SOP templates provide a starting point for creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Tourism operators can customise these templates to ensure consistent service and training, reducing errors and saving time. For example, use a guest check-in template to standardise the welcome process across all staff.
Accessing this feature
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How to use it
Browse the Template Library: Once you're in the 'SOP Templates' section, you'll see a collection of different templates. Take a moment to scroll through them. You might see categories like "Guest Services," "Safety Procedures," "Vehicle Maintenance," or "Marketing Tasks."
Find Your Perfect Match: You can use a search bar or filters to quickly find templates relevant to a specific area of your business. For example, if you need an SOP for your tour guides, you might search for "Tour Guide Briefing" or "Pre-Departure Checklist."
Preview and Select a Template: Click on any template that catches your eye to open a preview. This lets you see the structure and content before you commit. When you've found one that looks like a good starting point, click the Use Template or Customise Template button (the exact wording might vary slightly, but it will be obvious!).
Make it Your Own – Customise! The template will open in an editor, and this is where you get to truly personalise it. These are designed to be adapted!
Edit the text: Change headings, add specific details relevant to your business, update contact names, or adjust timings.
Add your unique steps: Does your check-in process include a special welcome drink? Add it in!
Insert visuals: You can upload photos of your specific equipment, diagrams of your premises, or even embed short videos to make the instructions super clear.
Brand it: Add your company logo, use your brand colours (if the editor allows), and make it feel like it truly belongs to your business.
Save Your Masterpiece: Once you're happy with all your changes, click the Save or Publish button. This will store your newly customised SOP within your Tourism Accelerator account. You might also have the option to give it a specific name, like "Our Lodge – Guest Check-in Procedure."
Share and Implement: Now that your SOP is ready, it's time to share it with your team! You might have an option to "Share with Team" or "Assign to Staff" directly within the platform. Otherwise, you can download it as a PDF and share it via your usual internal communication channels. The key is to make sure your team knows these procedures exist and how to access them!
Tips
Start Small, Think Big: Don't feel like you need to create an SOP for every single task on day one. Pick a few high-impact areas first, perhaps something critical to guest safety, customer satisfaction, or a task that causes frequent bottlenecks. Guest check-in, tour safety briefings, or equipment cleaning are often great starting points.
Involve Your Team: Your staff are on the front lines, and they often have the best insights into how tasks are actually performed (and where improvements can be made!). Involve them in customising the templates. Not only will their input be invaluable, but they'll also have better buy-in and be more likely to follow procedures they helped create.
Keep it Simple and Clear: Remember, SOPs are meant to be easy to follow. Use simple language, short sentences, and bullet points. Avoid unnecessary jargon. If someone unfamiliar with the task can pick it up and do it, you've done a great job!
Embrace Visuals: A picture truly is worth a thousand words.
Need help?
For further assistance, contact us at [email protected]