PHL Welcomes U! Helps Spread the "Brotherly Love & Sisterly Affection"

The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and Partners Launch New Online Program To Help Philadelphians Enhance Customer Service Skills

PHILADELPHIA, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has announced the launch of a new program, PHL Welcomes U! (PWU). This free, online educational program was created to empower all Philadelphians with the tools to create meaningful, positive experiences in Philadelphia.

Accessible via www.PHLwelcomesU.com, courses are designed to guide participants through real-world situations encountered on a daily basis. Skills learned throughout each module are tested through short quizzes, allowing participants to earn the designation of "Certified Hospitality Professional" (CHP) after successfully completing the program.

"The PHL Welcomes U! program emphasizes our organization's and the City's commitment to customer service," said Jack Ferguson, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We are known as the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection and this program is a true testament to our efforts in making Philadelphia a world-class destination to live, work and visit."

The online program consists of six video modules covering a wide range of topics, including active listening and communication skills, connecting with guests and neighbors, and embracing, managing and celebrating diversity.

Several organizations are sponsors and have already begun offering the program to employees and students, including the City of Philadelphia's Department of Parks & Recreation, the Philadelphia Parking Authority SugarHouse Casino, Temple University's School of Tourism & Hospitality Management, Philadelphia Academies, Inc., Liberty Property Trust, Starr Restaurants and the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA.

For more information visit www.PHLwelcomesU.com

About PHLWelcomes U! PHL Welcomes U! is a free educational program empowering Philadelphians on the front lines of service and interacting in public-facing roles with the tools they need to create meaningful, positive experiences for those visiting Philadelphia. Participants who complete the program earn the designation of "Certified Hospitality Professional" (CHP). Visit PHL Welcome U! on Twitter @PHLedu and Facebook, PHL Welcomes U!

Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourist Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has departments dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.

Contact:
Lauren Schoener-Gaynor
856.380.6878
[email protected]

SOURCE Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau