Memorial Hall becomes 300th World Host business

Angela Hughes, Ilex, Sammy Gamble, Department of Employment and Learning , Billy Moore, The Apprentice Boys of Derry, Carolyn Boyd, NITB and Ana McColgan, WorldHost, pictured at the Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall as they become the 300th business in the city to receive WorldHost recognition.

WorldHost is a prestigious customer service training programme being run by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in partnership with the Sector Skills Council, People 1st and the Department for Employment and Learning, the training programme offers the skills and competencies required for front of house staff, positioning the city and Northern Ireland as a world class tourist destination.

Billy Moore, General Secretary of the Apprentice Boys Association said he was thrilled to accept this prestigious recognition award on behalf of the members who completed the training programme.

“It is a unique coincidence to be the 300th business in the city to have completed the training, especially as we celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Apprentice Boys organisation.

“We do hope and trust that we can continue to provide a positive visitor experience to everyone who enters the Memorial Hall. We commemorate a very special event in the history of the city and the Association is proud to share its traditions with the entire community,” he said.

To sign up to WorldHost or to learn more about it, contact Ana Mc Colgan on 07786433203 or email [email protected].

Highlighting the significance of the milestone, Ilex’s Strategy & Regeneration Manager Angela Hughes, chairman of the local WorldHost steering group, said: “Being a part of this programme gives staff the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in the art of customer service, promoting a positive sense of pride in your business, your community and the city to create a legacy for 2014 and beyond”.

DEL Operations Manager for Skills Solutions, Sammy Gamble, said: “All of the staff working in tourism and hospitality need the right skills to ensure that visitors have the very best experience from the moment they arrive here, to the minute they leave. NITB Industry Development Manager, Carolyn Boyd said: “The WorldHost training programme is helping local businesses develop key customer care skills which are vital in raising the overall standard of the visitor experience in Northern Ireland. I commend the Apprentice Boys of Derry on reaching this milestone as Derry~Londonderry continues towards becoming Northern Ireland’s first WorldHost Destination City”.