TURA: The five-day intensive training programme for upcoming tourists guide and tour operators of East Garo Hills district concluded recently at DRDA Hall in Williamnagar. The training programme began from January 28 where a total of 65 youth, eco camp owners, home stay owners, new and upcoming tour operators participated.
As part of the training, the participants were taken on a three day field trip cum study tour to Balpakram National Park and various subjects related to eco tourism, adventure tourism, management & marketing, branding, concept of home stay and organic farming and medical emergencies during jungle treks and camping were also covered by various resource persons.
During the field trip, the participants were given detailed sessions on rules and regulations of the National Park, etiquettes of a tourist guides and tour operators, group discussions and write ups, short briefing on animal behaviour, the significance of Balpakram National Park in relation to Garo folklore and beliefs etc.
The resource persons for the training included Medical Officer Dr Rikrak N. Marak, General Secretary of A’chik Tourism Society Dipu N Marak, Chairman of Rongram Academy of Arts Roger Benny A Sangma, BNP official and senior tour guide Tushar M Sangma, President of Balpakram Tourist Guide Association Balison A. Sangma, Coordinator, Internal Quality Assurance Cell, UCC, Shillong Jim Carbrist P Marak and others.
During the closing ceremony, Swapnil Tembe, The Deputy Commissioner of East Garo Hills attended the programme as the chief guest and presented the certificates to the participants.
The programme was organised by the District Administration and supported by A’chik Tourism Society (ATS) with funding from the Chief Minister’s Career Guidance and Counselling Scheme.
