned in-person training sessions. The program incorporates post-quarantine best practice. It is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and French and covers all hospitality departments and levels of profession. There are 35 topics to choose from, in a customizable virtual format which includes many interactive elements.
Amanda Frasier, FTG’s Executive Vice President, Standards and Ratings, said, “We have stayed connected with Star-Rated properties over the past few months and can see how overwhelming it is trying to adopt government and brand guidelines. There’s one common concern amongst the properties, which hasn’t been addressed within the myriad guidelines – and that’s how to maintain luxury service amid the new health protocols.”
Jeff Wielgopolan, Senior Vice President of Learning & Development, Forbes Travel Guide, added, “Excellence in service is Forbes Travel Guide’s founding principle. We are sharing these insights and resources, so that properties can keep delivering positive and meaningful experiences for their guests, while inspiring them with confidence.”
The two initiatives follow Forbes Travel Guide’s complimentary Hospitality Strong eLearning Webinars, which end on June 25.
