IST Turns a Seven-Day Journey into a Real-World Classroom for Outbound Guide Professional Skills
The International School of Tourism (IST), Suratthani Rajabhat University, organized the “Outbound Guide Professional Skills Practical Training Camp” from 21–27 August 2026. The seven-day learning route covered Surat Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Lampang, Lamphun, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Tak, and Suphan Buri, providing participants with practical learning experiences in real tourism environments.
Throughout the program, participants rotated through daily responsibilities similar to those of a professional tour company. Their duties included assisting the travelling group, facilitating transportation, coordinating activities, managing time, and supporting daily tour operations. These activities provided hands-on experience in the practical responsibilities required in tour guiding and tour operation.
Practising Tour Commentary at Real Destinations
The practical learning journey began in Nakhon Sawan, where participants practised tour commentary at Wat Khiri Wong. The route then continued to Lampang for training at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, followed by Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun before reaching Chiang Mai.
In Chiang Mai, participants practised destination interpretation and tour commentary at several important tourism sites, including the Kruba Srivichai Monument, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Umong, Wat Phra Singh, and the Mae Kampong cultural community. These learning environments enabled participants to connect historical, religious, cultural, and community information with professional tour presentation.
Understanding Communities and Culture in Mae Hong Son
The program continued to Mae Hong Son, where participants practised at Pai Memorial Bridge, Kew Lom Viewpoint, and Ban Rak Thai. At Ban Rak Thai, they also learned about the history and local context of the Yunnan Chinese community while experiencing local culture and lifestyles.
Further practical training was conducted along the route to Pang Tong 2 Royal Project, or Pang Ung, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, Wat Chong Kham, and Wat Chong Klang. Participants also practised guiding in a City Tour format, strengthening their ability to connect destinations, organize tourism information, and present local stories systematically.
Every Day of the Journey Became Professional Practice
Before returning to Surat Thani, the group continued its learning journey through Tak and Suphan Buri. Participants practised destination commentary at the Suphan Buri City Pillar Shrine before travelling back to Suratthani Rajabhat University, where the program concluded safely on 27 August 2026.
A key feature of the program was transforming the entire travel route into a real-world professional classroom. Participants did not only learn tourism information; they also developed teamwork, communication, time management, traveller assistance, and daily operational responsibility.
These experiences strengthened participants' confidence, communication and presentation skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of professional tour operations, providing an important foundation for future careers in tourism and service industries.
SDG Report & Relevant Goals
This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
| SDG Goal | Target Description | Connection to Project |
|---|---|---|
|
Goal 4: Quality Education | The project promotes experiential and practice-based learning by enabling participants to develop tour commentary, destination interpretation, traveller assistance, tour-operation, and professional guiding skills in real tourism environments. The activity particularly supports SDG Target 4.4, which focuses on increasing relevant technical and vocational skills for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. |
|
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | The project strengthens professional competencies required in tourism and service industries through practical training in tour guiding, travel coordination, visitor assistance, daily tour operations, and destination interpretation. These experiences enhance participants' employability and readiness for future careers in the tourism industry. |
