GTA begins 28-day training programme Darjeeling, 10 June: In a first ever initiative by the GTA meant to introduce responsible tourism in the adventure sector of Darjeeling, the tourism department today launched 28 days of free coaching programmes to train the tour guides affiliated only to the registered tours and travel companies based across the three Hill sub-divisions. It is learnt that earlier training was conducted when Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) was at the helm of things in the Hills.According to the officials, such training is an imperative for the tours and travel companies, given tourism sector in the hills being flooded with complaints by the unsatisfied clients.Earlier, the GTA conducted training in the home stays of the rural section of the Hills.Darjeeling being declared the famous summer destination of the country , therefore the initiative taken this time is meant not just to equip the guides with the tools and techniques required during the trek but to familiarise them with the places culture, tradition, religions, historic places, bird watching, flora and fauna, the Himalayas and its origin, according to the official. Around 32 tour guides from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik and also Maneybhanjyang were present today in course of the coaching camp. Around eight professional instructors were hired to impart the training, it is learnt.The training programme includes introduction of mountain equipment, its manners and customs, tent pitching, map reading and the like. In the later phase of the training, the tour guides will also be trekking to Tiger Hill and Sandakphu where they can also learn about the medicinal plants growing in these areas, said one of the course coordinator. Meanwhile, the GTA has plans on the cards to train the drivers too that ply the tourists.During off- season meaning the end of August, the GTA will start training the drivers. This will include familiarising the guides with the responsibilities and services they are required to fulfil when tourists ply in their vehicles, said the executive director of the department of the GTA, Mr Sonam Bhutia.Later in the October we will hold a seminar for the youths in Darjeeling who chooses tourism as their career, Mr Bhutia added. sns
Posted on: Wed, 11 Jun 2014 03:23:45 +0000