Professional Image Matters in Tourism and Hospitality

Authors:

Tessa Riley, M.S.

Michael J. Bradley, Ph.D.

Red Dirt LLC

Professional Image
Matters in Tourism and Hospitality

Professional
image is important throughout all professions. Within
the Tourism and Hospitality Management business, the professional image can
have a great impact. Professional image is produced when businesses strive to
maintain positive values and aesthetic appeal within the company. Businesses should take pride in their
image and consider how they can consistently enhance it. Image is
important for several reasons: credibility, service, and care. Without a positive
professional image, tourism businesses may be less likely to gain business.

Credibility
is important for businesses. Often times, for a business to be successful,
image is everything. The saying “First impressions mean everything” is
accurate. If a business creates a positive first impression for customers,
customers will always remember that. Also, the image created by a business will
be discussed. Within the Tourism and Hospitality Management business, one of
the main jobs is to impress visitors. These impressions will impact how the
visitors feel about the destination as well as whether or not they refer others
to visit the destination. By providing credible service, businesses will be
providing a positive professional image to clients. Credibility is increased by
professional service and attitude and by employees wearing professional attire.
The first impression that customers have will be decided before any
communication is done by the employee. When an employee is dressed
professionally and greets a customer with a smile on their face, the customer
will immediately decide whether or not the first impression of the business is
positive or negative. First impressions are the determining factor as to
whether or not a customer will return to the business in the future. Positive
first impressions will equal positive credibility for a business when done correctly.

Alongside
credibility is service. Positive and professional service is another major
determinant of a business’ success. Offering customers quality customer service
will likely enhance a business’s success rate and reviews. Professional image
is increased when managers and staff go above and beyond to treat their
customers with care and importance. By showing clients that their desires and
needs matter, businesses are displaying their ability to provide professional
and credible service. The tourism market is a wide opportunity for customer
usage and managers should aspire to provide each and every client with the best
service possible. This means that if the business does not have something that
the client desires, they should find a way to provide the need for the client
or refer the client to another professional business that can meet the need.
Positive service will increase client satisfaction as well as overall business
satisfaction. Positive service should be one of the top priorities within the
business. By providing employees with clear training and expectations,
businesses should be able to provide quality service to all clients regardless
of the clients’ needs or desires.

By
meeting the needs to clients, managers are showing them that they care. Care is
another important quality of a professional image. Clients want to be shown
that they matter. Professional image is not just about a business being experts
and providing high-quality service, professional image is about being there for
clients and caring about what the clients want. Being genuinely grateful and
taking a client's business seriously, the professional image will be enhanced
and developed. Therefore, managers should consistently provide updated training
and sessions about caring for the clients. They should observe employees in
action and provide feedback for improvement. One of the goals of the business
should be “never stop improving.” By showing customers that the business is
always looking for ways to improve their company, managers will also be
displaying that they care for the clients, but also for the improvement and
development of the business.

Professional
image is one of the most important qualities a business can have. When a
business takes the time to create a professional work environment and
reputation, they are showing that they are invested in the values of the
company. By ensuring credibility within the business, clients may be more
likely to refer the business to friends and family members, or even use the
business again in the future. Credibility comes with providing high-quality
service and going above and beyond for clients. Professional image is also
enhanced when businesses show their customers that they care about the desires
and needs of their clients. By going above and beyond for clients, businesses
are able to maintain a professional background. Managers should consistently
find ways to improve their company's image as well as train employees on how to
provide credible service with care for the clients.

Keywords:

#tourism
#hospitality #tourist #leisure #recreation #management #eku
#easternkentuckyuniversity #parks #serviceindustry