MTDC starts Tour Guide Training Programme for locals at Matheran

Continuing with its endeavor of providing employment opportunities to locals in the tourism sector, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has organized a special tour guide training programme. A five day programme started in Matheran on December 15. This programme will aim at encouraging locals to get specialized training as tour guides so that they can be a part of the local tourism industry and earn better livelihood.

Paraag Jaiin Nainutia (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC said, "MTDC has always emphasized on creating economic opportunities for the locals by integrating them with the prospects of regional tourism. We believe that the benefits of local tourism should reach to the common man uplifting his status. This tour guide training programme is one such initiative to empower the locals and harness their skills to act as tourist guides. Matheran has been the premier tourist destination and many locals depend on tourism there. Further training programmes will allow more locals join and reap the benefits of growing tourism in Matheran."

MTDC has organized a five day training camp in 10 locations in various languages. The training will provide information on Matheran, its local bio diversity, culture and history. Also a team of professionals will teach soft skills techniques to please tourists visiting Matheran. IITTM, Ecofox, and Local Municipal Corporation are also supporting MTDC's initiative.

MTDC has prepared a training module and will conduct the training programme in accordance to the guidelines of India Tourism, a competent authority for conducting professional training for guides all across Maharashtra. There are over 250 authorized guides in Maharashtra. MTDC's initiative will create more guides by giving locals opportunity to serve tourism industry.

Source : Equity Bulls

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