Union Tourism Secretary Rashmi Verma has rolled out the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) Programme in Delhi on 15th of this month.Earlier Union Tourism Minister, Shri. K.J. Alphons had launched this programme on 27thSeptember, 2018 on the occasion of World Tourism Day.
Speaking on the occasion Rashmi Verma said that the concept of ‘tourist guide’ has changed world over and the new age tourist facilitators are ‘story tellers’. She further added ‘“this online programme will facilitate creating jobs for local people, harnessing local experience and traditional knowledge and it also has the flexibility of any age or any place people to join. This initiative will ensure an enriching experience for the tourists, as it will address the issue of shortage of tourist guides and provide a lot of competition which further ensure providing best tourist facilitators.”
The participants will now be able to register for this programme through an online digital platform.As per report, within five days of roll out, more than 1,500 applicants have been registered for this digital course from across the country.
This six month online learning management programme has been developed by M/s Wipro Limited and its contents supported by the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management.
The programme is divided into three categories – basic, advance and language. The fee for each category is Rs 2,000 and an additional examination fee.Courses are designed in a manner that users can learn at their convenience.The course kicks off with a basic introductory module alongside the registration process followed by payment initiation on November 19, where any 10+2 pass-out candidate can enroll in the basic course comprising seven modules aimed at training the facilitators for knowledge, skills and attitude domains.On successful completion of this programme the learners would be able to become a Certified Tourist Facilitator of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Niraj Sharan, additional director general, Travel Trade Division said, “This programme will change the concept of guide and it will be replaced by the tourist facilitators.He added, “this programme can be pursued by the candidates while being in the job too and online course material will be provided to the candidate.The candidate has to start with the basic programme. After completion of the basic programme, there will be an internal assessment done by an agency through online test. Without passing the internal assessment, the candidate won’t be able to obtain the certificate or go on to pursue the further advance or language course.”
