For the first time, Vietnam has classified tourist guides and general tourist information

On October 4, Vietnam Tourism Association said it was about to launch its "Vietnam Travel Guide" program under auspices of European Union.

Saigontourist's guide (right) introduces a process of making rice paper at a household in Ba Ria City for foreign visitors. Picture: MY LUONG

The ranking was conducted through assessment of three main criteria: capacity, knowledge, skills of the guide. From early October to the end of 2018, Vietnam Tourists Association (Vietnam Tourism Association) will deploy the ranking in Ho Chi Minh City (22 to 24 October); November 2018 in Hanoi, Quang Ninh; December 20 - 2018 in other provinces and cities.

This is the first time Vietnam has implemented this program to encourage tour guides to strive to improve their professional skills in order to better meet needs of tourists. . On the other hand, ranking of tour guides will create favorable conditions for tour operators to sign contracts and pay guidances.

Tour guide's ranking promises to bring many new and useful things, contributing to Vietnam tourism, especially the quality of guides are increasingly improving to meet development needs of industry. The guides who have participated in the ranking are classified into 3 categories: Platinum (5 stars); gold (4 stars) and silver (3 star).

Mr.Vu The Binh, Standing Vice Chairman of Vietnam Tourism Association, said that the first time, pilot program will be applied to tour guides who are members of Association of Vietnam Travel Guides, tour guides, members nationwide. After a pilot period, Vietnam Tour Guide Association will improve criteria and regulations to advance the ranking of all tour guides.

Up to now, 23,055 tour guides have been granted card, including 14,428 international tour guides; 8,412 domestic tour guides; 215 tour guides at the point. However, only about 5% of these guides have signed labor contracts with tour operators, paid salaries and paid social insurance. Approximately 95% are freelance guides, not participating in social insurance.

Source:  suu tam