60+ Years Combined Hospitality Experience Call/ WhatsApp: +27 82 765 9238 Email: training@hospitalitycourses.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much is the guest house management course?
A. The total fee for the course is R7500. This is a distance learning course that takes 3 - 6 months to complete. You can either pay in full or pay in 3 motnhly installments.
Q. How much is the hotel front office management course?
A. The total fee for the course is R7500. This is a distance learning course that takes 3 - 6 months to complete. You can either pay in full or pay in 3 motnhly installments.
Q. How much is the hotel receptionist/ front desk course?
A. The total fee for the course is R4500. This is a distance learning course that takes 3 months to complete. You can either pay in full or pay in 3 monthly installments.
Q. How much is the executive housekeeper course?
A. The total fee for the course is R7500. This is a distance learning course that takes 3 months to complete. You can either pay in full or pay in 3 motnhly installments.
Q. I need training for my hotel staff. How long are the programs?
A. Depending on your hotel size, our programs can be as short as 3 days even 10 days or more.
Q. We are a new establishment. Can you come to train your staff before we open?
A. Yes we do offer pre-opening training to hotels, lodges, resorts and other hospitality establishments.
Q. I want my staff to be trained but I can't take them to your venue.
A. We have got you covered. We offer our onsite training, meaning that we come to your establishment wherever you are.
Q. Does Sam Hospitality train butlers?
A. Yes, we do butler training to hotels, resorts, game lodges, villas and even private homes in all parts of South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Dubai, Maldives and other countries.
Q. Is a bed and breakfast a good investment?
A. Every business should be a good investment. It all depends on many factors, especially how you run it. If you are efficient in all aspect of running your B&B and your occupancy is above 60%, you should make money. Our B&B Management Course will give you all the skills you need to get a good ROI from your business.
Q. I just bought a B&B. What should I do?
A. Running a B&B is not as easy as it may look. You need the professional help to be able to make it a profitable business. Enrol for our guest house management course and get all the tools you need to run it efficiently. Whether you bought an existing B&B or you want to convert an existing house into a B&B, there's a lot of processes that you need to follow. We will help you get through all the processes you ned in order for you to open and run your B&B legally.
Q. We are opening a new establishment. Can we get our staff trained for preopening?
A. Yes, at Sam Hospitality, we do offer pre-opening training to resorts, hotels, lodges, guest houses and restaurants.
Q. Do you train waiters on upselling and service excellence?
A. The skill to upsell is one of the most important attributes that restaurant servers must possesse. We do train your staff on upselling and service excellence. Check our waiter training for more information on what our training covers.
Q. What are the duties and responsibilities of butlers in a game lodge/ safari lodge?
A.
Game lodge butlers play a unique and important role in ensuring that guests at a game lodge have a memorable and comfortable experience. Their duties typically include:
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Personalized Service: They provide personalized attention to guests, attending to their individual needs and preferences. This might include arranging special requests, like dietary needs or specific room arrangements.
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Knowledge about Wildlife and the Area: Although they are not safari guides, butlers at a game lodge often have a good knowledge of the local wildlife and the area. They can share interesting facts and information with guests, enhancing their overall experience.
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Meal and Beverage Service: They often serve meals and beverages and prepare for meal service. This could involve setting up a unique dining experience in the wilderness, ensuring that meals are served at preferred times, and accommodating special dietary requirements. For example, they may prepare boma dinners, bush breakfasts or dinners, etc.
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Room Management: Ensuring that guests' rooms are impeccably maintained, including cleanliness, room preparation, and any special requests like extra pillows, specific room temperatures, or arranging for surprise room decorations.
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Activity Coordination: They may help in organizing the day's activities for guests, such as game drives, bush walks, or other excursions. They coordinate with guides and other staff to ensure a seamless experience.
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Concierge Services: Similar to a concierge in a hotel, they assist with arranging travel, planning special events or celebrations, and providing information about local attractions or events.
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Ensuring Safety and Comfort: In a game lodge environment, ensuring guests' safety is crucial, especially considering the proximity to wildlife. They might brief guests on safety protocols and ensure that all activities are conducted safely.
