A gesture which helped a couple tie the knot on time after their celebrant got stuck in traffic has landed Daydream Island an award for customer service.
The tropical Whitsundays resort and spa was the winner of "The Summer Pledge" campaign run by The Sunday Mail and Tourism Queensland to highlight examples of great service in the industry.
The competition asked readers to send in their best Queensland service experience.
The winning entry was from groom Aaron Smith who wrote: Our marriage celebrant missed the ferry to Daydream (due to traffic jam). Daydream Island collected her from the mainland in their parasailing boat at no charge.
Mr Smith and his bride Rebecca Hurle made it to the altar in time. "By the time we find out, they had already organised to sort it out so there was no stress for us,” Mr Smith added.
Daydream received 15 nominations – the most for any business within the competition – as well as $10,000.
“Daydream always tries to go above and beyond and this is a classic example of the lengths we’ll go to for great customer service,” resort owner Vaughan Bullivant said.
“A lot of effort has been put in this year to enhance customer experiences and we are thrilled that our hard work has been recognised.
“We will use the prize money to continue training our staff in quality customer service and service excellence. We’d love everyone to visit our island paradise and experience our special service firsthand.”
Multi award-winning Daydream Island Resort and Spa is located in Queensland’s tropical Whitsundays. Covered in rainforest and surrounded by stunning coral reefs and glorious white coral beaches, Daydream offers 296 rooms and suites, a world class Rejuvenation Spa, over 20 free guest activities and a unique man Living Reef lagoon where guests can touch baby sharks and de-barbed stingrays.
Chief executive officer Phil Casey, who previously led the Daydream team between 2003 and 2007 and recently returned to the island, said interaction was encouraged between staff and guests.
“We encourage our staff to get out from behind the desk and meet people, talk to them and find out what they want,” Mr Casey said.
“Staff will always say hello to guests when walking past to make them feel welcome, and guests receive a phone call within two hours of checking in to ensure everything is fine.
“Customer service is at the heart of everything we do at Daydream - even if that means getting a marriage celebrant to a wedding on time via a parasailing boat!”
ENDS
Media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs on 0419 828 440
