New legal tour guides & travel agents’ regime takes effect
The public Macao University of Tourism (UTM), as the special administrative region’s sole tour guide training institution, will comply with the revised legal regime of travel agents and professional tour guides’ requirements by consolidating resources and launching relevant training programmes, covering history, first aid and others, UTM Rector Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan told reporters on the sidelines of an awards ceremony.
Vong made the remarks on the sidelines of the 5th “Idea-cation”* awards ceremony on UTM’s Taipa campus.
The newly revised legal regime of travel agents and professional tour guides came into effect last Monday.
Vong said that the new law specifies the mandatory training durations of 102 hours for those who completed an accredited tourism higher education course, or 150 hours for those who completed senior high school only, which can help consolidate tour guides’ knowledge and safeguard frontline tourism service quality.
The training programmes also cover foundational knowledge of Macau’s history and culture, first aid, etiquette and others, aiming to build both knowledge reserves and service attitude, Vong said.
Vong said that her university will adjust the frequency of course offerings based on market demand and practical circumstances, including providing refresher courses to help guides stay updated with the latest knowledge, continuously strengthen their expertise, and convey the most current information to tourists.
106 participants enter final round of ‘Idea-cation’
Meanwhile, the 5th “Idea-cation” competition themed “Rural Revitalisations and Regional Development” featured 28 teams comprising 106 participants from local high schools, local and the Chinese mainland’s tertiary education institutions as well as private enterprises.
“The competition is designed to inspire entrepreneurial and innovative thinking in tourism, which is a powerful driver for sustainable regional development”, Vong said, adding that by encouraging young people to take an active role in cultural heritage conservation and rural revitalisation, UTM is not only nurturing future leaders but also strengthening connections within the Greater Bay Area and highlighting career opportunities that extend beyond Macau.
The winners of the two groups were Chan Sui Ki Perpetual Help College of the high school group, while UTM won the open group.
* The term “idea-cation” is a blend of “idea” and “vacation.” It typically refers to a type of getaway or retreat focused on creativity, brainstorming, and the generation of new ideas. – Poe
Macao University of Tourism (UTM) Rector Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan (centre, front) and other participants pose for a group photo during yesterday’s 5th “Idea-cation” awards ceremony on UTM’s Taipa campus. – Photos: Ida Cheong
Macao University of Tourism (UTM) Rector Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan speaks to reporters on the sidelines of yesterday’s 5th “Idea-cation” awards ceremony on the UTM’s Taipa campus.
