Orlando, Florida, September 2014-The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) has awarded the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) with the designation of Certified Guest Service Partner. New York is the fourth partner state association (PSA) of the American Hotel & Lodging Association to achieve this status.
NYSH&TA represents 1,300 member businesses and individuals in the lodging and attractions industry. Its mission is to provide a strong voice for the New York state hospitality and tourism industry and to protect and enhance the financial welfare of the industry.
To earn the designation, every member of NYSH&TA’s 10-person staff completed AHLEI’s Guest Service Gold® training and passed the Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP®) exam. Kelly Boucher, NYSH&TA’s education and events manager, participated in AHLEI’s Guest Service Gold® Train the Trainer webinar for PSAs presented by Shelly Weir, AHLEI’s vice president, domestic sales; and trainer Emily Ellis, CHE, CHRE, CHT, in June.
“Having our staff go through the Guest Service Gold® program gave us insight into the program so we are better equipped to help our members make the commitment to setting a gold standard of guest service in New York State,” said Jan Marie Chesterton, NYSH&TA president.