The 11th National Tour Guides Convention and 2nd Philippine Tour Guides Conference and Caravanheld last June 9-11, 2024 at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City was a beautiful experience attended by more than 200 Tour guides from different organization nationwide.
The MULATGAP, Multi-ligual Accredited Tour Guides Association of the Philippines headed by their President Evangeline Ana Sevilla and members, were delighted to participate in the three (3) day National Convention, were some of them even joined the pre-natcon caravan last June 3-8 and some even participated on the post natcon tours and activities prepared by Philippine Federation of Professional Tour Guide Associations, Inc. (TGFed), Tourism Promotion Board and Department of Tourism Eastern Visayas.
In her speech, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines COO Ms. Maria Margarita M. Nograles salutes the DOT Accredited Tour Guides who acts as a cultural ambassadors of the Philippines. She further emphasized that Tour Guides are not only story tellers who help promote the beautiful islands and spots in the Philippines but also helps in sharing the diverse culture, traditions, and history of this archipelago.
The NATIONAL CONVENTION retaliates the important role that tour guides plays in performing its duty as tourism ambassadors and frontliners, it gives an extra lift to their spirit and a gentle tap on the shoulder for a job well done.
The colorful ensembles of outfits, from business attire, modern Filipiniana, pintados and national costumes were well prepared and participated by delegates.
The following activities and topics were discussed as part of the National Tour Guides
Conference and Convention:
- Keepers of Culture Eastern Visayas
- Leyte Gulf Landings Stories
- Keepers of Bio-diversity
- The Contribution of Tour Guiding Sector in achieving the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP 2024-2028)
- Filipino Values for Excellent Tour Guides
- Tour Guides Ethics
- Tour Guides: Management, Control and Deal (TAUHAY Stress)
- Tour Guides Roles and Responsibilities on Community-Based Tourism Approach
- Continuous upskilling for Tour Guides in the 21st Century (Appreciative Inquiry as an Intervention to Artificial Intelligence)
- Tour Guides Roles and Responsibilities on Community-Based Tourism Approach
- My Identity, My Brand as a Tour Guide
- Exposure Trip during the conference
Another bonus is to meet and mingle with other tour guides from different regions. that speaks different languages or dialects.
We are after all, Love the Philippines and we are Filipino Tour Guides: The Keepers of Culture, Heritage and Biodiversity!
