Lee County VCB earns Certified Guest Service Property designation

The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) has earned the Certified Guest Service Property designation after all 29 front-line employees successfully completed the Guests First Training Program and achieved their Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) certification.

The prestigious distinction recognizes the VCB’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for visitors by ensuring front-line team members are equipped with the skills, knowledge and passion needed to provide outstanding service.

“Top-tier service is at the heart of what makes our destination special,” said Tamara Pigott, VCB executive director. “By investing in programs like Guests First and supporting our team members in earning their Certified Guest Service Professional credentials, we are strengthening the visitor experience and reinforcing Lee County’s reputation as a welcoming, world-class destination.”

The VCB earned the designation as part of its continuing partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). In 1999, the VCB began its original customer service training but it was not until 2013 when the VCB integrated AHLEI’s Guest Service Gold into its Guests First Program. The VCB has underscored its commitment to its hospitality partners throughout Lee County by encouraging every frontline employee as they completed training themselves.

Recognized worldwide, the CGSP certification is the highest acknowledgment of guest service excellence for those in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Since the program launched, 1,226 hospitality professionals across Lee County have earned their CGSP certification, helping elevate service standards throughout the destination.

Registration for the next round of Guests First Customer Service Training will open in May, with new sessions beginning in June.