Bengaluru: In a move that will create both employment opportunities and boost tourism, the tourism ministry has introduced what’s called the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) and Incredible India Tourist Guide (IITG) Certification Programme. This is a digital initiative that aims at creating an online learning platform with the objective of creating a pool of well trained and professional Tourist Facilitators and Tourist Guides across the country, including in remote areas with tourism potential, Swarajya notes. 

Information in this regard was given by Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (16 March), the website adds. 

It is interesting to note that aspirants can apply and pursue the course at their bidding. The course saw the light of day from January 1. Aspirants can apply from anywhere and at any time and at their own pace.

The tourist facilitators and Guides are essentially interpreters of a place, event or experience and are tasked with making tourist spots appealing, explaining the history, myths, legends and culture associated with the destinations, the Tourism Ministry said in a statement.