"Thrilling Games, Harmonious Asia; Passionate Volunteering, Excellent Guangzhou"

Guests are ready for the Opening Ceremony of the Service Excellence Community Seminar for Guangzhou Taxi Drivers. (Lifeofguangzhou.com)

An Opening Ceremony of the Service Excellence Community Seminar for Guangzhou Taxi Drivers was held on Tuesday at the R&F Center in the city's Pearl River New City.

A lecture concerning Service Excellence was given by Mr. Francois Cnockaert, General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou on the same day following the ceremony. 30 taxi driver representatives from Guangzhou Taxi Association and 50 volunteers from Guangzhou Volunteering Association participated in the training.

Mr. Wu Honggang, Secretary-general of Guangzhou Taxi Association addresses the Opening Ceremony. (Lifeofguangzhou.com)

Mr. Francois Cnockaert (L), General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou addresses the Opening Ceremony. (Lifeofguangzhou.com)

Guangzhou taxis now serve more than 100,000 passengers a day and often provide travelers with their first impression of the city. Being the host of the 2010 Asian Games, Guangzhou is eager to improve the service of the taxi industry as it is a vital part of the city's image.

Mr. Francois Cnockaert gives a lecture at the training session. (Lifeofguangzhou.com)

"I have worked in 3 continents, 8 countries, riding more than 50,000 taxis," said Mr. Cnockaert, speaker of the training. When asked about luxury in this service industry, the Frenchman smiled and said, "Luxury doesn't have to be associated with money. Luxury is making people feel good."

Training will be held once a week from January 22nd 2008 to November 2010 and selected management from The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou will be speakers at the training.