The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has begun a six-week free training program to introduce aspiring tour guides to professional techniques of providing guests with a memorable experience whenever they visit Lagos.
Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, stated at the start of the training program at Jaekel House, Railway Compound in the Ebute-Metta area of the State, that 150 beneficiaries had been identified for the training in collaboration with a training and tourism consultant, Dr. Adun Okupe.
The training programme, according to the Commissioner, was initiated to enhance visitors’ experience, contribute to the attractiveness of tourism destinations, create employment opportunities for potential tour guides and positively impact the GDP of the State.
She said: “Our six-week tour guide training programme is designed to equip current and future tour guides with the necessary tools to design and guide tours. The skills and knowledge gained from the programme can also be used in other customer-facing sectors of the tourism industry, thereby contributing to the development of tourism industry in the State”.
Speaking on the expectations of the State Government from the trainees, the Commissioner informed that at the end of the programme participants should understand both basic and more advanced principles of the tourism industry and the role of a tour guide, based on the latest research and global practices.
“They should understand and appreciate the culture and heritage of Lagos State, as well as the key tourist attractions within the State; develop the necessary skills to design and implement private and group tours; foster a culture of innovation through high-level engagement with other tour guides and tourists, with a focus on enhancing the visitor experience; explore opportunities within the tourism industry to positively impact the local environment and communities in Lagos, among others”, she added.
Akinbile-Yussuf said that since the State Government is making efforts to promote domestic tourism and market tourism sites across the world, it is imperative to have a standardized structure in place, which will enable tour guides attend to tourists in a professional manner.
She affirmed that tourism remains a weapon that can be used to eradicate poverty, saying that the State Government is in the process of optimising the usage of the State’s tourism potentials.
The Commissioner, therefore, challenged the trainees to give tourists the best of experience desired such that visitors to the State would love to revisit Lagos several times again.
Citing the instance of the warm reception received in some developed climes like Dubai right from the Airport, as well as how pilgrims to the Holy Land of Israel, Jerusalem and Mecca usually enjoy professional tour experiences from tour guides, she urged the trainees to take a cue from these cities.
“So when you have visitors to Lagos State, attend to them professionally and courteously, take them through all the necessary experiences that will show them the love of our nation, our State and of the community that they visit”, she said.
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