600 concierges head to London for Golden Keys congress
More than 600 concierges from all over the world will gather in London next week for the annual congress of The Golden Keys.
It is the first time that the congress of the professional association for concierges - known widely as Les Clefs d'Or - has been held in London since 1975.
With the Olympics just a few months away, the five-day event, starting on 27 January, will be a valuable opportunity for concierges from more than 40 countries to witness the preparations London is undertaking and become ambassadors to spread the message of the city's readiness to welcome the world.
"We think that 2012 could be a tricky year for London, and are anxious to do "our bit" to save London's suffering the so-called "Olympic Legacy" which has seen a downturn in visitor numbers to the host city in Olympic year," said Ron Crowdy, president of the Society of the Golden Keys in the UK.
The concierge delegates will have the opportunity to visit many of the key tourism sites in London, as well as take trips to Hampton Court and Oxford, enjoy a West End show, and see the Olympic stadia. There will also be a Champagne reception at the London Hilton on Park Lane, educational seminars, and speeches from key industry personalities.
Around 1,100 people - including the delegates, hotel general managers and chief executives - will attend the closing ceremony in the Great Room of Grosvenor House on 31 January, when the Duke of Gloucester will be the guest speaker.
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By Janet Harmer
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