“We’re very excited to support and endorse the first ever Conference for Concierges, to be held at the Palazzo Montecasino Hotel on Wednesday, 20 October,” says Lindiwe Kwele, CEO of Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC).
This will be followed by special concierge tours of new Joburg attractions, sponsored by JTC the next day.
“It is of critical importance for frontline staff in accommodation establishments to have a thorough knowledge of our destination - what is available in the line of dining, nightlife, music, culture entertainment, shopping and attractions - as they are that vital link, representing not only the hotels they work for but also destination Joburg to the international tourists and visitors at their hotels."
"Moreover, this ties in perfectly with JTC’s mission of entrenching Joburg as a leading year-round global destination for business and leisure tourism, sporting, music, shopping, cultural and lifestyle events”, says Kwele.
“For the first time in recent years, Joburg took centre-stage with great acclaim - we really excelled at showing all our guests a fabulous time Jozi-style. Indeed, there’s been a positive paradigm shift for our city when it comes to perceptions of everything from lifestyle appeal to safety and security."
"Now it’s incumbent on us to seize the opportunity to maintain the momentum and continue showcasing Joburg as never before in the face of increased overseas media interest and positive perceptions."
"What’s more, the World Cup has left us with a legacy of not only improved infrastructure and unique transport features, but increased hotel inventory and spectacular stadiums we need to fill.”
Inspired by the interest of fellow concierges from around the country, Deon Prinsloo (Guest Relations Manager at The Palazzo Montecasino) saw an opportunity for formalizing a networking process among guest relations and duty managers, concierges and butlers at four and five star properties.
“The idea to host an Annual Conference for us in this “special department” followed after my visits to several hotels around South Africa in February,” says Deon.
“I was pleasantly surprised how enthusiastic people in Guest Relations were to meet and share ideas. I then identified the importance to recognise Guest Relations as a vital part of operations, in need of recognition in the general daily hotel operations. We are also working towards establishing a recognized, official branch for Cleo d’Or.”
