Storytelling & Scriptwriting for guides and tourism operators training was conducted

Boac, Marinduque – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Mimaropa provided training support to accredited tour guides, tourism offices in the province, and other stakeholders at Argi E-hub Provincial Agriculture’s office building last April 21 to 23.

The resource person, Paul John Hernandez is founder of the traveling salakot went back to Marinduque as continuation of the Makanayon training last February in preparation of the DOT Philippine Experience to be hosted by the island by May 20-22.

The premise of the training is that tourists nowadays are looking for meaningful, exciting, and memorable experiences. According to DOT, the tour guide not only provides knowledge but also must interpret, be relevant, and have a pleasant travel.

For the first day, basic script and storytelling exercises were discussed. The first session involved the idea that tour guiding is also interpretation. There was an experience reflection sheet, “My Tour Experience Reflection” about the place, guide style, feelings, memory, and lessons.

For Sir PJ, tour guiding is not merely information delivery but rather, more importantly, meaning making. He posed the question of what great storytelling is important in tour guiding.

According to the Makanayon trainer, one needs to turn facts into experiences. Likewise, he or she would want to make the tours memorable. Then the tour guide creates an emotional connection. In addition, he or she should be able to keep attention and engagement. This is what sets you apart as a guide. As a byproduct, Sir PJ stressed that the tour guide needs to communicate culture and identity. Therefore, one supports experience-based tourism and encourages responsible tourism.

The last day is about social graces. The resource person emphasized that the journey from arrival to departure should be an experience. The participants shared their signature arrival greetings and experiences about handling complaints. Finally, they also exchanged notes about farewell and closing. Sir PJ also characterized different tourist behaviors to better equip the tour guides.

The participants are from the six towns of Marinduque, including the tourist offices of Boac, Gasan,

Sta. Cruz, Torrijos and Buenavista. Dream Favor Travel and Tours, Balar Hotel and Spa and Marinduque State University also participated with the Marinduque Tour Guides Association along with BS Tourism Management interns and the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office. #