SuperHost(R) Rebrands as WorldHost(R) Training Services

• Press Release
• Source: Tourism British Columbia, WorldHost Training Services
• On 3:05 am EDT, Friday May 29, 2009

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 29, 2009) - Building on success in over 30 countries around the world since launching previous to EXPO 86, Tourism British Columbia's SuperHost® suite of programs is evolving into WorldHost® Training Services, to better reflect the customer service opportunities of 2010 and beyond. Along with updated training collateral, more focus will be put towards providing customized training solutions for tourism industry partners, while also offering the comprehensive off-the-shelf training which is the hallmark of the programs' success.

"As Host Province for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, we have a unique opportunity to leave a lasting impression on visitors to British Columbia and make this the friendliest games ever," commented Rod Harris, President and CEO of Tourism British Columbia. "Through a combination of well established training programs, Games-specific training and other enhanced customized training initiatives, WorldHost Training Services can play a key role in our efforts to exceed visitor expectations by equipping more British Columbians with effective customer service training."

Among the workshops that have been updated include Fundamentals, Customers with Disabilities and Japanese Service Expectations. In addition, the launch of a new extranet site will increase communication and dissemination of program information to WorldHost Training Services partners, adding to the increased flexibility and efficiency of the new training services. The newest training product is the Ambassador Workshop which starts with teaching volunteers to provide a warm and friendly welcome, and further furnishes them with resources as they interact with and assist visitors in communities throughout the province.

WorldHost Training Services is also partnering with VANOC to deliver Team 2010 training workshops to special partners such as the YVR Airport Authority, the Canadian Border Services Agency, and Translink. The Team 2010 training program was created by VANOC to train volunteers involved in hosting the Games.

"Team 2010 training incorporates a clear and consistent message for participants that will be key to our success as a host destination," added Yavhel Velazquez, Manager of WorldHost Training Services. "By delivering the training to industry stakeholders, we are positioning ourselves for greater industry success throughout Games-time and beyond."

The programs' vision extends beyond the 2010 Games, with a longer term goal to create a legacy program that goes beyond conventional training delivery and helps position British Columbia as a recognized centre for service excellence. The WorldHost Training Services team will capitalize on key learning's from the 2010 Winter Games and other large events to further fine tune new programs to offer.

Tourism British Columbia is a Crown corporation that operates under an industry-led board of directors and is responsible for marketing the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand to the world. To access comprehensive information about the business of tourism in British Columbia and Tourism British Columbia's programs, visit www.tourismbc.com.

Chandel Diebold
Tourism British Columbia - Media Contact
Communications Coordinator
604 660 3757
Chandel.Diebold@tourismbc.com

Yavhel Velazquez
Tourism British Columbia - Program Contact
Manager, WorldHost Programs
250 356 9604
Yavhel.Velazquez@tourismbc.com
www.tourismbc.com