Tour Guide Training in India: A Comparison of Approach and Content with Other Programs

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study was undertaken with the purpose of comparing the Regional Level Guide Training Program in India insofar as the approach and content are concerned with five other programs. This research used a two-pronged approach to investigating the issues: One was content analysis of tour guide training programs of these six cases, and the other was a survey-based exploratory study of opinions and expectations of 269 participants in recent guide training programs conducted in northern India. The role guides are expected to play is reflected in the content of the training programs. Given the different context and systemic arrangements, the designed training interventions vary over the duration of the programs, delivery (modular or regular), focus, licensing, costs, and content. This comparative analysis leads to rethinking tour guide training both from delivery and content perspectives. NTOs especially in the developing world can consider this analysis when they consider the design of tour guide training programs.