HELP is at hand for guests in hotels and restaurants frustrated by the increasing numbers of foreign waiters unable to speak Greek.
Non-Greek speakers working in the tourist sector are now being offered a chance of learning Greek, with an emphasis on terms frequently used at work. The language courses have been organised by the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises (STEK) and the European University of Cyprus, and aim to improve the quality of service and promote the social inclusion of foreign employees.
“The aim is for frontline employees such as receptionists and waiters to learn the Greek language, particularly the terms used in the tourist industry, not only in hotels but also restaurants, tourist attractions and airports, as well as other businesses if they choose to,” said Nana Asmeni, the administrative officer of STEK.
Greek classes will be offered to interested hotel staff, people working in tourist agencies, bars and restaurants.
“STEK represents quality hotels of three, four and five stars. The reason it was founded 11 years ago was to promote quality and sustainability. We are implementing this promotion of quality by teaching foreign staff Greek,” Asmeni added.
The primary aim of the programme is to improve the quality of service, particularly to Greek speakers in Cyprus who complain that they are unable to communicate with frontline employees in Greek.
“It is unacceptable for such staff not to speak Greek, and locals have been complaining heavily about this. Cypriots are always good customers of Cypriot hotels, and the Greek language programme aims to promote the Cypriot and Greek market,” said Asmeni.
Given that there is no quota on the number of EU nationals employed in Cyprus, a large number of them, particularly from Eastern European countries are working in the tourist sector.
“Based on our annual count, approximately 40 per cent of hotel employees are non-Cypriot Community citizens, and a much smaller number comes from third countries,” said Lefteris Georgiades of SYXKA PEO trade union.
“It is a good development that foreign speakers are offered Greek lessons, but they should also receive training on Cypriot culture and history. This is necessary as they are often asked questions by tourists on basic things which they cannot answer,” Georgiades added.
In addition to promoting quality of service, the Greek language programme also aims to encourage the social inclusion of foreign-speaking staff.
“The language programme was not introduced just for the customers’ benefit, but also for the employees themselves. By learning Greek they can be better incorporated in the labour market, can communicate with their co-workers thus forming personal relationships, which promotes their inclusion,” Asmeni said.
The language courses will be offered in Limassol and Paphos from March. For more information call 2271300 or email [email protected]
