Episode 2 - Shelly Weir

Continual education and training is vital to success in the hospitality industry. MLTA’s new podcast series brings you virtually face-to-face with industry travel and lodging leaders as they discuss the importance of education and the workplace. 

Recently, MLTA President and CEO Steve Yencich spoke with Shelly Weir, vice president of domestic sales for the American Hotel and Lodging Institute. The partnership between MLTA and AHLEI truly benefits MLTA members, especially as it pertains to education and learning.

 

Their conversation is being delivered to MLTA members through a new podcast. In it, Steve find outs more about the different AHLEI designation programs, leading to the relationship between the CGSP and Guest Service Gold Programs. The program emphasizes the importance of hotel employees emotionally engaging with guests. 

 

“When you emotionally engage with a guest, you are going to increase the likelihood that they will return to your property,” emphasizes Shelly, adding the steps needed to become CGSP certified. Shelly believes that showcasing your hotel leadership verifies a commitment to the industry. For hoteliers, any time you can encourage and reward employees who are dedicated to the business, it helps you retain the most talented. 

 

“In order for your hotel to be successful, in order for your hotel to have those great TripAdvisor ratings that we all know and love, you need to have passionate staff. This program is a great way to help and retain the right staff,” according to Shelly.

MLTA has partnered with AHLA to provide savings for members with an additional 15% discount for members. This series is available on MLTA’s website, http://www.milodging.org/mlta-education.