Learning from Real Destinations to Become Professional Southern Tourist Guides
Participants of the Regional Tourist Guide Training Program (Southern Region), Class 2, completed an intensive field practicum from 15–19 June 2026, gaining hands-on experience in real tourism environments.
“A great tour guide does more than lead people from one place to another. They transform a destination into a story and a journey into a memorable experience.”
A Significant Step Toward Professional Guiding
The International School of Tourism, Suratthani Rajabhat University, was officially authorized to organize the Regional Tourist Guide Training Program (Southern Region), Class 2, to enhance the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required for tourist guides in accordance with national standards.
From 15–19 June 2026, participants joined a field practicum at significant tourism destinations across Southern Thailand. The training provided opportunities to practice destination interpretation, guided tours, cultural and heritage storytelling, visitor management, and problem-solving in real-world tourism settings.
From Learners to Storytellers
The field practicum enabled participants to move beyond classroom learning and gain firsthand experience as future professional guides. They learned how to communicate the history, culture, and unique identity of destinations in engaging and meaningful ways.
Participants practiced essential guiding skills, including itinerary planning, destination presentation, visitor engagement, group management, communication techniques, and handling unexpected situations during tours.
Learning from an Industry Expert
The program was led by Mr. Komsan Suwanrat, an experienced tourism professional and guide trainer, who shared practical knowledge, professional techniques, and valuable insights gained from years of experience in the tourism industry.
Through direct mentoring and hands-on guidance, participants gained a deeper understanding of the multifaceted role of tourist guides as interpreters, coordinators, cultural ambassadors, and creators of memorable travel experiences.
Developing Tourism Professionals for a Sustainable Future
This field practicum represents an important initiative in developing high-quality tourism professionals equipped with knowledge, practical skills, service-minded attitudes, and a strong appreciation of local culture and heritage.
The International School of Tourism congratulates all participants on successfully completing this important milestone and hopes that the experience gained through the program will serve as a foundation for their future careers as professional tourist guides who contribute to sustainable tourism development in Thailand.
Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting lifelong learning, professional tourism skills development, employment opportunities, and collaborative partnerships among educational institutions, trainers, participants, and tourism stakeholders.
| SDG | Goal | Relevance to the Activity |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4 | Quality Education | Promotes experiential learning, professional skill development, and lifelong learning through practical training and field-based experiences. |
| SDG 8 | Decent Work and Economic Growth | Develops qualified tourism professionals and enhances career opportunities in the tourism industry. |
| SDG 17 | Partnerships for the Goals | Demonstrates collaboration among educational institutions, industry experts, participants, and tourism networks to strengthen human resource development. |
