Travel Specialist Weblog

I love this story from Eric Wolf of the International Culinary Tourism Association. It is so true that we must present the positive side of everything in all facets of life.

“Last month I talked about how I like the way New Zealanders say “are you happy to…?” It’s such a gracious way to ask for something. This month, I’d like to share with you another thing I love. It’s the way South Africans say “you’re welcome”. South African professionals are some of the most hospitable people on Earth. They are so gracious. When you thank them for something, they say “My pleasure”. This is a far cry from, and much more soothing to the ears than, the American “No Problem” which is regrettably finding its way to all English speaking countries. “No problem” grates on my nerves and implies that asking the server to do their job is, in fact, somewhat of a problem.” Call me persnickety, but these are subtle yet profound innuendoes that can help color a culinary service experience – either positively or negatively. It’s “my pleasure” to share these examples with you so you can start using them in your business.”