The Port of Yokohama in Japan and Var Chamber of Commerce in France have signed an agreement whereby the Japanese port and businesses in the city are licensed to use the Cruise Friendly label developed by the French organisation and whereby they commit themselves to certain service standards in a move to enhance the experience of cruise passengers.
The objective of this label is to build customer loyalty by delivering an extraordinary experience to cruise guests, in order to make a great impression and to increase their desire to return once again for a sojourn in the city where the label is implemented, the two said in a joint statement.
Businesses displaying the Cruise Friendly label guarantee to stay open during cruise calls, agree to offer a discount or a gift after any purchase to cruise passengers, to speak English and to accept the visit of a mystery shopper who will control the quality of service.
"We are proud to be part of the" Cruise Friendly "family in the hope that more cruise passengers will discover the main sights and the atmosphere of our city, as this project fits perfectly with our motto Inspire your soul,” said the Mayor of Yokohama, Fumiko Hayashi in the statement.
“For us all, it is a question of reaching excellence by a personalised welcome, helping to optimize the experience of the cruise guests, and to leave them an unforgettable memory of their call in the Var and at the same time helping local businesses and shops, restaurant keepers to attract new customers and to benefit of the economic impact of the cruise activity,” Jacques Bianchi, President of the Var Chamber of Commerce said.
This label is today acclaimed by other Var Provence ports reaching a total of more than 400 shops in seven cities: Bandol, Sanary, Toulon, La Seyne-sur-Mer, Hyères, Le Lavandou, St-Raphaël, with two new cities to join the network in 2020: Fréjus and Le Castellet.