FOLLOWING it's success last year in becoming the first Hotel in Greater Manchester to be awarded WorldHost Recognised Business status, the Best Western Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham teamed up with Altrincham Forward last week to pioneer Ambassadors for Altrincham, a new training programme for its frontline staff.

The project aims to ensure all the front of house team are better qualified to advise the hotel’s business, conference and leisure guests on a whole host of questions and topics about Altrincham.

The programme covers such areas as understanding Altrincham’s rich historical past, the ongoing regeneration work that is taking place, its importance as a hub for a host of different industries, its transport links, the best places to visit with a conference delegation, where to take the family on a weekend break, to all the great places to eat, drink, create and shop whilst visiting the town.

The initial training included the front of house staff visiting Altrincham Forward for a fact-finding presentation on developments in the area and also taking part in a unique walking tour of the town that will enable them to better understand it's layout, advise on the extensive redevelopment of the town and see first hand some of the great places that visitors to the area can experience. The team will also undertake additional follow-up training sessions at the Hotel to cover on-going local area knowledge.

Paul Hindley, general manager of the Best Western Cresta Court, said: “We wanted to carry on the amazing work that went into the Hotel achieving WorldHost status last year and teaming up with Altrincham Forward was a natural step. A lot of our guests rely on our front of house staff to be able to advise them on all aspects of the surrounding area."

Joan Scott, Altrincham Forward Board member added: “We are delighted to be working with the team at the Cresta Court. The hotel fully embraced the World Host training provided by the College and were so enthusiastic about the benefits to their business."