7-Day Refresher Course for Ladakh Tour Guides, Operators begins at SIHM Leh

LEH: A seven-day advanced refresher course for tour and travel guides and operators began at the State Institute of Hotel Management (SIHM), Leh, with a focus on strengthening professional skills and improving the quality of tourism services in Ladakh.

The training programme is being organised by SIHM Ladakh in collaboration with DCI Multi Skills Private Limited and brings tourism professionals together for specialised training in destination knowledge, communication, customer service, safety and professional networking.

The course was inaugurated in the presence of Principal, SIHM Leh, Sachin Bali (JKAS); Vice-President of the Taxi Union, Rinchen; tour and travel guide Ajaz Ahmad; and Navid Wani of DCI Multi Skills Private Limited.

The programme began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by the presentation of khataks to the dignitaries.

Addressing the participants, Sachin Bali underlined the importance of professional training and skill development in strengthening Ladakh’s tourism sector. He encouraged the participants to make full use of the seven-day programme to enhance their professional capabilities.

Bali also thanked the DCI team for coordinating the training and said certificates would be awarded to participants who successfully complete the course.

Navid Wani highlighted the role of sustainable tourism and skilled tourism professionals in developing Ladakh as a tourism destination. He also pointed to the potential of social media in promoting homestays and tourism opportunities in remote areas, urging participants to make active use of the training.

Rinchen stressed the importance of tourism to livelihoods across Ladakh and called for greater coordination among stakeholders. He also emphasised the need to preserve the region’s cultural identity while pursuing sustainable growth in tourism.

The course will cover destination knowledge, interpretation and communication, language proficiency, customer service, problem-solving, safety and risk management, first aid and professional networking.

Participants will also gain knowledge of regional sites and cultures, narrative techniques and outdoor safety protocols. The programme will provide opportunities for interaction with tourism industry professionals and other stakeholders.

The training is intended to equip guides and operators with skills that can improve visitor engagement, service standards and safety practices while helping them respond more effectively to the needs of tourists. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive certification.