MAKEMYTRIP has rolled out training programmes to strengthen the soft skills of almost 500 tourism professionals in the Andaman Islands and Bhutan, key tourist destinations for Indian travellers.
The company conducted a five-day training programme in Port Blair and Havelock in end-August, in collaboration with the Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The programme conducted in Andamans was customised to suit individual requirements of four groups in the region’s tourism industry – local boatmen, hotel staff, tour escorts and drivers. It focused on imparting practical knowledge to the attendees, and the format included roleplays and Q&A sessions supported by videos and presentations.
It was followed by a two-day programme in Bhutan in early September, joining hands with the Tourism Council of Bhutan and Guide Association of Bhutan for the sessions.
Training conducted in Bhutan focused on guides and drivers and took a different approach, driven by the philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava.
Both programmes concluded with the respective industry bodies issuing certificates to all the participants.
Mohit Gupta, chief business and marketing officer, MakeMyTrip, said: “To help address the specific requirements of Indian travellers, we focused on two of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists – Andamans and Bhutan.
“Given the immense potential for future growth we identified an urgent need to develop skilled workers in this sector. The outcome is the launch of these customised training programmes to build skilled human capital in the local travel and tourism industry.”
Gupta added: “Seeing the tremendous response to this initiative, we will roll out this programme in other prominent tourist destinations.”
