Part of ongoing series to build Hospitality Culture in preparation for Albany Capital Center

ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) hosted a bus tour of Albany for the new staff of the Renaissance Albany hotel, which is planning to open next month following an extensive restoration.

The purpose of the bus tour was to educate the new staff on activities and resources that surround the property so they may be the best ambassadors to future hotel guests.

"The Renaissance guests are not looking for the typical tourist attractions, they are looking to experience the town as a local,” states Leola Edelin, General Manager of the Renaissance Albany. “It is great to partner with the ACCVB because they understand how we need to train our ambassadors to deliver on the guests’ expectation."

The bus tour made stops at a number of Albany attractions including the Albany Institute of History & Art, USS Slater and Dutch Apple Cruises, Albany Visitors Center, Palace Theatre, Ten Broeck Mansion, and the Times Union Center. These attractions were chosen as representations of the many notable historic, family-friendly, entertainment, and informational attractions throughout Albany County.

This tour is one of a series of events hosted by the ACCVB in an effort to build a Hospitality Culture in Albany in anticipation of the opening of the Albany Capital Center in early 2017. The Hospitality Series began in June with the Albany Hospitality Summit.

“It is so important for our community to embrace the spirit of hospitality as we prepare to welcome more visitors,” states Michele Vennard, President/CEO of the ACCVB. “We are dedicated to providing the resources to make that goal a reality.”

The next event in the Hospitality Series will include a Guest Service Gold^® program for Albany County hotel staff members at the Albany Marriott on October 28. The Guest Service Gold^® program is an internationally recognized American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute program that involves group discussions, relevant videos, and a test.

ABOUT THE ACCVB: 
The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. was established in 1976 to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community through increased development of conventions and tourism. ACCVB currently represents more than 300 member businesses and assists each year in hundreds of regional meetings. ACCVB also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany International Airport Information Center. For more information, call 518-434-1217 or 800-258-3582 or visit www.albany.org.