The FINANCIAL -- Concierges should embrace social media, but not allow it to take over from the human contact with guests, the 59th International Congress of Les Clefs d'Or heard in London this week, according to Caterer and Hotelkeeper.

Gaymer-Jones added that social media was a great means of sharing stories and advised concierges to respond swiftly - within 24 hours - to requests from guests via Facebook or Twitter.

Simon Scoot, vice-president, global brand management, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts said the passion that concierges had for their locality was of vital importance in promoting a destination via social media.

The discussion on social media was one of several educational elements to the congress, which culminated in a gala dinner at Grosvenor House last night attended by the Duke of Gloucester. Paul Still, head concierge at the London Hilton on Park Lane formally took over from Ron Crowdy, head night porter at Imperial London Hotels, at the dinner as the president of the Society of Golden Keys of Great Britain, a founder member of the Les Clefs d'Or, which today represents more than 3,000 concierges worldwide.

The 60th International Congress of Les Clefs d'Or will be held in Queenstown, New Zealand, in April 2013.

Related Stories

• Scottish Parliament backs 50p minimum alcohol unit price
• Thistle becomes first UK hotel group to gain full Vegetarian Society accreditation
• Natural History Museum receives Two Star rating from the SRA