Page 51 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2016

FRONT-LINE employees across the Gulf Coast can now participate in Coast Champions, a program aimed at training workers to be hospitable, as well as, knowledgable about our area. Positively impacting tourism on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and giving visitors a reason to return is what it’s all about.
Tate, Hancock County Welcome Center supervisor and Coast Champion participant. “The program spends additional time ensuring that local tourism leaders are knowledgeable
of what the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding area have to
offer. The program promotes the value of providing the tourist with information, which in turns delivers an additional economic impact to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
In regards to sharing her tourism knowledge with her colleagues,
Tate said, “The Coast Champions provided special training as well as vital information to help our front-line employees. The program has allowed individuals in my workplace to speak
from experience and explain the hospitality industry in detail.”
One example that really spoke to Tate was the numbered shrimp signs that can be found at many stoplights across the Coast. She and her coworkers are able to use these markers when giving directions to visitors. “The program made it exciting to be a part of the economic impact in the growing and beautiful area of the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” she concluded.
Teckie Hinkebein, director
of marketing at the Gulfport-
Biloxi International Airport, also participated in the program. “Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is a major entry point for tourists
and visitors, so providing excellent
customer service and a positive
first impression is paramount,” said Hinkebein. “Participating in the Coast Champions program allows our welcome center volunteers
and our frontline staff members to assist passengers in a helpful and meaningful way that will ultimately enhance their visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
The Coast Champions Hospitality Development Program has already affected the area in a number of positive ways; from the way the Coast functions as a tourism destination
to how effectively it is able to serve visitors. To request a workshop for your company, visit: www.gulfcoast. org/partners/coast-champions.
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
June 2016 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 51