Liverpool city region has become the first in the UK to have renewed its WorldHost Recognised Destination Status.

WorldHost is a series of internationally recognised customer service programmes, licensed and delivered in the UK by performance and talent management consultancy, People 1st.

Originally given in 2014, the award was gained by training more than 5,000 front-line staff in customer service skills, ensuring that visitors and local people receive the best possible welcome.

Local businesses and organisations such as the Crowne Plaza Liverpool, Titanic Hotel, Ramada Plaza Southport, St Helens Rugby League Club and the Royal Court Theatre have all benefitted from the training to help and support their staff to deliver first class customer service.

Sara Wilde-McKeown, chair of Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy Board, said: “As a result of this training, visitors will experience even better customer service from our retailers, hospitality and tourism businesses.

“This encourages more visitors to spread the word and make return visits, boosting profitability across our sector.”

People 1st Chief Executive, Simon Tarr, aded: “Strong customer service will help Liverpool’s businesses get the edge on their fiercest competitors – it’s great to see them continuing to commit to training their staff to provide a fantastic experience.”

The project was partially funded through Skills for Growth, who fund employment and skills initiatives across the region, with Sysco Business Skills Academy delivering the training through Merseytravel.

This re-accreditation lasts a further two years.