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Sri Lanka Tourist Guide Exam- Tourist jobs salary board guidelines coursebook license pdf – This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the local tour guide training programs of the provincial councils. The goal was achieved by reviewing the available literature and empirical research based on data provided by 81 novice guides who underwent training programs conducted by certain organizations. A quantitative approach was applied to the study by conducting a survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical procedures and a paired sample t-test. The result shows that the content of the selected training program is in accordance with the widely accepted six-dimensional model in the tourist guide training project.
Literature Review
Tour guides as connectors for hosts and tourists act as escorts for tourists who are usually with tourists throughout the tour (Metalka, 1990). Weiler and Davis (1993) define a tour guide as a person who works on behalf of a tour operator and is responsible for providing a complete travel experience. Many researchers have agreed and argued with the diversity of tour guide roles (Cohen, 1985; Weiler et al., 1991; Pond, 1993). Weiler and Richins (1990) stated that travel guides contribute to a better travel experience for tourists.
This is confirmed by Chowdhary and Prakash (2009) because the role of tour guides is very important as it directly affects overall tourism satisfaction with service encounters in group tours. Cohen (1985) further explained that the dual role of ‘Original Guide’ is a seeker and mentor. Another role that guides play is to demonstrate behavior that respects the environment and the culture to help in the conservation of nature. providing education and interpretation; and finally, to serve as a cultural mediator between foreign tourists and the local community (Muñoz, 1995). Lindberg I in. (1998) further strengthened the idea of Muñoz (1995) by seeing travel guides as the heart and soul of the ecotourism industry. No matter the size and scope of the
Tour Guide, travel guides serve as the face of any tourism-related organization, be it travel agents, travel agencies, local destinations, or local conservation groups, and are responsible for all of the host community. and the environment (Black and Weiler, 2005). Although one of the oldest human activities, the tour guide is still an underrecognized profession that is criticized and underestimated. So Pond (1993) called it an “industrial orphan”.
Apparently, the guides were mainly criticized by stakeholders in the world of travel. They are commonly blamed for all travel problems, including bad weather, traffic jams, and overcrowded destinations (Christie and Mason, 2003). In fact, many tourists have found that travel guides are unfamiliar with the city’s history. After interrogation, several guides rewrote the history of the city in their favor and to please their guests.
There are countless examples of guides who do not know their destination. From time to time they make up or meet up with stories. 3, No. 1, 2018 ISSN 2513-3071 with other popular stories to delight tourists (Chowdhary and Prakash, 2009). It is thus clear that untrained and untrained guides often damage the reputation of the city and the overall experience of tourists during their tour, which is often irreversible (Arreola, 1998).
The traditional interpretive role of the guide as a one-way facilitator is insufficient for modern tourism (Weiler and Black, 2015). This was confirmed by Chowdhary and Prakash (2009). According to them, many guides in the informal sector put the tourism industry at risk. As a result, the picture deteriorates and the positioning of tourism weakens. According to Areola (1998), this can cause almost irreversible damage to the image of the destination.
After identifying problems with travel guides, Ross (1997) recommended adequate and continuous guide training programs to ensure better services in travel agency operations. Black and Weiler (2005) recommend that professional organizations, including the public and private sectors, should develop mechanisms to support evidence, and once established, such organizations should undertake the training, certification, licensing, and delivery of – programs for their members.
Pond (1993), suggests the qualities that a tour guide possesses. These include omnipotence, perseverance, commitment to work and learning, understanding, flexibility, sensitivity to people, pride in serving others, and the ability to interpret as mental painting. Bond also believes that coaching is a viable solution and an effective tool for developing these qualities among girl guides. Nadson and team (1995) also agree with Pond (1993).
According to him, guides should have features that can be developed only through systematic training.
They added a few more qualities to the pond list. These include friendship, trust, delivery, and organization. Knutson dkk. (1995) further suggest training interpreters develop these traits. ended his study by emphasizing that effective tourist guidance is the result of long experience with thorough studies and continuous training.
In addition, an emphasis on effective speaking is one of the most important skills in interpreting Tour with Kindness. Spontaneity, energy, confidence, delivery, and organizational skills. But emphasizes that education alone cannot develop all of these qualities, so education is necessary. The travel industry is a customer-centric industry that relies heavily on professionals who can provide quality services and communicate effectively with excellent interpersonal skills. Whinney (1996) suggests that such skills are mainly acquired through learning. After training, it is important to encourage guides to environmental actions with both guests and hosts. In fact, there is a successful example of a guide who, after training, personally participated in conservation projects (O’Brien, 1999). Follow-up with Guide after the training program is, however, very important. identify behaviors after exercise and take necessary actions afterward
Participating in a training program will not only improve the knowledge and skills of the guides, but also their operational status, payments, career opportunities, and working conditions. In addition, at the industrial level, the training improves both the Standard and the quality of tourism products. which will have a competitive advantage for the destination (Black & Wheeler, 2005).
Source: https://www.seu.ac.lk/seusljm/publication/volume3/no2/ASSESSMENT%20OF%20REGIONAL%20TOUR%20GUIDE%20TRAINING%20PROGRAMMES%20IN%20SRI%20LANKA%20TOWARDS%20PROMOTING%20TOURISM%20EDUCATION.pdf
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