Some 100 tricycle drivers were tapped as tour guides to boost the Kalibo’s tourism industry. They undergone skills training on tour guiding funded for P410,000 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The three-wheeled multi-colored tricycles are the most popular and common way to go around the capital town of Kalibo. The town is also culturally and historically significant as the place of Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival, considered the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals”.
The Kalibo Bakhawan Eco-Park, Tigayon Hill and Cave, Museo it Akean, Aklan Freedom Shrine, St. John the Baptist Cathedral are also places of interests in the town of Kalibo for tourists.
Kalibo tourism officer Rhea Meren-Ibesate said guides-cum tricycle drivers were trained for proper tour guide procedures and techniques as well as extensive information on tourist spots and places of Kalibo.
Tricycle drivers, considered the tourism frontliners, were taught also in batches from December 5-9 at Kalibo Ati-Atihan County Inn on personality development, storytelling, roles of tricycle drivers on tourism, duties and responsibilities of tour guides.
After the skills training, the Kalibo Tourism and Cultural Affairs Division will conduct familiarization tours with tricycle drivers to acquaint them with Vibrant Kalibo tour packages for local and foreign tourists.
Tricycle drivers will be equipped with the standard colored tour guide vests and sticker logo of Vibrant Kalibo for tricycles for proper identification.
“We have to beautify also their tricycle units, fitted with curtains, make it neat and tidy for tourists,” Ibesate added.
The tour guiding program for selected 100 tricycle drivers aims to provide them additional income as well as to help promote the tourism attractions in Kalibo.
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
No comments:
Post a Comment