In Dong Nai Province, there are currently over 160 licensed tour guides, among which 42 hold international licenses. However, these tour guides have traditionally operated independently, lacking centralized coordination and connections to regulated associations as mandated by law.
In response to the existing challenges, the Dong Nai Tourism Association has undertaken a proactive approach by spearheading the establishment and rejuvenation of multiple tourism associations throughout the province. This strategic initiative has been meticulously designed to serve as a cornerstone for the tour guide community, with the overarching goal of uplifting service standards and bolstering the overall tourism landscape in Dong Nai.
With a keen understanding of the pivotal role played by tour guides in shaping visitor experiences, the Association has recognized the imperative need for a structured framework that fosters cohesion and collaboration within the industry. By breathing new life into these associations, a robust support system is being cultivated, one that provides tour guides with essential resources, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
The revitalization efforts are not merely about organizational restructuring; they signify a concerted effort to instill a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the tour guide profession. Through targeted training programs, skill development workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms, tour guides are being equipped with the tools and expertise necessary to deliver exceptional service and memorable experiences to visitors.
Moreover, the establishment of these associations serves as a catalyst for broader industry advancement. By promoting synergy and cooperation among stakeholders, including tour operators, local businesses, and government entities, a cohesive ecosystem is being fostered, conducive to sustainable tourism development in Dong Nai.
Furthermore, the ripple effects of this initiative extend beyond immediate service enhancement. By nurturing a thriving tour guide community, Dong Nai is positioning itself as a destination of choice, capable of offering enriching and authentic experiences to travelers. This, in turn, contributes to the region’s economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation efforts.
In essence, the establishment and revitalization of tourism associations in Dong Nai represent a pivotal step towards realizing the full potential of the province’s tourism sector. By laying a solid foundation for tour guides and fostering collaborative partnerships, Dong Nai is poised to emerge as a beacon of excellence in the realm of sustainable tourism, captivating visitors with its unique charm and hospitality.
Shortcomings in Tour Guide Teams
Despite the rapid growth of tourism in Dong Nai in recent years, the activities of tour guides still lag behind in both quantity and quality compared to the industry’s development needs. Many tour operators in the province find themselves needing to hire guides from other provinces to meet demand. Particularly in historically significant and culturally rich destinations, there is a notable shortage of high-quality tour guides to serve visitors, especially in handling large groups and cultural or spiritual sites.
Dong Nai is renowned for its fruit orchards in places like Long Khanh, Xuan Loc, Vinh Cuu, Tan Phu, and Cam My. During the ripe fruit season (approximately from June to August), these orchards open their doors to visitors. However, tourism activities often stop at ticket collection, casual fruit tasting, and souvenir purchases without providing in-depth information about the region, its various fruit trees, and proper care instructions.
Nguyen Tran Huyen Thu, a resident of Bien Hoa City, shares her experiences visiting Long Khanh fruit orchards multiple times. While the orchards are beautiful, visitors lack guided information about the trees’ names, origins, distinguishing features, age, and fruit selection tips, hindering their understanding and appreciation of the orchards.
Truong Dinh Khanh, head of the Long Khanh Tour Guide Association, acknowledges the challenges they face in fully utilizing the association’s functions and fostering effective networking and collaboration. He hopes for more support and opportunities for professional development from the provincial Tourism Association to enhance local tour guides’ skills and capabilities.
Creating “Extended Arms” for the Tourism Industry
Tour guides serve as the extended arms of destinations, acting as vital bridges between visitors and the local attractions, significantly influencing visitors’ perceptions of service quality. Therefore, tour guides bear immense responsibility in enhancing the reputation and standards of tourism services.
The establishment of tour guide associations contributes to standardizing and professionalizing tour guide activities, providing opportunities for training and skill enhancement. Bui Quoc Vy, a tour guide at Cat Tien National Park, envisions these associations as local hubs capable of offering information about Dong Nai’s attractions to visitors.
Vy hopes that with proper training and knowledge, tour guides can become tourism ambassadors, readily providing information about Dong Nai’s attractions when requested by visitors. For example, a tour guide in Tan Phu District could introduce visitors to attractions like Buu Long Tourist Area, Son Tien in Bien Hoa City, or other tourism spots across Dong Nai.
According to Tran Dang Ninh, Chairman of the Dong Nai Tourism Association, over the past year, efforts have been made to strengthen and establish new tour guide associations. These associations play a crucial role in promoting the local tourism image, which has been previously overlooked without proper networking and development across the province.
Ninh anticipates that Dong Nai’s tour guide team will grow both quantitatively and qualitatively in the future. To improve tour guide quality, he emphasizes the need for associations to collaborate closely, organizing specialized activities at least twice a year to exchange information and updates relevant to tourism in the province.
In conclusion, by bolstering the structure of tour guide operations through association formations and enhanced collaboration, Dong Nai Province aims to elevate its tourism offerings, ensuring memorable experiences for visitors while fostering sustainable tourism development.