Boy, what a pain they can be. They are on vacation, having a good time, and you are stuck there taking care of them. What a drag…or is it? All depends on your perspective.

If they are your customers

If you work at a place that attracts tourism, it seems to me that it would be a good idea to find a way to embrace it. Ok, maybe not embrace, but why fight it? These are the people truly responsible for your livelihood.

It ain’t gonna change

Once you realize that, you can get over yourself and make it work. Find a way to enjoy it. Recommend local delicacies. Fun things to do around town. What are the local sites? Help them.

I do love Portland for its friendly demeanor. Whenever I see someone walking around with a map–and I am not the only one who does this–I feel the need to stop and help them with directions. Even if I am rushing around, and don’t feel like I have the time.

With a smile

Be nice to these customers. Be friendly. Be proud of the town you live in, and don’t be afraid to share some of the highlights. I know I certainly appreciate it when I am in a strange place and people–in the hospitality business or not–stop to help me. Give me directions. Take a photo. Tell me something cool to do. Something I don’t want to miss.

I recently was at a ski resort (I didn’t tell them that I was a snowboarder–sometimes that doesn’t go over very well), and I was amazed at how friendly and helpful everyone was. So much so that it inspired me to write this post.

Throughout the operation everyone was not only willing to help he, but eager to. I think we can chalk that up to TRAINING.

Train

It was very clear to me that management had made a point to train the staff to behave in this way. People are on vacation. Don’t spoil it for them. Smile. Be friendly.

I am headed to Hawai’i soon. Let’s see how they treat tourists there. I imagine they get a few. I will report my findings…