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Handling Special Requests and Issues: Whether it's a request for a specific type of wine, organizing a surprise anniversary celebration, or addressing any concerns that guests might have, butlers are there to handle these details.
Overall, the role of a game lodge or safari lodge butler is to enhance the guest experience by providing exceptional, personalized service and ensuring that all aspects of their stay are enjoyable and memorable.
Q. Which companies/ agencies offer mystery shopping service to hotels in South Africa?
A. Sam Hospitality offers mystery shopping service to hotels in all parts of South Africa, including Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria, Mbombela, Cape Town, Rustenburg and all provinces. We offer mystery shopping service from 1 star to 5 star hotels and resorts.
Q. Which companies/ agencies offer mystery shopping service to restaurants in South Africa?
A. Sam Hospitality offers mystery shopping service to restaurants in all parts of South Africa, including Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria, Mbombela, Cape Town, Rustenburg and all provinces. We offer mystery shopping service all types of restaurants and cafes.
Q. How can HospitalityCourses.co.za help improve our guest satisfaction scores?
A. Our courses focus on enhancing customer service skills, product knowledge, and operational efficiency, which directly contribute to improving guest satisfaction.
Q. Do you offer any courses specifically for small hotel and guest house management?
A. Yes, we have courses specifically designed for small hotel and guest house managers, focusing on efficient operations, customer service, and marketing.
Q. Can courses be customized to fit the specific needs of my hotel?
A; Absolutely, we specialize in customizing courses to meet the specific challenges and requirements of your property.
Q. How long are the training sessions?
A. Training sessions can vary from half-day workshops to multi-day courses, depending on your needs and the depth oftraining required.
Q. How do I book a course for my team?
You can book a course by contacting us directly via our website or phone. Our team will assist you with scheduling and customizing your session.
Q. Is there a minimum number of participants required to conduct a training session?
A. We usually require a minimum of five participants but can make exceptions or suggest joining another scheduled session.
Q. Can training be conducted at our location?
A. Yes, our trainers can come to your location to conduct training, making it more convenient and relevant to your actual work environment.
Q. What is the lead time required to organize a training session?
A. We recommend booking at least 4 weeks in advance, especially for customized training, to ensure availability and adequate preparation time.
Q. Are there any discounts for booking multiple courses?
A. Yes, we offer discounted rates for establishments that book multiple courses or repeat training sessions.
Q. What are the qualifications of the trainers?
A. Our trainers are industry experts with extensive experience in hospitality management and training.
Q. Do you provide materials and resources for the participants?
A. Yes, all participants will receive training materials, which may include handbooks, checklists, and digital resources.
Q. Is there a certification process after completing the courses?
A. Yes, participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course, which is recognized in the hospitality industry.
Q. Can you provide examples of how your training has improved other establishments?
A. We can share case studies and testimonials from past clients that show measurable improvements in service quality and customer feedback.
Q. Are your courses compliant with the latest industry standards?
A. Yes, our courses are updated regularly to reflect the latest industry standards and practices.
Q. How do we handle changes or cancellations?
A. Changes or cancellations can be made up to two weeks before the course date without a penalty. Details are available in our terms of service.
Q. Can training be paused and resumed at a later date if operational demands require it?
A. We strive to be flexible and can discuss arrangements to accommodate your operational needs.
Q. What happens if we need additional training after the initial course?
A. We can arrange for refresher courses or more advanced training based on your team’s needs and feedback.
Q. Do you have technical requirements for hosting the training at our facility?
A. Basic requirements include a suitable training space, A/V equipment, and seating. Specifics can be discussed during the booking process.
Q. Do you offer training in languages other than English?
A. Currently, our training is primarily in English, but we can arrange for interpreters or bilingual trainers depending on your needs.
Q. Is there specialized training for dealing with VIP and high-profile guests?
A. Yes, we offer specialized training modules for handling VIP guests, focusing on privacy, personalized service, and exceptional care.
Q. Can you provide food and beverage management training?
A. Yes, we offer comprehensive training in food and beverage management, covering everything from menu planning to cost control and service standards.
