WHY IT RATES: The company, which is the first of its kind to expand to private clubs, will offer support services such as training, secret shopping and standards development.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Forbes Travel Guide will expand to private clubs, becoming the first global professional training services firm to cater to the sector. The company has enlisted industry and hospitality veteran David Tyson to spearhead the effort as vice president of Private Clubs.
The only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, Forbes Travel Guide is known worldwide for setting the benchmark in luxury hospitality. Recently, Forbes Travel Guide has used its objective, comprehensive Star Rating standards to bolster service levels in other verticals, most notably cruises, luxury residential and retail. Private clubs marks the next step for the company, which will offer support services such as training, secret shopping and standards development.
Tyson brings more than 35 years of experience in luxury resorts, hotels, private country clubs and restaurants. Before to joining the company, he served as CEO of Dorado Beach Resort and Club, a sprawling 1,500-acre property that includes Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and TPC Dorado Beach’s championship golf courses.
Based in Orlando, Tyson has spent the bulk of his career in the private club space. His posts include area general manager for club operations at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa in Jupiter, Florida, and The Abaco Club, a Ritz-Carlton property in the Bahamas; general manager/COO of Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Virginia; general manager/COO of Hudson National Golf Club in Croton-on-Hudson, New York; and general manager/COO of the Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.
“We are delighted to bring our luxury hospitality support services to other industries,” said Peter Kressaty, Forbes Travel Guide’s Executive Vice President, Partner Services. “Whether companies operate in the private clubs or hospitality sphere, our approach to anticipatory, gracious service has stood the test of time and is extremely valuable to those who wish to differentiate themselves through the consumer experience.”
SOURCE: Forbes Travel Guide press release.
