Hospitality Standards Institute sponsors awards

Hospitality Standards Institute sponsors regional awards

Fostering the evolution of New Zealand’s unique hospitality service style is the focus of a new sponsorship partnership between the Hospitality Standards Institute and the Ferndale Canterbury Hospitality Awards.

The Hospitality Standards Institute has thrown its wholehearted support behind the newly created Outstanding Customer Service category at the 2006 Ferndale Canterbury Hospitality Awards (CHADS). The winning establishment in the CHADS Outstanding Customer Service award receives a $2,000 cash prize.

Hospitality Standards Institute chief executive Steve Hanrahan hoped the new CHADS category would encourage Canterbury’s restaurants, cafes, and bars to place a greater emphasis on delivering outstanding customer service.

“Any professional initiative which pushes customer service to the forefront of a business deserves support. This new category in the CHADS reflects one of the most crucial elements which separates an outstanding hospitality operations from those who have scant regard for not only their staff, but also for their customers,” Mr Hanrahan said. “The immense value of customer service as a business generator should never be under-rated.”

Canterbury Hospitality Awards chairman Gary Miller said the CHADS Customer Service Award recognised that Kiwi service was unique when compared to service styles found in Europe, North America or Asia.

“Kiwi service is a reflection of our relaxed New Zealand culture... which is about open, friendly and honest communication. Building on these values, the CHADS Customer Service Award will recognise the professionalism, skills and passion which make up a memorable customer service experience,” said Gary Miller, executive chef at Christchurch Casino.

The HSI-sponsored Outstanding Customer Service award at the CHADS will see all eligible establishments anonymously judged against set criteria by independent assessors. These criteria have been developed in association with the HSI and the organisation’s Greet NZ Customer Service Skills training course. Comparatively, all other CHADS award winners are chosen by process of voting by industry peers.

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