BOCA RATON, FLORIDA: Broadening its commitment to the international traveler, the Boca Raton Resort & Club has introduced the Concierge International Program.
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"The Boca Raton Resort & Club has always enjoyed a significant base of overseas travelers," says David Feder, vice president and general manager for the Resort and Club. "Over the past five years we have seen a marked increase in the number of international tourists choosing South Florida as a destination. To set a new standard in this market, we needed to provide a service dedicated exclusively to the needs of the international guest. Our Concierge International Program provides this service and allows us to communicate our high level of quality in any language," Feder continued.
At the cornerstone of the Concierge International Program is a team of multi-lingual concierges. These representatives have been recruited from around the world to ensure that each international guest finds their stay at Boca Raton Resort & Club incomparable.
From the point an international reservation is made, this skilled team assesses each guest's needs and initiates a plan of action. Everything from welcome letters, itineraries and travel information to menu selections and amenity descriptions are all translated into the guest's native tongue. Upon arrival, the international guest is greeted by their own personal Concierge International and welcomed in the guest's own language. This welcome includes a speedy and efficient check-in and a tour of the resort property, if desired. The Concierge International is on call 24 hours a day throughout the guest's stay and can always be reached to attend to any of their needs.
"We have such a broad selection of amenities and services here at Boca," says Bob Schweitzer, director of rooms division. "There are so many things to see and do that it is sometimes difficult to explain it all, even to our English-speaking guests. Our Concierge International Program allows us to better serve the needs of our international travelers and positively enhance their stay," he continued.
Located in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast in Palm Beach County, the Boca Raton Resort & Club is one of the country's premier resort destinations and private club facilities. Set within a backdrop of casual elegance, Boca's amenities include two eighteen-hole championship golf courses, 30 tennis courts, several pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, a half-mile stretch of private beach, a full-service marina and a variety of watersports. In addition, the Resort and Club features an outstanding selection of dining options and a full range of activities including a comprehensive children's program.
For information and reservations call the Boca Raton Resort & Club at (800) 327-0101 (United States and Canada), (561) 447-3000 or fax at (561) 391-3183, or contact any travel industry representative or tour operator featuring Florida. The Boca Raton Resort & Club is available in the major airline systems through Utell International.
CONCIERGE INTERNATIONAL FACT SHEET
Description: Unique program designed to remove the language barriers an international guest may encounter while visiting the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Concierge Internationals are assigned to each international guest at the point a reservation is made. An assessment of the guest's needs is made and the concierge enacts a plan of service. Everything from personalized welcome letters and menus to travel itineraries and hotel activities are all translated into the guest's native tongue.
Staff Profile: An elite team of multi-lingual staff members recruited from around the world. Employees currently involved in the Concierge International Program hail from: Italy, Germany, Brazil, Peru, Japan, Greece, Netherlands, Canada and Ireland.
Languages: German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Dutch and Greek
Guest Services: The program is designed to provide every service the resort offers without the hindrance of a language barrier. Translated services and assistance available to international guests include:
"It was Christmas Eve and the Loechters 4-year old boy became ill with a high temperature. I was paged and accompanied them to the Emergency Room of the local hospital to interpret and translate in German with the doctor. He was diagnosed with a middle ear infection. I wrote him a letter in German from Santa with a get well soon greeting and wishing him a Merry Christmas."
"Madame Rousseaux arrived from France with her two children and did not speak any English. She was originally scheduled for one week at Boca and one week in Miami. She enjoyed the service and her stay with us so much that she cut her stay in Miami short and I arranged for her return to Boca Raton Resort & Club. Upon her return she thanked me and asked if I would accompany her parasailing. Neither of her children would go and she wanted someone to be with her to translate the instructions and also for moral support. I obliged and the next day she and I went parasailing for the first time."
"Mr. and Mrs. Lopez arrived at the resort without reservations. Neither one spoke any English and were very confused, to say the least. I called the guests all throughout the day to answer questions. They said they have been coming to Florida for ten years and have never experienced such a wonderful resort. They were originally only going to stay one night, but were so pleased with Boca they extended to four and added a meal plan. They were so astonished at the services provided by our resort, they invited me to dinner and scheduled another reservation for their parents and themselves to return."
"Ms. Lucehini, from Italy, had developed a rash on her skin and asked for a physician to examine it. I contacted a local doctor who made an immediate appointment. Since the guest spoke no English, she asked me to accompany her and translate. I translated all the information from the appointment, as well as the handling of her prescription fulfillment. I also arranged for her to see a dermatologist in the area who spoke Italian."
"Mr. and Mrs. Rossknecht couldn't understand the English messages left on their voicemail. I listed the messages and translated each into German."
"Mr. Braunstein called from Austria three days after he checked out. He had left a hat in his room. I located the hat through security and arranged to have it sent to Austria."
"Mrs. Arguindegui developed a severe tooth infection during her stay. She was from Argentina and spoke no English. I arranged for a local dentist to examine her tooth. She needed oral surgery and was very frightened. Upon her request, I accompanied her into surgery and translated throughout the procedure."