Travel retail boutique agency 2.0 & Partners has introduced a comprehensive suite of training services designed to elevate the professional development of frontline travel retail staff.
Named the Chinese Excellence Academy, this on-demand e-learning platform, developed and led by experts, offers insights and strategies to maximise engagement with the returning Chinese traveller.
The launch of this programme builds on the success of the company’s Chinese Client Excellence workshop for retail teams at Venice Airport last month.
The Chinese Excellence Academy enhances the training solutions offered by 2.0 & Partners by providing a digital training suite available through a bespoke platform, which participants can access at any time.
Citing data from Dragon Trail International, the company noted that outbound travel is expected to reach 80% of pre-COVID levels this year, highlighting the ongoing progress of Chinese travel recovery. However, it also observed a decline in spending among Chinese consumers and their evolving preferences as they now demand higher standards in both in-store service and staff interaction.
This changing consumer landscape underscores the growing importance of offering personalised in-store experiences as consumers return to travel retail, 2.0 & Partners said.
The Chinese Excellence Academy is tailored for this purpose, offering a short, intensive, on-demand format that enables staff to effectively absorb all the information and skills necessary to elevate their service levels.
The programme delivers specialised training on cultural understanding, helping participants to better understand the norms and shopping behaviours of Chinese customers.
The course also includes insights on effective interaction, including Mandarin and non-verbal communication, and tailored sales techniques.
All of this is presented interactively, with quizzes and interactive elements to enhance the learning experience.
2.0 & Partners Head of Customer eXperience Management – Italy Erika Gianni said: “Chinese travellers are becoming a key talking point in our industry once again, but if we want to make the most of the opportunity they present, then we must ensure that every aspect of our in-store experience is perfect.
“The Chinese Excellence Academy is our latest service at 2.0 & Partners designed to help equip frontline staff with the knowledge and skills to unlock the next level of service and engage these shoppers in the correct way – turning browsers into buyers and customers.”
2.0 & Partners is a certified provider of training courses by CPD. At the end of the Chinese Excellence Academy, all participants will receive a certification which they can showcase across the sector, to underline their specialist ability in working with Chinese shoppers. ✈
