In addition to its existing physical training sessions the East Flemish tourist authority is now also launching a new online platform to help local businesspeople. Online reviews and existing prejudices, especially with regard to Dutch people, are only two of the topics discussed.
Information is available on what you need to do in order to let holiday accommodation or open a B&B. The province's tourism trump cards are also extolled.
But in East Flanders the largest number of tourists come from the Netherlands and prejudice persists. One of the training sessions addresses this issue. ‘We more or less speak the same language, but there are cultural differences, which people should take into account,’ explains Ruben D'haeyere. ‘There are so many clichés and prejudices.’
‘The Dutch don't like good food,’ is a common prejudice. Research has shown that this is not the case. 'It’s probably what Flemish people think after they failed to find any good restaurants in the Netherlands. Good food is exactly one of the things Dutch people look for during their stay. So if you offer good food or pass on good addresses, you are doing them a favour,’ Mr D'haeyere insists.
He also believes the idea that the Dutch are arrogant is another unjustified prejudice. ‘Dutch people appreciate honesty, don't want to beat about the bush, and stand up for their opinions. Their intention is simply to be honest, not to be rude or arrogant!’
Online reviews are important!
East Flanders is also providing training to teach local businesspeople how best to deal with reviews. ‘Many people freely post their opinion about a café, restaurant or place to stay online,’ Mr D'haeyere explains, ’Negative reviews may not always be justified, but still it is best to deal with them. Because often people are guided by the experiences of others when chosing a particular establishment. You should not respond with anger or frustration but show understanding. Make people feel that you take the review seriously and say how you intend to solve the problem in the future!’