VISITORS to Rugby World Cup 2015 will be greeted with world class customer service from businesses in Exeter and the Heart of Devon.

Exeter is hosting three rugby matches at Sandy Park in September and October, attracting international and VIP visitors to Exeter and the Heart of Devon.

Customer service training courses entitled ‘Welcome to Exeter’ are being run from January to May by Purple Cloud Consultancy and Exeter City Council.

The courses will help businesses maximise the opportunities for rugby- related business, understand how to manage super-happy or unhappy rugby supporters and promote places to visit in the area. Delegates will also receive a special tournament information guide, a Host City pin badge and a mini-tour of Sandy Park.

The one-day courses, which are fully funded by the European Social Fund, are just one of the many courses available from Welcome to Excellence, the leading provider of customer service skills training in the UK, which includes around 2,000 delegates a year in the South West.

Cllr Rosie Denham , Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: "Providing rugby customer care training for businesses to welcome rugby fans to Exeter and Sandy Park is part of developing a long-lasting legacy for the city.

"Great customer service and a memorable experience will encourage rugby fans to visit Exeter again in the future."

Helen Jones, Training Manager of Purple Cloud Consultancy, said: "It is fantastic that we are able to offer these fully-funded courses to businesses to help them prepare for this important event.

"Excellent customer service gives businesses a competitive edge and is vital for the businesses success and the success of a tourist destination.

"Those companies who deliver a great service will not only stay in business but they will continue to grow and also benefit the region by creating a positive, long-lasting and welcoming image of the South West."

The first course takes place on 26 January with a further nine courses running until May.