A 10 day long capacity building programme for the Tourist Guides concluded here at the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir. The programme was organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
The programme is part of the initiative of the Department of Tourism to improve the technical skills and further enhance the professionalism among the frontline staff of the Tourism industry for which the SIDBI has lent all support. Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah was the chief guest at the concluding function.
The program was designed to teach participants about the local culture and uncover the lively old and culturally rich areas. The training program comprised five days of classroom sessions followed by four days of immersive experiences visiting significant cultural destinations and engaging with local artisans to understand the rich traditions of the place.
Addressing the participants at the felicitation ceremony, the Tourism Secretary congratulated the tourist guides for their commitment and dedication to the training program. He highlighted the role of the tourist guides as ambassadors of Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing their responsibility in showcasing the region’s unique culture and fostering sustainable tourism practices.
Dr. Abid said Tourism Department shall provide platform to young minds to hone their skills and become success stories of coming days. He underscored the role of these young professionals in shaping the future of tourism sector.The Tourism Secretary appreciated the role and concern of the SIDBI who came forward and lent all support to make the programme series a success.
Addressing the participants, the Director Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob underscored the need for skilful and professional guides in the tourism industry. He said post Covid-19 and with an increased tourist footfall to the Valley the need for professional and technically trained staff is being felt very much and the Department being conscious of this fact has rolled out this series of training programmes.
Senior officers of Tourism Department, SIDBI and representatives of programme conducting agency were present on the occasion.Earlier, the Department in collaboration with SIDBI has organized similar training programmes for frontline staff of hotels and guest houses, Tour/Ski guides/Ski patrol who have been working in various activities at the famous ski resort of Gulmarg and other destinations.