Kumasi, April 26, GNA - The Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) has began a series of training programmes to adequately prepare hotels in Ashanti to provide efficient services to the anticipated large number of tourists and visitors they would be hosting during the 'Adae Kese' festival celebrations by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The areas they are being trained in, include customer care, tourist information, legal tit-bits in the hospitality industry, preparing for larger groups and the handling of difficult situations and complaints.

Those taking part are the managers, front office staff, including receptionists, beverage and food supervisors and housekeepers of both star-rated and budget facilities.

Mr Charles Osei-Bonsu, acting Deputy Executive Director, Finance and Administration, GTB, noted that the 'Adae Kese' was not just simply about Kumasi or Ashanti but as he put it, "it is Ghana that would be on show".

He therefore asked the hoteliers to ensure that the traditional Ghanaian hospitality was translated into professional hospitality in their establishments.

"Let us remember to be mindful of the fact that in the hotel industry, there is no second chance for the first impression". Mr Osei-Bonsu said any lapses and poor services could therefore, prove expensive to the country's push towards becoming a preferred tourist destination.

The acting deputy Executive Director told them to have no illusions about the importance of customer service. He said they should not behave like they were doing customers favours by their services but recognise that it is the customers who were keeping them in business.

Mr. Ben Anane-Nsiah, acting Ashanti Regional Manager of the Board, said hotels were supposed to operate within international expectations and standards.

He said it was therefore, important to develop a management culture that sees training as important.