South-west focuses on service

A tourism association for south-west England has stressed the importance of delivering top customer service.

South West Tourism has stressed to local businesses the importance of offering good customer service and a warm welcome to visitors.

To mark national customer service week (October 1st to 7th) South West Tourism released research results showing that standard of service is the fifth most important factor for people planning a holiday.

However when visitors to the south-west were asked to list the aspects with which they were most satisfied during their visit, customer service came 12th out of 14.

South West Tourism said that hospitality and the quality of welcome are "right at the heart" of success for businesses and the regional economy.

Robin Barker, deputy chief executive of the group, said: "The standards of service and welcome remain a top priority across the region, whether in individual tourism businesses or across the broader visitor experience.

"More than ever before the south-west is competing against destinations across the world, hence it is imperative that everyone in the industry makes the necessary investments in ongoing staff and management skills to ensure we offer an experience like no other."

Travel Insurance - Holiday Extras insured over 750,000 people last year and were voted BEST Insurance provider and BEST website by the travel trade.