Training on hospitality scheduled for May 2

Openings remain for a workshop workshop to be held in Coudersport on Wednesday, May 2, to help local tourist-related businesses take better advantage of visitors' interest in the area.

The local session, to be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Potter County Education Council office, is part of the Pa. PRIDE program, short for "Producing Resourceful, Informed, Devoted Employees."

"Pa. PRIDE helps businesses provide high-quality experiences to their customers through exceptional service, knowledge of their community and region, and an understanding of tourism," said David Brooks, executive director of the Potter County Visitors Assn. "The goal is to encourage visitors to stay, shop, eat, and play locally."

The program includes an overview of local and regional tourism initiatives and attractions, instructions on how to improve employees' customer service skills and resources needed to serve visitors.

Cost is $20 and includes lunch and a resource guide. To register or learn more, call (814) 274-3365.

"Often, the wait staff or cashier at our local businesses is the first person who interacts with visitors," Brooks said. "That worker has a golden opportunity to shape the visitor's entire experience. Exceeding expectations is the first step to getting visitors to stay longer, or come back more often."