18 local guides receive certification from IITTM

SHILLONG: 

The graduation ceremony of the third batch of Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) saw 18 local guides receiving their certificates, on Tuesday.

The three-month programme trains local guides on various aspects of spelunking, adventure, topography, rural areas, cuisines, and wildlife in Meghalaya. “It’s free of cost, and (participants) will also get a stipend of ₹1,500 after the training plus IITTM certificate,” said IITTM Shillong coordinator Sabrina Lyngdoh, about the programme.

Since 1996, the All-India Tour Guide has only given one woman, Aisuklin Kharsati, the license and she was present at the do.

Chief guest of the ceremony AL Hek, the legislator from Pynthormukhrah, blamed “5 per cent of the people in the state” for suppressing the potential of tourism, without fully clarifying who he was referring to.

Director of Tourism CV Diengdoh emphasised the importance of tourism and developing new tourist hot spots. He promised support from the state government for the same.

The institute currently has a temporary campus in Shillong. Any resident of Meghalaya can register for the program as long as they are over 18 years of age and have passed Class 10. Once graduated, certified guides can operate independently or associate with any travel agency. The programme also helps regularise tour guides by listing them officially with the Ministry of Tourism.

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