TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism has launched a free online customer service training course called Kansas At Your Service. KAYS was developed to help the tourism industry train its employees to provide outstanding customer experiences.
The training centers on the everyday customer interactions which can make or break an otherwise memorable experience and demonstrate that service, attitude, attention and sincerity make the difference.
The KAYS program is a statewide customer service training certification program created to support the development of the tourism and hospitality industry through enhanced guest experiences, said Cris Collier of the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau. The local bureau was actively involved in getting this program started.
It provides statewide standardized customer service training, Collier said. It also emphasizes the importance of quality customer service, and equips employees statewide with tools and resources to better serve visitors.
 The web-based training is available in both English and Spanish. After completing the course, the employee can print a personalized certificate to show their employer. Once the KAYS course is completed, users can take a regional destination course designed to give more information about the Manhattan area or the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in central Kansas. Other regional courses will be added over time. Certificates can also be printed for completion of a regional course.
Loren Unruh, hotel and restaurant owner in Great Bend and chairman of the Great Bend CVB Board of Directors, is a firm supporter of the program. “The development of this online customer service and regional host training is certainly one of the greatest accomplishments by the Kansas tourism industry. It will be a valuable resource for all Kansas businesses and educational facilities,” he said.
 Tourism is one the state’s largest industries in terms of jobs, impacting more than 90,000 Kansans directly and indirectly. It includes workers in hotels, restaurants, museums, performing arts centers, convention centers, retail stores, campgrounds, state parks, visitor attractions, wineries and many others. The success of tourism directly depends on first-class customer service so guests and visitors feel welcome and respected. KAYS training will equip employees with techniques and resources to better serve visitors so they will return time and time again – benefiting the business and the Kansas economy.
 “Great customer service is important to Kansas,” said Robin Jennison, KDWPT Secretary. “Visitors to our state and its many businesses and destinations need to feel welcome and know they can get the help they need to enjoy their time with us. If they have a good experience, they will share that with their family and friends, which creates even more customers.” 
 For more information and to take the course, visit KansasAtYourService.com.