Two-day basic training for tour guides concludes

ITANAGAR, Jan 28: A two-day basic training for present field guides, organized by the Department of Tourism, GoAP at the State Food Craft Institute (SFCI), concluded today.

The programme was attended by 26 participants working with tour operators or freelancing as guides and tour leaders of Arunachal, who came from different districts of the State namely Lower Subansiri, East Siang, Upper Subansiri, West Kameng, Lower Dibang Valley, Dibang Valley, Papum Pare, Siang and Kurung Kumey.

The course was targeted for the participants for awareness about transforming into specialized Arunachalee guides, who would not only be good guides but also ambassadors of the traditional sustainable wisdom of communities, rich natural and cultural diversity and being the first State of India as the sun rises from here at first.

The inauguration session started with the lighting of lamp by Bengia Manna Sonam, Deputy Director Tourism in presence of John Panye, president APTOA, senior officers of the deptt.

The course mainly consisted of case studies shared by experienced and renowned tour operators of the State including Yongam Tours and Travel, BAC Voyages etc.

The highlight of the programme was ‘Safety and Entry Formalities’ for tourists, good guiding practice, First Aid by Indian Red Cross Society volunteers Dr Marli Ete and Dr Moli Basar, transformation process towards specialized Arunachalee guides by Raj Basu, who is also adviser on rural tourism and homestay policy for the Deptt of Tourism.

On the occasion, COVID safety protocols in new normal tourism were also emphasized.

The valedictory session was graced by Taba Taath, Principal RGGP (Itanagar), who gave away the certificates.