Provincial Board wants training for local tourist guides

The Palawan Provincial Board (PB) approved Tuesday a resolution requesting Governor Jose Alvarez to sponsor appropriate training courses for local tour guides to enhance their communication skills and develop their personalities.

Resolution author board member Cherry Pie Acosta said the training courses can be handled by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The training should include an overview of tour guiding and the tourism industry, development and communication skills, destinations and activities in Palawan, environmental protection and conservation, cultural practices of Palaweños, first aid, and other important things tour guides must know.

She said her resolution aims to upgrade the skills of the tour guides who are in the front lines of Palawan’s tourism industry.

“If this will materialize ay malaking tulong ito at puwede natin i-tap ang ating residents to undergo training. Maaari rin na makahikayat tayo ng mas marami pang turista because of their good services,” Acosta said.

She said tourism is one of the most significant industries in the province and its operation involves the combined efforts of various people who perform important roles and responsibilities.

These tour guides are found in Coron, El Nido, and Port Barton.

“Matututo pa sila lalo tungkol sa culture ng Palawan. They will be more versatile in communicating with the tourists,” she added.