Hague to launch expat service card

15 August 2006

AMSTERDAM — A customer service card is being launched for the estimated 30,000 expats in The Hague.

The card — named HaGuest (Hague Guest) — will guarantee expats good service from the participating shops and businesses, Lydia Harmsen, manager of the scheme, told Expatica on Tuesday.

She works for Dæsch Creative Concepts, an event organiser that put together the gala ceremony to mark the 400-year history between the Netherlands and Australia.

The idea for the HaGuest card comes from research indicating that while expats are happy with many aspects of life in The Hague, customer service — or the lack of it — is a major concern for international residents.

Dæsch is receiving funding from the city authority to develop the card and attract businesses that are willing to provide “something a little extra special” to expats. “This could be a complimentary glass of wine in a restaurant or a special year book from a jewellery store,” Harmsen said.

But the main commitment demanded from participating businesses is that they provide information in English and have personnel that can deal with customers in English.

Negotiations are continuing with businesses in The Hague and Harmsen said the card should be ready for launch by mid or late October.

The card will be limited to The Hague for the time being but Harmsen said it is hoped to expand to Amsterdam and elsewhere at a later stage.

Click here for the Dutch website about the HaGuest card.

Subject: Dutch news