March 16, 2005 - In a dramatic move to further differentiate the Grand
Strand as a distinctive Destination of Choice, the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality
Association announced a new initiative, �Total Quality Destination�. The
TQD program is presented as an adjunct to our annual �Gold Star of Excellence
Awards� presented to our Lodging and Restaurant Members for a spotless
reputation in cleanliness. Both presentations took place on March 9 at
the Holiday Inn Oceanfront.
The TQD program will bring Hospitality Quality Standards to a higher
level, where Myrtle Beach will be known by their Visitors and the global
marketplace as a Total Quality Destination. Partnering with Hospitality
Performance, Inc., the TQD Program will measure and certify MBAHA member�s
Quality Performance through a comprehensive Assessment Process which evaluates
cleanliness, safety, security, comfort, customer service and facility condition
� every aspect of a Hospitality operation which �touches� a Visitor and
frames the Myrtle Beach experience. The achievement of a successful review
can then be marketed to that discerning consumer, increasing Brand recognition
and value.
As Morgan Smith President of the MBAHA, pointed out, �Our Board is very
excited about the Program and the positives it will provide for our membership.
This program establishes a verifiable level of Quality Standards, which
our Visitor understands and expect. We believe our membership will
benefit and this will enhance the brand image of the Myrtle Beach area.�
CEO
of Hospitality Performance, Inc., John R. Hendrie, noted, �The competition
in the marketplace is extreme. Consumer expectations have been diminished.
This Total Quality Destination Program, actually the first of its� kind
in North America, will elevate the reputation of Myrtle Beach and result
in an improved Brand and Visitor satisfaction.�
The Gold Star of Excellence Award recognizes MBAHA Lodging and Restaurant
members who have maintained a spotless reputation for cleanliness with
the Joint Ethics Committee during the past year. �We are pleased to take
the lead in recognizing our members positive performance in this critical
Customer Service component and are confident they will proudly display
the award in a prominent location,� said Mark Marlow Director of Information
Technology and Visitor Call Center, Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association.
The MBAHA has recently celebrated 30 years as the Voice of the Hospitality
Industry and a Tourism Advocate, promoting the industry�s needs and ensuring
a healthy tourism economy, while educating our membership and the public
about industry issues.
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