PGLU BREEDS NEW LU TOURISM STORYTELLERS
By: Omme Atiyah Gonting, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: LUPTO | Date: September 11 to 15, 2023
A well trained and enabled tour guide is a vital pillar of the tourism industry. To sustain and improve tourist experience, the Provincial Government of La Union, under the leadership of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David, recently concluded a Local Community Tour Guiding Training, organized in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Region 1 (DOT-R1) at Ynad’s Place Hotel and Resort on September 11 to 15, 2023.
Tour guides add more value to the tourist destinations by providing relevant information to tourists to stir interest and appreciation. A total of 28 participants from various vulnerable sectors in the community nominated by the various Local Government Units of the province and members of the La Union Alliance of Travel and Tours Agencies took part in the activity.
The intensive training program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional tour guiding services.
A wide range of topics were covered, including the Provincial Tourism Situationer and La Union History, Festivals, and Culture, which were expertly delivered by Mr. Minoru C. Fujihara, LUPTO-Tourism Operations Officer II, and Mr. Julius A. Manabat, LUPTO-Supervising Tourism Operations Officer, respectively.
Moreover, the program placed a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and safety, with Ms. Jorraine Nor P. Rasay from the Provincial Government - Environment and Natural Resources Office discussing Eco-Tourism and Flora and Fauna, and Tourist Police and Safety being presented by PMAJ Ariel V Saltin and PEMS Marco T. Dulnuan from the La Union Provincial Police Office. The Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office Training Team, under the leadership of Mr. David Ken Salamanca, provided essential training in Basic Life Support and First Aid.
Tour guiding components such as the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, Tourism and Tour Operation in the New Normal, Effective Communication for Tour Guides, Tour Guiding Techniques and Digital Marketing for Tour Guides was discussed by DOT Accredited Trainer, Ms. Lorie Jane Rosales.
During the closing program, Provincial Tourism Officer, Mr. Arthur S. Cortez, Jr., aptly stated, "Sa turismo, pag may kwento, may kwenta, at kapag may kwenta, may kita."
In the spirit of #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan, the PGLU believes that this training program will not only provide a viable livelihood for the participants but also cultivate an empowered, skilled community of guides who will serve as the storytellers of the province.
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