03/07/2019
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Tourism has recognized 112 businesses and organizations across 37 communities in South Dakota for their outstanding customer service.
The Great Service Star Program recognizes businesses that both develop and complete hospitality training programs for their staff; reward employees for offering great service and find unique ways to show customer appreciation. Those that meet the criteria are awarded a star symbol from the Department of Tourism for use in marketing their business and to visually show visitors their commitment to great service.
“A great customer experience drives repeat visitation and word-of-mouth marketing about our state,” said Jim Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “The Great Service Star recognizes the importance of offering each guest a warm welcome and a great experience and encourages the development of these skills. South Dakota’s hospitality truly makes it stand out from other states.”
In effort to serve South Dakota’s tourism industry, the Department of Tourism continues to make updates to their hospitality programs. In 2018, the Department refreshed the Online Hospitality Training program. The training is free, and any tourism industry business is encouraged to share the training with their front-line staff. In 2019, the Department will bring a hospitality expert to present to communities across the state during National Travel and Tourism Week.
For more information on the Department’s hospitality programs, visit https://sdvisit.com/training-hospitality/great-service-star-program.
For a list of South Dakota businesses and organizations that have received the Great Service Star designation for 2019, visit https://sdvisit.com/training-hospitality/2019-great-service-star-designees. The list is organized by community.
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. The department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.
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CONTACT
Katlyn Richter, Global Media & Public Relations Director
South Dakota Department of Tourism
Phone: 605-773-3301
Email: [email protected]