JAMAICA | Register For TPDCo Tour Guide Training

KINGSTON, Jamaica February 24, 2022 - Persons interested in working as tour guides in the tourism industry are being encouraged to take advantage of the training programme being offered by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo).

The training is comprehensive, covering the role of the tour guide, the communication skills required, how to conduct a tour group – whether it is a walking or bus tour – as well as a practical component, which includes the trainee visiting an established attraction with a tour guide.

The 30-hour course is usually conducted over six days at a cost of $15,000. Training has already started in Kingston and will begin in Ocho Rios on March 9, Mandeville on March 21, and Montego Bay in April.

Executive Training Manager, TPDCo, Ruth Harris told JIS News that participants in the Tour Guide Training Programme are required to have at least a high-school diploma with a pass in English.

“It’s a prerequisite for them to also have completed our Team Jamaica programme… where we take the participants through our culture, history, customer service, our attractions [and] self-development,” said Ms. Harris.

“We have two main objectives for delivering this programme, we want to have quality, qualified individuals offering tours to our people – whether it’s local or international visitors… we want persons to give knowledgeable information in the proper way. The other aim that we have is to provide a source of qualified persons to be employed,” she pointed out.

Ms. Harris noted that registration for any of the training courses should be done a week in advance, and persons can contact any of the TPDCo offices across the island to register.

She informed that the Tour Guide Training Programme is held at least once per year in all major regions where a TPDCo office is located.

The TPDCo is the central agency mandated by the Government of Jamaica to facilitate the maintenance, development, and enhancement of the tourism product.