Red Carpet Service

Three men walk down the sidewalk in Valentine, Neb.
Roll out your community's hospitality!

The Red Carpet Service program blends traditional customer service with the specific needs of travelers and tourists in your area. This engaging and practical 2.5-hour session is designed for staff and management at local attractions, convenience stores, restaurants, retail shops, lodging venues, and any business that interacts with visitors. Participants learn about the economic benefits of tourism and their crucial role in creating a positive, welcoming first impression for all community members. It’s a fun way to boost local hospitality and make a lasting impact!

Four Rural Fellows stand in front of a landscape outside Sidney, Neb.
Man looks at his laptop in a coffee shop.
WHAT IS IT?

An educational opportunity that helps front-line employees:

  • Identify travelers’ needs 
  • Discover tools to support tourism
  • Appreciate hidden treasures 
  • Build service skills 

As a package, these aspects translate into a quality experience for visitors and current residents.

A man stands in front of a white board, talking with peers.
HOW IT WORKS
  • Sessions: 2.5 hours
  • Participants: Front-line staff and managers
  • Group size: 25-30 participants (recommended)
  • Fees: Initial training, $250 + cost of travel; repeat trainings, travel costs only
  • Instructors: Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educators

A local sponsoring organization handles promotion, recruitment, and other details. Partnering with another community is encouraged.

A man and woman talk while sitting at a table in a coffee shop.
BENEFITS
  • Increased understanding of how travelers and tourists benefit the local economy
  • Renewed appreciation for front-line employees
  • Improved customer service skills
  • Increased knowledge of local attractions and hidden treasures

Post-program evaluations have showed a significant increase in attendees’ knowledge and ability to share information about (1) main attractions, (2) hidden treasures, and (3) additional tourist attractions.

Contacts

NORTHWEST PANHANDLE
CHERYL BURKHART-KRIESEL

RPN Extension Educator
308-632-1234
cburkhartkriesel1@unl.edu

SOUTHWEST PANHANDLE
JAMIE BRIGHT

RPN Extension Educator
308-254-4455
jamie.bright@unl.edu

NORTH
MARILYN SCHLAKE

RPN Extension Educator
402-472-4138
mschlake1@unl.edu

SOUTH
JASON TULLER

RPN Extension Educator
402-768-7212
jason.tuller@unl.edu