Spring has arrived in Virginia full-bloom, but flowers and breezes are not the only seasonal phenomenon on the rise.
At the DCR Reservation Center, the phones are growing busy too. Robert Frost said “A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves,” and a new crop of Reservation Counselors is working to help America recreate their vacation experience.
Presently, the convalescence of two unique situations ensures that Virginia’s State Parks actually have a lot to gain this year in terms of new patronage. As many are aware, Virginia resides within just a day’s drive of 60% of the American population. As all are aware, gasoline prices will hit the sky at over $4.00/gallon summer. But with a little recreation we can turn a negative into a positive. Virginia’s advantageous location provides Americans looking for economical getaways with compromise-free recreational opportunities in our collective “back-yard.” And more people everyday are making this connection …
To field this new interest, the Reservation Center has filled out with a group of seasonal newcomers. “We are the travel agent of the State Parks,” said Acting Manager Sue Smith who has overseen the training of five new counselors with the aid of Assistant Manager Michael Salotti. This training lays the foundation for the Park’s interface with the general public, and consists of two aspects: software and customer service. New counselors must learn how to efficiently input reservation data into the system while holding a pleasant and productive conversation with their client.
Time and experience have illuminated strengths and weaknesses in the training practices for Smith and Salotti whose adaptive techniques significantly streamlined the entire process for 2012. Hiring earlier in the year allowed the Center to cope more smoothly with the influx of phone traffic compared to the past. Also, new training methods highlighted areas where Smith and Salotti can optimize the level of customer service conveyed by new staff members.
The end result is a Reservation Center that is prepped to recreate the vacationing experiences of Americans seeking nearby alternatives, and provide long-time patrons with the positive experience they already associate with the Parks.
So if the notions of simplicity and locality sound appealing this year call 1-800-933-7275 and see what Virginia’s State Parks can do for you!