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Hotel staff benefit from Glasgow familiarisation tour

13 Jul 2011

A Glasgow hotel has taken advantage of an innovative initiative that aims to give staff an insider knowledge of some of the city’s key attractions. A number of employees at Radisson Blu Hotel took part in the Glasgow Life Welcome Visits after finding about them through Glasgow Service with Style. 

The Radisson Blu staff went along to learn first-hand from guides about the museums in Glasgow, and coupled this with a trip on the city bus tour and a visit to the City Chambers. Following the fascinating trip this week four staff from Radisson Blu gave their views on the tour.

Anna Balewska is HR Co-ordinator and moved to Glasgow four years ago from Poland.

 She says: “I thought the one-to-one tour at Kelvingrove Art Gallery was excellent and it’s great to know what tourists will find out on this tour. 

“I am also delighted that I now know where the new transport museum is. I’d heard a lot about it but I wasn’t sure where it was.

“The whole trip was a great way to see the city and to learn more about the attractions.” 

Rona Stewart is Housekeeping Supervisor. She was born and brought up in Glasgow.

 She says: “It’s great to be reminded about Glasgow's attractions and to find out more about the latest events. I now know what is on offer for tourists – and also for my own family!”  

Robert Anton is Guest Service Manager. He moved to Glasgow two months ago from Durham.

He says: “The whole concept of this tour was great. Not being from Glasgow I was able to see where the main tourist attractions are and it was amazing to see Kelvingrove and the City Chambers, which are stunning buildings. 

“All in all it was a fantastic day, and will certainly help me in my role to look after the guest and advise them about the bus tour and Glasgow attractions."

Doorman John Gallagher was born and brought up in Glasgow.

He said: “The trip has refreshed my memory for all the great places that Glasgow has to offer. My role is vital to the guest and recommending places to go is so important. I am very passionate about what Glasgow has to offer and will always help the guests to head to the best places.” 

One of the key aims of the Glasgow Service with Style project is to give staff the knowledge to help enhance the experience of visitors to the city. A hotel guest or restaurant diner who asks for a recommendation about what there is to do in the city will be impressed by a member of staff who can offer an insider tip or personal endorsement.

Lorna Jackson, who is HR Manager at the Radisson Blu, helped to initiate the tour for her staff, including the Glasgow Life visit. She is delighted by their response and says she is positive that this initiative will improve the experience of guests staying at the hotel.

Stella Callaghan, of Glasgow Service with Style, said: “We're pleased to see businesses taking advantage of the Glasgow Life Welcome Visits and other local knowledge opportunities. Taking part in this innovative familiarisation tour is motivating for the staff. It’s great that visitors to the city will benefit from their enhanced knowledge of what there is to see and do.

“Our aim is for people working in the industry to have increased pride in Glasgow as a visitor destination, and  in turn our visitors will benefit from this. This means that visitors will be more likely to stay longer, spend more and return to Glasgow.” 

To find out more about the Glasgow Life project see Glasgow Service with Style.