Q. What kind of health and safety training do you provide?
A. We cover a range of health and safety protocols, including emergency response, cleanliness standards, and safe food handling practices.
Q. Do you have courses on digital marketing and online reputation management?
A. Yes, we offer courses on digital marketing strategies and managing your online presence effectively to attract more guests.
Q. How do you measure the effectiveness of your training?
A. Effectiveness is measured through pre- and post-training evaluations, feedback from participants, and observing improvements in workplace performance.
Q. Can we integrate your training with our internal training programs?
A. Yes, we can collaborate with your HR or training department to integrate our programs seamlessly with your existing training initiatives.
Q. Do you update your courses based on industry trends and feedback?
A. Absolutely, we continuously update our training programs based on industry developments and client feedback.
Q. How do you handle feedback from participants during the training?
A. Participant feedback is encouraged throughout the training and is used to adjust the session dynamically to meet learning objectives.
Q. What methods do you use to ensure that training is interactive and engaging?
A. We use a mix of lectures, interactive workshops, real-life case studies, and role-playing exercises to keep the training engaging and practical.
Q. What are your privacy policies regarding client information?
A. We strictly adhere to data protection laws and ensure that all client information remains confidential and secure.
Q. How do we get a proposal for the training services?
A. You can request a detailed proposal by contacting us with your specific training needs and details about your establishment.
Q. Are there specific sectors within hospitality that you focus on?
A. While we cater to the broader hospitality industry, we have expertise in hotels, resorts, B&Bs, guest houses, and boutique hotels.
Q. Do you offer any sustainability-focused training?
A. Yes, we provide training on sustainable practices within the hospitality industry to help businesses reduce their environmental impact.
Q. What is the best way to contact you for urgent training needs?
A. For urgent training requests, please contact us directly via phone or email listed on our website for quicker response.
Q. What are the payment options available?
A. We accept various payment options including bank transfers, credit cards, and online payment platforms.
Q. Can you work within our budget to provide training?
A. We are committed to providing value and can work with you to tailor training options that fit your budget.
Q. Are there financing options for larger training programs?
A. Financing options can be discussed for extensive training engagements to ensure they are financially manageable for your establishment.
Q. How cost-effective is investing in your training courses?
A. Investing in our training courses leads to long-term benefits such as increased efficiency, higher guest satisfaction, and ultimately, better financial performance.
Q. Do you offer any guarantees on the quality of your training?
A. We stand behind the quality of our training with a satisfaction guarantee. If you're not satisfied, we're committed to making it right.
Q. Do you offer leadership training for senior management?
A. Yes, we provide advanced leadership training tailored for senior managers and executives in the hospitality industry.
Q. Is there ongoing training available to keep up with industry changes?
A. We offer continuing education programs to help your team stay updated with the latest industry trends and techniques.
Q. Can you help us develop a long-term training strategy for our staff?
A. Absolutely, we can assist in developing a strategic training plan that aligns with your business goals and staff development needs.
Q. Do you track the progress of participants after training?
A. We can set up systems to monitor the progress and performance of participants post-training to ensure continuous improvement.
Q. How do you adapt your training for different cultural contexts?
A. Our training is culturally sensitive and can be adapted to meet the specific cultural dynamics of your staff and guest demographic.
Q. What if our staff does not engage well with the training provided?
A. We use engaging and relevant training methods and can modify approaches if certain methods are not effective for your team.
Q. How do you handle resistance to new practices introduced during training?
A. We focus on the benefits and practicality of new practices through demonstrations and success stories to overcome resistance.
Q. Can training be conducted during off-peak seasons?
A. Yes, scheduling training during off-peak times can be arranged to minimize disruption and maximize learning outcomes.
Q. What support do you offer for implementing changes after training?
A. We provide guidelines, follow-up sessions, and support tools to help implement and sustain changes introduced during training.
Q. How do you ensure the training is relevant to all levels of staff?
A. We assess the needs of all staff levels before training to ensure content is relevant and beneficial across your organization.