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Hotels focus on service, training

A six-pronged attack will provide the thrust for the revitalisation of the hospitality industry.Tourism executives, hoteliers and unions have earmarked several key areas which they believe are the key to laying the foundation for a new Bermuda hotel trade.

A six-pronged attack will provide the thrust for the revitalisation of the hospitality industry.

Tourism executives, hoteliers and unions have earmarked several key areas which they believe are the key to laying the foundation for a new Bermuda hotel trade.

The areas, which come under the Hotel 2000 umbrella, are seen as vital as the industry builds a new culture of mutual respect and partnership.

And the importance of acceptance of the new vision has been stressed by hoteliers who see its compliance as vital if the Island is to recover its tourism position.

Without a new way of doing business and giving the customer a better holiday per dollar than competing destinations, they fear the industry may fail.

Central to the new ethos -- designed by the Monitor Company -- are initiatives to look at service, job roles, skill development, recruitment, compensation and discipline and grievance.

Each area is linked and is seen as interdependent for success.

The service sector recognises that Bermuda has a small visitor base and will aim to deliver a high value holiday to those people.

The vision statement says: "Because of the high price of a Bermuda holiday, we must deliver services that rival or exceed those of world class competitors.

"Because dramatically lowering our prices is not a possible solution, we must instead make our high costs more worthwhile.'' Improvement is needed, it says, in the quality of locations, staff knowledge, transportation, and especially in world class guest service, dining, room amenities and entertainment.

To do this, Monitor says, hotels need to invest in their human capital, redefining job roles, specifying what is required from individuals and creating more rewarding positions.

Staff will be called upon to take personal responsibility for their own position and there will be cross-utilisations from different departments to ensure the customer receives the best treatment.

Training will become part and parcel of daily life, with help from the Bermuda College, Bermuda Industrial Union and Government, giving each employee a chance to improve their skills -- increasing motivation.

Recruitment will aim to find and maintain a core of staff year round, with the emphasis on attracting qualified Bermudians, supplemented by highly skilled foreigners -- who are expected to transfer their skills to locals.

A new compensation model will link guaranteed starting salaries, gratuities and benefits to a variable productivity element.

Finally, a discipline and grievance task force will endeavour to turn the procedure into a positive influence by promoting a safe, rewarding environment.

Training will be provided and joint committees will increase communication in a bid to reduce incidents and resolve disputes in a mutually beneficial way.

In addition, there will be new career paths for employees, making the hospitality industry more attractive to Bermudians.

Successes and failures Customer Criteria where Bermuda's Offerings Are Superior Safety 37% Accessible Taxi Service 34% Change of Pace/Relaxation 24% Making Guests feel welcomed 22% Sunbathing 21% Customer Criteria where Competitor's Offerings Are Superior Activities for Children -71% Spa -69% Local entertainment -49% Health Club -42% Room Amenities -26%