LASG tasks taxi drivers, tour guides on efficient visitors’ management
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi and representatives of the Lagos State Taxi Drivers and Cab Operators Association, Operators of Hailing Car Services and Operators of Shuttle Services at a Tour Guide Training for Taxi Drivers and Community Based Tourism Officers (CBTOs)
Training
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Oct. 25, 2021 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has charged Taxi Drivers, Cab Operators and Community Based Tourism Officers (CBTOs) on efficient visitors’ management in order to develop domestic tourism in the state.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf gave the charge at a two-day Tour Guide Training for Taxi Drivers and Community Based Tourism Officers (CBTO) on Monday in Alausa, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was attended by representatives of the Lagos State Taxi Drivers and Cab Operators Association, Operators of Hailing Car Services, Operators of Shuttle Services and officials of the Ministries in charge of CBTO.
The theme for the training is: Visitor Management: The Role of Taxi Drivers in Tourism Development.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi, explained that the training was organised to equip participants with needed information when interacting with tourists, be in tandem with the Lagos State vision and to ensure community based tourism grows and domestic tourism thrives.
According to her, tourists are customers and therefore should have a good experience at the end of every ride.
She added that a tour guide customer care objective should be to deliver a delightful service to customers at every point of contact.
The permanent secretary, therefore, urged the participants to add more value to their services by embracing the use of technology noting that it would make their jobs easier.
She advised the taxi drivers to harness technology in improving on how they deliver their services.
“You should deploy the use of smart phones, Google maps. This would make you to be well informed, the job easier, better and more convenient.”
In her presentation, a Tourism Expert from National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Mrs Chinyere Uche-Ibeabuchi, who spoke on the “The Role of Taxi Drivers in Tourism Development,” advised the drivers to always create a good narrative about what they represent.
Uche-Ibeabuchi urged the different operators and associations to continually train their drivers on visitors management in order to impact positively on their passengers, especially as they drive potential tourists and visitors.
She noted that visitor’s management was important because it leaves a memorable and pleasant impression on the visitors and gives positive image for the country.
“Every taxi drivers should be a potential tour guide and they should be very familiar with popular tourist routes.
“By doing so, you are adding an impactful experience which will help create a positive lasting experience on the potential tourist.
The tourism expert encouraged the participants to be committed and diligently carry out their duties professionally with a little bit of interpersonal skills.
She advised the participants to always manage their riders well adding that they should be neat, friendly, courteous, hospitable and obey all traffic rules. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
