The city government is eyeing the formation of a community tour guide program to improve the city’s tourism initiatives.

Aileen Refuerzo, chief information officer of the city government, said in an interview that a resolution was filed with the city council to institutionalize the formation and conduct of training for community tour guides.

She said the plan will be one of the city government’s livelihood programs for the residents who are still recovering from the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Paborito pa rin tayo ng mga turista. Nakita naman natin na noong nagbukas tayo ng border sa turista, marami ang umakyat at marami ang tuloy-tuloy na dumadalaw (We remain a favorite among tourists. We saw, as soon as we opened our borders, people started coming in and continue to come),” Refuerzo said.

Baguio is a prime tourist destination in the country that offers a variety of attractions from destinations, food, culture, and people.

She said that the city recognizes tourism’s boost to the economy thru job generation and as a source of revenue for the local government.

The officer said that the proposal at the city council is to complement the city’s vibrant tourism activities with people who may not necessarily be experienced tour guides but are still well-equipped and knowledgeable enough to provide tour guiding services at par with their professional counterparts.

Also part of the role of the tour guides will be to ensure that visitors will also help in preserving and protecting the environment of this summer resort city. (PNA)