In an effort to raise customer service standards across the territory, the Tourism Department held training events last week on St. Thomas and St. John, and organizers were thrilled with the response. More than 600 people participated, the Tourism Department indicated in a press release issued Tuesday.

A total of 400 members of the public and 150 police officers attended customer service workshops. About 100 people attended the third annual Small Hotels Conference.

"We are thrilled with the level of participation in last week's events," Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson Doty said. "The large showing demonstrates the strong interest in professional development of our workforce and a commitment by business owners to enhance their product through customer service, organizational efficiencies and creative marketing."

Topics covered in the Small Hotels Conference included marketing and public relations, energy efficiency, safety and security, property enhancements, hospitality research and customer service. Discussions were led by expert panelists from both the Virgin Islands and abroad.

The customer service workshops were conducted by service expert Bryan Williams of BW Enterprise. The workshops focused on techniques to deliver world-class service by engaging customers in a consistent manner.

"Anyone can decide to provide excellent service on any given day, but providing world-class service requires a commitment to consistently giving excellent service at each and every opportunity," Williams said.

At the close of each workshop Williams led participants in the territory’s customer service pledge. People interested in taking the pledge can do so online at www.usviservicepledge.com or by contacting the Tourism Department at 774-8784.