IPW Go The Extra Mile Program

The Go the EXTRA Mile program is the largest and most ambitious city-wide hospitality training program in Denver's history. Make exceptional hospitality a way of life in The Mile High City during IPW 2018!

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IPW HOSPITALITY TRAINING

VISIT DENVER is gearing up to “roll out the red carpet” for the IPW convention, May 19-23. IPW is the “Super Bowl” of the international travel industry, bringing 6,000 delegates from 70 countries to The Mile High City. The U.S. Travel Association research shows that IPW Host Cities generate 700,000+ incremental international visitors over the three years following this tradeshow.

There is no doubt how important exceptional hospitality and customer service are to the visitor experience. And, IPW is a unique opportunity to positively impact the perceptions of Denver among these important travel industry representatives and journalists, in each and every encounter with front-line team members of the city’s tourism industry.

VISIT DENVER is offering Reach the PEAK training, the newest addition to the Go the EXTRA Mile Hospitality Training Program.

Get tips for serving international visitors
Build customer service skills
Learn fun facts about Denver
Engage with tourism industry colleagues

Free Reach The Peak Training

When: Saturday, May 12
10:00 am ‐ 11:30 am

Where:
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
1550 Court Place
Majestic Ballroom

Register for This Session

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General Info for International Visitors

Most non-Americans prefer water without ice and drinks with only a few cubes.
They might not know that drinking extra water at higher altitudes is highly encouraged!
Most countries do not drink tap water, so you may need to tell foreign visitors that our tap water is very clean and tastes good or offer bottled water.
Unlimited soda refills are not normal in most countries.
No surprise that our meal sizes here are typically much larger than other countries.
Don’t use American slang – try to use simple vocabulary!
Most countries are on metric system so miles, feet and Fahrenheit need to be converted.
Many countries include tax in total price rather than separately like we do here.
A weak or soft handshake is common for visitors from many countries. Hand shake is not normal custom in some countries, so do not view weak hand shake as lack of interest.
The North American “OK” sign made by curling the thumb and forefinger together is offensive in many cultures around the world.
“City Center or Central” are both commonly used in many countries to describe the core downtown area rather than saying “downtown.”
Avoid politics!
Keep arms-length physical distance.
Tipping is not common in many countries, but savvy travelers know tipping is expected in America.
Smoking everywhere is common in many countries.
Most international visitors will not be used to heavy air conditioning and are therefore very sensitive to the high difference of temperature inside and outdoors.
Usually international diners eat dinner later – starting after 7:30-8pm.
Our museums are so affordable in Denver, but many international guests are used to no admission fee at museums.
To learn more about a specific country, visit: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/guides/.

Australia-New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are one of the top five international markets to Denver!
Visitors are likely to take their time in destinations.
Interested in local lifestyle, cultural historical attractions, shopping and dining.
Culturally, Australians and New Zealanders are very similar to Americans.

Middle East

Visitors from these regions know Colorado mostly for winter skiing.
Generally, for religious reasons, Middle Easterners don’t eat pork.
They usually abstain from alcohol, also for religious reasons.
Etiquette dictates that you wait for the other person to offer and withdraw their hand first during a handshake.

India

Many Indians are vegetarians.
Just like Americans, our visitors from India will love shopping.
Some of their travel interests are theme parks and local lifestyle.
Most of the visitors from Indian speak English.

Latin America

Visitors from these regions know Colorado mostly for winter skiing.
Normally, vacations are family-focused since they travel with their relatives.
Generally only visit one destination in the U.S. on their trips, instead of going to several places.
Just like Americans, our visitors from Latin America love shopping, whether they shop in outlets or more high-end shops.

South Africa

Even though South Africa has 11 official languages, most speak English.
Visitors from South Africa enjoy shopping and dining out during their visits.
South Africans usually express affection very openly, so friendly shaking of hands and slaps on the back are commonplace.
Basic etiquette goes a long way with the South African community. For example, try not to interrupt someone when they are speaking.

China

Enjoy hot water at meals, and may ask for it as a beverage.
Chinese travelers are highly dependent on WiFi, from searching information to sharing through social media, and they’re used to free WiFi just about everywhere!
Chinese tourists are interested in national parks, outdoor activities and western heritage.
Chinese cuisine is a plus during the trip.

France

Visitors from France will be interested in traditional American food, like BBQ and corn on the cob.
Activities like walking and hiking are popular during vacation.
French tourists are interested in the Wild West, American Indian culture & authentic Western experiences.
French visitors typically eat a light, sit-down lunch during their travels, and tend to skip French cuisine abroad.

Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Germans are used to a few after-dinner cocktails or a coffee at their table after a meal, so hold off on bringing their check until all dinners are ready to depart.
They often prefer outdoor seating.
Germans love wide-open spaces, National Parks, mining and train history.
We’re so proud of our beer here in Denver, but Germans are too! The beer culture in Germany is unmatched.

Japan

Japanese visitors prefer to eat Japanese food at least one time during their visit.
Souvenirs are a hit with the Japanese. Gift-giving is a part of their culture!
Visitors from Japan are interested in National Parks, farm to table cuisine, craft beer and cocktails, as well as nature, hiking and trains.
Older generation may not speak English, but most of the younger generation can!

United Kingdom & Ireland

Visitors from the UK and Ireland tend to eat their largest meal at night around 8 pm, so lunches can be kept shorter and held later (around 1 pm).
This group is very comfortable taking public transportation, but they may prefer to get out and walk to their destination!
Museums and galleries are usually admission free back home, but the Brits and Irish are used to paying for admission to attractions.
Since United Kingdom and Ireland are steeped in rich history, these visitors may be more interested in the Wild West history and modern architecture.

Italy

Italians like sightseeing and enjoy a vast array of activities like concerts, nightclubs, sporting events, historical tours and museums!
The Wild West, National Parks and Native American heritage will also intrigue visitors from Italy.
Italians love wine, but also craft beer and cocktails!
Italians aren’t accustomed to have a check presented to them at a restaurant unless they’ve requested.