Tourist guide programme organised by Mangalore University

Tourist guide programme organised by Mangalore University

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 4, 2015:  Inaugurating a tourist guide programme organised by Mangalore University Department of MBA for Tourism Administration and State Department of Tourism, on June 3, Wednesday, Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof K Byrappa said that government should focus on providing infrastructure facilities in tourist spots.

He said tourism is catching up in India and there is need to explore the potential of tourism in the country known for rich heritage, culture and history.

It was mentioned that years ago Japanese were the most travelled people in the world, he said now Japanese have been replaced by Indians. The potential for promotion of tourism in coastal belt is very bright. A good tourist guide with good practices, communication skills, honesty and commitment to aims can make a good ambassador of the region. Tourist guides can also promote health tourism in the local area.

Tourism department Assistant Director A R Prabhakar said tourism is not yet well developed in Karnataka. There is need to tap tourism potentials in the State. Mangalore University Registrar Prof P S Yedapadithaya said tourist guides should have proven  knowledge of the tourist spots and its heritage.

The tourism course : Coordinator Mustiary Begum said the certificate course is for a period of four months. It comprises of three months class room learning and one a month of  practical training at different tourist spots.   The university will conduct an examination at the end of the programme and successful candidates will get certificate and licence as tourist guides from Department of Tourism.

This training programme is expected to equip the participants with adequate skill as tourist guide by imparting knowledge pertaining to various aspects of tourism industry with special reference to coastal Karnataka.   The certificate course includes seven papers on introduction to tourism, tourism products of Karnataka, practical guiding skills and behaviour, history and archaeology, functional English, French language and tourism products of coastal region. A total of 35 students have enrolled for the course. Students are entitled for the stipend of Rs 1000 each for three months.