To improve the quality and competitiveness of the tourism sector in the state, the Jalisco Secretariat of Tourism reports the professionalization of 17 new graduates of the Diploma in Academic Training for General Tourist Guides, taught by the Autonomous University of Guadalajara.
In February of 1995, an academic collaboration agreement was signed between the Jalisco State Secretariat of Tourism and the Autonomous University of Guadalajara where it is authorized to apply the knowledge and language test to issue accreditation as Tourist Guides, in accordance with the NOM-08-TUR-1996. As a result, the UAG designed a Training Diploma for tourist guides, authorized and accredited by the Secretariat de Turismo Jalisco.
In this way, the state has more professional experts in serving tourists, who provide them with reliable, updated, and valuable information, which contributes to them having a better experience in our destinations. Thus, by generating recommendations and the desire to return, the influx and the economic spill for the benefit of the state increases.
"To advance in the reactivation and recovery of tourism in Jalisco, it is necessary to promote the training and professionalization of the sector, and one of the fundamental pieces is the tourist guide, who with his warm treatment, knowledge and experience, makes the visitor fall in love with our destinations, promote us in real time on your social networks, and want to return. And this ultimately translates into spillover and growth for our communities that live off tourism,” commented the head of the agency, Germán Ernesto Kotsiras Ralis Cumplido.
The diploma for general guides included 510 hours of face-to-face classes given from August 13, 2019 to March 18, 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the formal event occurring yesterday had been postponed several times.
The subjects taught at the UAG School of Tourism and Gastronomy are established in NOM-08-TUR-2002 for the development of tourist guides. Among them are General History of Art, History of Art in Mexico, Tourist Culture, and others.
In accordance with this official norm, the General Guide is the person accredited by the Federal Secretary of Tourism to provide national or foreign tourists with accurate and up-to-date guidance and information, with knowledge of cultural and natural heritage, tourist resources, and assistance services.
In Jalisco there are 319 tourist guides certified by the federal Sector; 154 right here in our beautiful Puerto Vallarta, 97 in the Magic Towns, 22 in Guadalajara, 1 in Ribera de Chapala, 1 in San Juan de los Lagos, and 45 in the rest of the state.
For more information on courses and diplomas for tourist guides, call 33 3668-1600, extension 31534, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or send an email to: joceline.ramos@jalisco .gob.mx.