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Workshop targets Asian influx

Harrison-Agassiz Chamber of Commerce presents workshop to help local businesses with Chinese market
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Holly Frederickson

The Harrison-Agassiz Chamber of Commerce is hosting a workshop to help businesses connect with Asian visitors.

Business owners in Harrison especially have noticed a shift in the demographics over the last few years.

"There certainly are issues in terms of different cultures," says Chamber director Ed Stenson.

He says while the Chamber has hosted various workshops over the years, this will be the first one focusing on the influx of Chinese visitors to the community.

The workshop is being presented by Destination BC/ WorldHost® Training Services, whose role is to support businesses by teacher customer service best practices. Holly Frederickson will share with attendees why travel trends have seen a rise in Chinese travelers, provide an understanding on the potential and define some differences for the international and domestic Chinese travel markets, demonstrate an increased awareness of Chinese culture, customs and lifestyle and teach how to apply the knowledge and cultural awareness to anticipate a Chinese visitor's needs and expectations.

"The Chinese market is the largest overseas market to BC as of 2013," says Frederickson. "Continuing to work closely with the travel trade in China, Destination British Columbia and the Canadian partners have focussed on improving the agents’ knowledge of tourism products, and offering more and varied vacation packages to the consumer."

Frederickson explains that as the Chinese visitor market continues to grow, it is important that tourism suppliers and businesses are ready to welcome Chinese visitors.

"Understanding expectations and needs of all customers is important to ensure your frontline team is prepared," says Frederickson. "Having a co-operative approach and providing consistency in service deliveries can aid in creating positive and remarkable  experiences – in other words, experiences so out-of-the-ordinary that people are compelled to share them through their social media channels. "

The workshop takes place Tuesday, April 14 at the Harrison Beach Hotel meeting room, from 8:15-10:45 a.m. The event costs $25 per person for Chamber members, or $65 for non-Chamber members. To register, email info@harrison.ca