Border protection officers got a lesson in customer service skills last week during a two-day session facilitated by the BVI Tourist Board.
Officials from the Immigration and Customs departments and the BVI Ports Authority participated in the “Service Excellence in the Public Sector” workshop on Aug. 28 and 29, according to the BVITB.
“Tourism is so vital to our economic stability that anything that impacts the visitor’s experience in a positive way is a plus,” said presenter Albert Wheatley, owner of the consulting business Service Koncepts. “We use these customer service workshops to educate, train and instil strong principles amongst our public officers to become exemplary leaders on the frontlines.”
Lead trainer Jamila Vanterpool of JV Consultants conducted the workshop, using various exercises to instruct attendees in customer service delivery; influence and persuasion; attitude, demeanour and body language; and dignity, courtesy, professionalism and integrity, the press release said.
BVITB acting Director Malcia Smith Hamilton said, “In order for our tourism sector to remain exemplary, everyone must be on board.”
The BVITB will continue to carry out customer service workshops for public officers, with the next round scheduled for this month, the press release said.