In order to raise the standard of services provided to tourists, training will soon be required in order to obtain any licence related to tourism in Pakistan.
MD Aftab ur Rehman Rana of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has revealed that the government is improving the licencing system as the unchecked expansion of amateur and unqualified tour guides and operators is damaging the nation’s reputation.
The official explained that the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Tourism and Hospitality have been prepared and would be applied throughout Pakistan after consultation with all the major stakeholders in the tourist and hospitality sector.
He continued by saying that in addition to NMS, a training programme has also been developed and will be required in order to obtain a licence and work in this industry as a host, tour guide, or other similar position.
According to the official, it is essential that tour operators, tourist guides, the hospitality industry, etc. receive training in accordance with international standards in order to provide the finest services to foreign visitors.
According to WealthPk, Rana explained that the first-ever “National Tour Guide Training Program” is being held this month with the assistance of many other agencies in order to raise the calibre of services provided in the tourism sector.
The head of PTDC indicated that trainees will only be required to pay 30% of the costs for logistics, travel, and transportation, with the remaining 70% being covered by PTDC and other partners.
According to Aftab, at least 5,000 tour guides will be taught through this National Program in the upcoming three to four years. Some sessions of this programme will be hosted on the PTDC grounds, while others will be held at the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM).
“A lengthy 15-day indoor training camp will be held. The candidates who successfully complete the first phase of their 15-day training will be qualified to move on to the second phase of their three-month training, which will take place with different businesses and be supervised by senior tour guides. The trainees will be deemed qualified to obtain a tourist licence after completing all of these processes, he reaffirmed.
The official emphasised that the prohibition on using unlicensed hotels, lodges, and guesthouses will also apply to unlicensed tour guides and tour operators who operate on social media.
