IST and Ban Chiao Lan Subdistrict Municipality Empower Local Tourism Professionals, Strengthening the Community toward Sustainable Tourism
From “local people” to “storytellers of their own community,” the International School of Tourism (IST), Suratthani Rajabhat University, in collaboration with Ban Chiao Lan Subdistrict Municipality, continues to strengthen local tourism capacity by creating pathways toward professional tour guiding, education, career development, and sustainable community-based tourism.
The International School of Tourism (IST), Suratthani Rajabhat University, in collaboration with Ban Chiao Lan Subdistrict Municipality, held a certificate presentation ceremony for participants who successfully completed the Southern Regional Tour Guide Training Program, Batch 2. The ceremony took place at Ban Chiao Lan Subdistrict Municipality, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province.
The program represents another significant outcome of the partnership between the two organizations in developing local people with the knowledge, professional skills, and opportunities needed to pursue careers in the tourism industry.
The initiative was implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ban Chiao Lan Subdistrict Municipality and the International School of Tourism, Suratthani Rajabhat University. The partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of tourism personnel in the area, enabling local residents to build upon their existing knowledge and experience and progress toward becoming professional tour guides. This, in turn, can create career opportunities, generate local income, and contribute to community tourism development.
A tangible outcome of the program: all 34 participants successfully completed the training requirements. Following the program, participants applied for the examination required to obtain official tour guide identification cards from Thailand's Department of Tourism. In the first examination round held in August, 21 participants successfully passed the examination and received their tour guide identification cards.
Mr. Chaowalit Chuaysong, Mayor of Ban Chiao Lan Subdistrict Municipality, emphasized the importance of developing local tourism personnel. He highlighted that local people understand their home and community best. Equipping them with professional tourism and tour-guiding knowledge therefore creates an important local workforce capable of sharing the stories, ways of life, and unique values of Ban Chiao Lan with visitors, helping tourists gain a deeper understanding of the destination.
This approach reflects the broader role of a “local tour guide”, which extends beyond simply guiding visitors. Local guides can serve as a bridge between tourists and communities, communicating local identity, traditional knowledge, ways of life, and the value of natural and cultural resources. Their role is therefore an important part of creating meaningful tourism experiences while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the destination.
The event also featured a panel discussion entitled “Community Power, Education Power: Creating Opportunities for Professional Tour Guide Careers”. The session provided a platform for exchanging experiences and perspectives among representatives from the local community, educational institutions, and professional tour guides, helping participants gain a clearer understanding of career pathways and opportunities for further personal and professional development.
Beyond professional development, the International School of Tourism also introduced opportunities for participants to continue their education at the bachelor's degree level through the SRU CREDIT BANK system. This pathway provides greater flexibility for learners to build upon their knowledge and experience, continue their education, and pursue academic qualifications alongside their professional careers.
The collaboration between Ban Chiao Lan Subdistrict Municipality and the International School of Tourism, Suratthani Rajabhat University, therefore goes beyond a certificate presentation ceremony. It connects “community – education – profession” to create opportunities for local people to strengthen their capabilities, become important storytellers of their hometown, contribute to the stewardship of local resources, and collectively create greater value for Ban Chiao Lan's tourism sector in a strong and sustainable way.
SDG Report & Relevant Goals
This initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the following areas:
| SDG Goal | Goal | Connection to the Initiative |
|---|---|---|
|
SDG 4 Quality Education |
The program promotes professional learning and skills development in tourism and tour guiding. It also provides participants with opportunities to further their education at the bachelor's degree level through the SRU CREDIT BANK system, supporting flexible and lifelong learning. |
|
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth |
The initiative develops the professional skills and qualifications of local residents, helping create pathways into professional tour guiding, expanding employment and income opportunities, and supporting the growth of the local tourism economy. |
|
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities |
The program strengthens the role of local people in communicating community stories, identity, traditional knowledge, ways of life, and the value of local resources, contributing to community-based and sustainable tourism development. |
|
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals |
The initiative demonstrates collaboration under an MOU between a local government organization and a higher education institution, combining knowledge, expertise, and resources to develop local human capital, expand educational and career opportunities, and advance sustainable development in the area. |
