*Madhya Pradesh has implemented a Tourist Guide Rating System, offering awards of up to ₹2 lakh to top-rated guides.
*Two-Day Orientation and Skill Development Workshop for Guides Commences in Bhopal
*Heritage Walk on July 1st from Kamla Park to Sadar Manzil to Deepen On-Ground Understanding
TTT NEWS NETWORK
BHOPAL | 30 JUNE 2025
Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts and Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board , Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, inaugurated a two-day Tourist Guide Orientation and Skill Development Workshop at RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration, Bhopal. Addressing the participants, he remarked, “Guides are the ‘Monument Gurus’ for tourists. The depth of a visitor’s experience is shaped by the knowledge, authenticity, and storytelling of the guide.”
In a major announcement aimed at professionalising and recognising the efforts of tourist guides, Mr. Shukla introduced the Tourist Guide Rating System (RGTS). Under this initiative, the top three guides of the year will be awarded ₹2 lakh, ₹1 lakh, and ₹50,000 respectively from the upcoming year.
He emphasized the importance of multilingual communication, warm hospitality, and accurate, research-based storytelling by guides. “You are not just informers—you are caretakers, storytellers, and cultural ambassadors. Inspire tourists not only with facts but also by motivating them towards cleanliness, sustainability, and exploration of nearby destinations,” he added.
The Principal Secretary also informed that efforts are underway to increase the number of trained guides and enhance their facilities. “Workshops based on technology and online sessions will be introduced to upgrade skills and keep pace with modern tourism demands,” he stated.
Bridging Tourists with Culture and History:
Additional Managing Director, MP Tourism Board, Ms. Bidisha Mukherjee, highlighted the critical role guides play as a bridge between tourists and the state’s cultural legacy. “Currently, 72 licensed guides are actively working across the state. Recruitment for 313 new guide positions will commence shortly,” she announced. She also mentioned future plans to strengthen language proficiency and digital skills among guides through continuous training initiatives.
Showcasing Excellence:
During the inaugural ceremony, outstanding guides selected through RGTS were honoured:
• Shri Shashi Bhushan Singh from Orchha (1st Place)
• Shri Surendra Singh Bhadoria from Sanchi (2nd Place)
• Shri Rajesh Awasthi from Khajuraho (3rd Place)
Cultural Stewards of India:
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhuvan Vikram Singh, Regional Director, Archaeological Survey of India, said, “Tourist guides are the cultural stewards of India. They connect global travellers with our living heritage and ancient traditions, making every journey unforgettable.”
The two-day residential workshop is being conducted in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India, State Archaeology, Archives & Museums, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC), IITTM Gwalior, and domain experts. Sessions will focus on historical interpretation, presentation skills, new-age tourism technologies, tourist interaction techniques, and awareness of government schemes and initiatives.
Heritage Walk for Immersive Learning:
On the second day, July 1st, a Heritage Walk will be organised from Kamla Park to Sadar Manzil at 7:00 AM. This walk will enable guides to engage with the cultural fabric of Bhopal, experience the tangible and intangible heritage, and refine their storytelling with local insights.
This unique initiative marks a significant step in positioning Madhya Pradesh as a leading cultural destination on the global tourism map, while also investing in the people who make those journeys memorable—our guides.
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