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[av_heading heading=’Kalibo enlists tricycle drivers as tour guides ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
By Boy Ryan Zabal
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KALIBO, Aklan – Some 100 tricycle drivers have been tapped as tour guides to boost the province’s tourism industry.
The drivers underwent a skills training program for guiding tours funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The three-wheeled multi-colored tricycles are the most popular and common way to go around the capital town of Kalibo.
Kalibo is culturally and historically significant as the stage for the Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan festival, considered the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals”.
The Kalibo Bakhawan Eco-Park, Tigayon Hill and Cave, Museo it Akean, Aklan Freedom Shrine, St. John the Baptist Cathedral are a few of the places of interests for tourists.
Kalibo tourism officer Rhea Meren-Ibesate said the tricycle driver-guides were trained with proper tour procedures and techniques, as well as taught extensive information on tourist spots and the places of Kalibo.
Tricycle drivers, considered the tourism front-liners, were taught in batches from Dec. 5 to 9 at the Kalibo Ati-Atihan County Inn seminars ranging from personality development, storytelling, the roles of tricycle drivers in tourism, as well as the duties and responsibilities of tour guides.
After the skills training, the Kalibo Tourism and Cultural Affairs Division is expected to conduct familiarization tours with the tricycle drivers to acquaint them with Vibrant Kalibo tour packages for local and foreign tourists.
Tricycle drivers will be equipped with the standard colored tour guide vests and the sticker logo of “Vibrant Kalibo” for their tricycles so they may be easily identified.
“We have to beautify also their tricycle units, fitted with curtains, make it neat and tidy for tourists,” Ibesate added.
The tour guiding program for the 100 selected tricycle drivers aims to provide them additional income as well as help promote the tourist attractions of Kalibo. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
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