In keeping with world-wide International Tourist Guide Day (ITGD) celebrations, 180 local tourist guides will offer free guided tours at some of…
In keeping with world-wide International Tourist Guide Day (ITGD) celebrations, 180 local tourist guides will offer free guided tours at some of Sentosa’s signature attractions – Images of Singapore, The Merlion and Nature Walk – on 19 February 2006. ITGD 2006 Sentosa is jointly organised by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Sentosa Leisure Group (SLG) and Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore).
“With the celebration of ITGD, we would like to acknowledge the contributions of tourist guides to the local tourism industry, and raise the awareness of the tour-guiding profession by providing the public with a first-hand experience of their services,” said Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Sim Beng Khoon, Director, Travel and Hospitality Business, STB. “Licensed tourist guides are professional travel services providers and important frontline ambassadors in delivering Uniquely Singapore experiences to visitors.”
TGD 2006 Sentosa also marks the first time a local themed attraction, Sentosa, is supporting ITGD. “We are delighted to be part of this event as we recognise that tourist guides can play an integral role in enhancing the visitor’s experience on Sentosa,” said Mr. Kevin Cheong, Sales Director, SLG. “Celebrating ITGD 2006 Sentosa is an ideal platform to showcase some of our latest attractions and yet at the same time, showcase the professionalism of tourist guides. This may yet be the beginning of a long-term working relationship between Sentosa and tourist guides.”
With the involvement of the largest local tourist guide association, the Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore), ITGD 2006 Sentosa is also an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie among the local guiding community, and for tourist guides to interact and share their experiences with the public.
The public will also be able to enjoy free guided tours provided by tourist guides with purchase of the ITGD 2006 @ Sentosa Package or the Sentosa Experience Package. All tours will be led by professional licensed tourist guides and commentaries will be delivered in either English or Mandarin. Tours depart every 15 minutes and are available only at stipulated timings, with on-site registration. In addition, fringe activities at ITGD 2006 Sentosa will showcase the multi-faceted talents of tourist guides, such as musical performances, fortune-telling and calligraphy.
As part of maintaining the professional image and continuous upgrading of tourist guides’ skills and knowledge, tourist guides have to undergo Professional Development Courses (PDCs) endorsed by the STB, and are encouraged to attend product update seminars by the STB.
“Being a tourist guide is a great responsibility as we are the touch points for a visitor’s experience in Singapore. Hence, it is important for the tour guiding community to enhance their professional skills constantly, so that we can remain relevant to deliver first-class services to visitors,” said Mr. Howard Lim, Chairman of Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore).
To date, there are 1,762 licensed guides in Singapore, including 56 specialised tourist guides and 144 taxi tourist guides to cater to the diverse needs of visitors. Of these, there are 716 Mandarin-speaking tourist guides and 558 English- speaking tourist guides.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
