The top benefits of completing VisitAberdeenshires ‘Know your destination’ Online training modules!

In our continually evolving Tourism industry, one of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve is the knowledge and skills of your frontline staff. These staff are the face of your business and much of the time, the only people your visitors will interact with during their time at your business. The expertise of our workforce plays a critical role in not only the experience guests have at your business but also our destinations reputation and perception. To help with both matters, VisitAberdeenshire developed a suite of online training modules designed to boost awareness of what our region has to offer, making sure your team can confidently speak to visitors and deliver excellent customer service. 

Below, we have looked at 6 benefits of having yourself and your staff complete the training, and why doing so helps your business, your people and our region. 

A look at to expect in the modules -

The Know your destination training is split into five carefully curated modules, each focusing on a different aspect of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire: 

Each module is designed to be user-friendly, accessible on various devices (PC, tablet, or mobile phone), and can be completed at the learner's own pace. Completing all the training can take anywhere from 1 hour to a few hours depending on pace. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate to showcase their new skills. 

1. Boost Visitor Satisfaction 

In the tourism sector, visitor satisfaction is very important. A positive experience can turn a one-time visitor into a repeat customer and an advocate for the destination. When your team are well-versed in the local attractions, history, and culture, they can answer visitor questions with confidence and provide tailored recommendations that enhance your guest’s overall experience. Whether it’s helping visitors find the best local restaurant for them, recommending a great walking route, or explaining the significance of a historical site, knowledgeable staff can really make a visitor’s stay unforgettable. 

By taking part in the training modules, you’re not just equipping your staff with facts and figures; you’re giving them the tools to create positive, lasting impressions on your guests. Leading to higher visitor satisfaction, which in turn reflects well on your business and the destination. 

2. Increase Dwell Time and Spend 

One of the key challenges in the tourism industry is encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more. Knowledgeable staff can play a crucial role in this by suggesting additional activities, attractions, and experiences that visitors might not have considered originally. The more time visitors spend exploring the destination, the more they are likely to spend on local products, services, and experiences. 

For example, a guest who initially planned to stay in Aberdeen for a day might decide to extend their visit after learning about some nearby adventure opportunities in Aberdeenshire or the availability of local food and drink experiences. This not only benefits your business but also contributes to the broader local economy. 

3. Encourage Repeat Visits 

The ideal situation for any business is to turn first-time visitors into repeat customers. When your team provide exceptional service and insightful information, visitors are more likely to have a memorable experience and consider returning. Our training modules equip your team with the knowledge they need to become true ambassadors for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, creating an environment that encourages repeat visits. 

Imagine a visitor who discovers the rich culinary heritage of the region, because your staff took onboard the information in the food and drink module. Unique, personalized experiences often leave a lasting impression, prompting visitors to return and explore even more of what our region has to offer them on their next trip. 

4. Promote Word-of-Mouth Recommendations 

In the time of social media and online reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations have never been more important. Satisfied visitors are more likely to share their positive experiences with friends, family, and their online communities. By ensuring that your team are well-trained and knowledgeable, you increase the chances that visitors will leave glowing reviews and recommend the destination to others. 

Word-of-mouth referrals are invaluable in attracting new visitors and building a strong reputation for both your business and the region. Our training modules empower your staff to provide the kind of exceptional service that generates these positive recommendations. 

5. Enhance Destination Reputation 

The reputation of a destination is shaped by the collective experiences of its visitors. Every interaction between your staff and a visitor contributes to this reputation, making it crucial that your team is well-prepared to serve as ambassadors for the region. By completing our training modules, your staff will gain a deeper understanding of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, enabling them to present the destination in the best possible light. 

A positive destination reputation not only attracts more visitors but also fosters a sense of pride and community among local businesses. As your staff help visitors get the most out of their stay, they contribute to a growing reputation that benefits everyone involved in the tourism industry. 

6. Support Professional Development and Boost Job Satisfaction. 

In addition to the benefits for your business and the destination, our training modules offer advantages for your staff's professional development. By gaining new skills and knowledge, employees can enhance their career prospects within the tourism and hospitality industry. The certification they receive upon completing each module serves as a valuable credential, demonstrating their expertise and commitment to excellent customer service. 

Staff who feel knowledgeable and confident in their roles are likely to experience higher level of job satisfaction. Being able to provide excellent service and answer visitor queries effectively can lead to a more rewarding work experience day-to-day.  

Don't just take our word for it -   

"We highly commend VisitAberdeenshire's tourism training modules. The resource has proven exceptionally engaging for Aberdeen Taxis and its drivers, offering valuable insights and enhancing our commitment to providing excellent service. Kudos to VisitAberdeenshire for a job very well done!" 

Chris Douglas, Director, Aberdeen Taxis 

In today’s competitive tourism and hospitality landscape, investing in your team is one of the best ways to contribute to the success of your business. Our ‘Know your destination’ online training modules offer a comprehensive, accessible, and effective way to enhance your team’s knowledge of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, empowering them to provide exceptional service to visitors. 

By signing your staff up for these modules, you’re not just improving their skills; you’re boosting visitor satisfaction, increasing dwell time and spend, stimulating repeat visits, and contributing to a positive reputation for the destination. You’re also supporting their professional development and increasing their job satisfaction, leading to a more motivated and effective team. 

The training is free, flexible, and accessible on any device, making it easy for your team to complete at their own pace. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your staff into enthusiastic ambassadors for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire—sign them up today and see the benefits for yourself!