The Japanese language course for tour guides started yesterday, aimed at diversifying the knowledge of Bhutanese guides, as Japanese are amongst the highest number of visitors to the country. Twenty guides from across the nation are participating in this programme.
The programme coordinator and director of Middle Management Hotel Program, Ugyen Doji informed BHUTAN TODAY: “We used to provide French language courses earlier, but we have now stopped that and are now training guides in Japanese language. This is a basic language course, level one and it will last for 20 days. They won’t be getting certificates unless they complete level 2. Forty days are enough for the basic language class.”
The training unit of Tourism Council of Bhutan took over coordination and organisation of such trainings two years ago from the service division. Japan International Cooperation Agency provides instructors for the course. “We organise the course twice a year for both the levels,” Ugyen Dorji said.
Rinchen Wangdi, one trainee working with Shangri-La Tours and Treks said: “I think this programme will be very helpful, especially for us guides. It’s a good initiative taken by the government. In this session we are being taught on how to deal with our Japanese guests when we come across them, but this is just a basic course.”
“I have been working as a guide for the last four years. Earlier, I attended courses on cultural heritage and trekking. In those courses we mainly focused on the history of Bhutan and how to handle emergency cases. The language course I am attending is taking place for the first time,” he added.
Another guide, Karma Lethro, 25, said: “Being a tour guide, I felt it necessary to attend this course. Language is a major problem and plays a vital role while serving foreign guests. And to have a little background and know the basics of any language is very important. The guests seem to feel happy when we talk a little in their language. So it really makes a difference.”
Jigme Dorji, 24, another trainee, said: “With the increase in Japanese tourist flow into the country these days, we guides are the first to come across them and have to serve them throughout their stay. This programme will help us bridge the communication gap.”
By Sonam Phuntsho in Thimphu
