Adventure Travel Guide training concludes

   A week long 'Adventure Travel Guide' training organized by SAMARTH-NMDP in association with Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) concluded in Kathmandu on June 20. Altogether 22 trekking guides associated with different trekking companies participated in the training. Theoretical classes were conducted at TAAN Secretariat in Maligaun while practical classes were held in Shivapuri National Park. Wilderness First Aid Training was also organized for the participants along with the Adventure Travel Guide training. Certificate of completion was handed over to the participants in the closing ceremony organized in Kathmandu. Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bal Bahadur Mahat handed over training certificates to the participants. Speaking at the program, Mahat urged all the participants make best use of the training. "Production of trained hands for the adventure tourism industry is always good news. I thank TAAN and SAMARTH-NMDP and TAAN for taking the initiative," he added. Similarly, Sudarshan Prasad Dhakal, director general of Department of Tourism, thanked the institutions involved in organizing the training. "We are in the process of amending different laws related to tourism sector. In the amendments, we will all the burning issues of the tourism industry," he added.

TAAN President Chandra Prasad Rijal said the training was TAAN's yet another effort to produce trained manpower for the adventure tourism sector. "We have been organizing series of trainings on mountain safety, photography, first aid, business correspondence and SEO, among others, for people involved in trekking industry. These training not only enhances their professionalism but also improves our service delivery," he added. "As guides are the true ambassador of tourism industry, their capacity must be developed to better serve tourists." He also said he was hopeful that the trained guides will bring to use what they learn during the training. The 'Adventure Tourism Guide' is certified by ATTA and it is recognized throughout the world. Similarly, the license of Wilderness First Aid Training is valid till July 2019. Earlier, Shital Chandra Dharel, coordinator of Training & Human Resources Department of TAAN, welcomed all the participants and said he was hopeful that the training has instilled confidence on guides to handle groups in even the harshest scenario. Representatives of Nepal Association of Travel and Hotel Management, SAMARTH-NMDP and ATTA were present in the program emceed by TAAN Secretary Mukti Poudel. TAAN 1^st Vice President Tej Bahadur Gurung, 2nd Vice President Ram Prasad Sapkota, General Secretary Karna Bahadur Lama, Joint Treasurer Krishna Man Shrestha and Executive Members Sarita Lama, Ngawang Nima Sherpa, Wangchu Sherpa, Tara Nath Lamichhane, Pemba Sherpa, Dawa Lama Tamang and Surya Bahadur Ghimire were also present at the program.  Source by TAAN.