Capitol mulls professional training for tour guides

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu provincial government, through its tourism office, is now working closely with the Department of Tourism (DOT-7) to organize a group of good tour guides who are well versed with the history and culture of each town in the province.

According to John Roland Tabunag of the Cebu provincial tourism office, each town must have well trained tour guides noting that most municipalities in Cebu do not have professional tour guides.

On the other hand, aside from providing proper training to local tour guides in different towns in Cebu, the hotels, resorts and restaurant association of Cebu (HRRAC) also expressed the need of tour guides that are also fluent in order languages especially Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

HRRAC president Carlo Suarez said it is important for foreign tourists, especially those who do not speak or comprehend very well in English to be guided with trained guides, who are well versed about Cebu’s history, interesting tale of heritage, among others.

This is to avoid twisted stories about Cebu, which are happening now especially to those tour guides and language interpreters who do not have proper training.

Suarez said communication is crucial in taking care of tourists while they are here, and it plays a critical role in tourism growth.

Now that business is slower because of tavel bans brought about by Covid-19 scare, stakeholders are encouraged to use these times for training and upskilling while anticipating the recovery of the industry in the next few months.