Antigua St John's - Antigua & Barbudas North American tourism offices have released the first issue of the A&B Buzz for 2012. The monthly e-magazine, which covers customer service, was released to a group of travel writers at the Philadelphia Inquirer Travel Show last weekend.

The January issue takes an in-depth look at service delivery at various touch points of the tourism product, including accommodations, dining, adventure, technology, and social media.

It spotlights the quality of service at two locally-owned establishments - Jolly Beach Resort and Shirley Heights Lookout and how their management philosophies have helped shape a legendary service culture.

Other features include: A Special Invitation from A & Bs Chief Servant, Prime Minister, Dr. The Hon. Baldwin Spencer, "12 A&B Smiles that Say Welcome, and Restaurants Named to Honor Employees at Blue Waters and Galley Bay.

The growth of social media as a marketing tool within the hospitality sector is also addressed, as research shows that social networking affects the brain like falling in love, and Facebook induces a similar sensation as hugging.

According to director of tourism for the USA, Derede Samuel-Whitlock, Many cite 2012 as the year of customer service. We wanted to set the tone for the entire year and provide insights to the travel community about the management expertise, employee training, and technology that have helped shape the destinations service culture.

Among the journalists who reviewed the January BUZZ was actor Andrew McCarthy, who starred in movies including St Elmo's Fire, Pretty in Pink, Mulholland Drive, and Weekend at Bernie's. In his current role as motivational speaker and foremost US travel writer, McCarthy has credits in the Wall Street Journal, Travel+Leisure, Bon Appétit, and Slate. He will visit the destination later this year as part of a press trip, and cover attractions as well as the music, cuisine, and culture.

McCarthy is familiar with Antigua & Barbudas music and the legendary group The Burning Flames, whose song, Sweet Little Island Girl was featured in the movie Weekend at Bernie's. He shared his passion for Caribbean Culture with Sales and Marketing Manager Dean Manager, and the interview will be featured in a future issue of the A&B BUZZ.

The BUZZ is a monthly online publication featuring destination updates, special promotions, and industry news. It is a core part of a new digital strategy launched by the North American tourism offices. Presented in a lifestyle format, utilizing a multimedia combination of print, video, and social media, the publication provides a cost effective conduit between the destination and the travel industry.


Read more: http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/tourism/tourism-news/99452-aab-buzz-features-customer-service.html#ixzz1jt5jbePp