Friday, 10 March 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Uttarakhand Tourism Department has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to work towards responsible and sustainable tourism. The MoU was signed by THSC CEO Rajan Bahadur and Uttarakhand Tourism additional director Poonam Chand in the presence of Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj.
Maharaj said, “Uttarakhand is known for its warm hospitality both domestically and internationally. This collaboration will start a new chapter in our hospitality by offering training to individuals working in the tourism sector. It will give visitors a sense of belonging and make them return to Uttarakhand repeatedly if taxi drivers, owners of guest houses and dhabas, and tourist guides here greet visitors from abroad in their language and offer guidance for the duration of their stay. Additionally, this partnership will enable tourists to get a closer view of Uttarakhand’s culture and natural beauty. This collaboration will encourage intercultural exchange while simultaneously promoting self-employment,” he said.
Tourism secretary Sachin Kurve said, “We work to advance tourism in Uttarakhand to a new level across the nation. Our effort in that direction is represented by this MoU. The training programme aims to increase accessibility to the Char Dham Yatra, develop the technical and practical skills of the residents already employed in the state’s tourism industry, guarantee social development, self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, in addition to bolstering the State’s economy.”
As per this MoU, Uttarakhand’s reputation as a top tourist destination has to be elevated by extending a warm welcome to visitors arriving for religious or other types of tourism and creating a sense of community for them by greeting them in their language. As part of the training effort, 4,000 persons, including taxi drivers on the Char Dham or religious routes, dhaba and guest house operators, heritage tour guides and wildlife guides will receive training to upskill and reskill. Aside from the trainees’ main goal of educating tourists about responsible tourism, the training programme will focus on topics like digital and financial literacy, health, hygiene, safety and the creation of self-employment. The training course will be offered in each of the State’s 13 districts.
