Cebu needs well-trained foreign-speaking guides

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu needs well trained tour guides who are fluent in Japanese, Chinese and Korean languages, as stakeholders anticipate an influx of these nationalities to visit Cebu.

According to Hotels, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) president Carlo Suarez it is important for foreign tourists, especially those who do not speak or comprehend very well in English, to be guided with trained guides who are well versed in Cebu’s history, interesting tale of heritage, among others.

This is to avoid twisted stories about Cebu, which are happening now especially with tour guides and language interpreters who do not have proper training.  Suarez said communication is crucial in taking care of tourists while they are here, and it plays a critical role in tourism growth.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT-7) is urging tourism establishments to hire multi-lingual personnel in order to well accommodate the non-English speaking tourists, specifically Chinese.

“DOT is advocating customer service and relations, the placements of Chinese language signage or information materials in their establishments, or hire of Chinese speaking employees is encouraged,” said DOT-7 regional director Shalimar Tamano. 

Aside from Chinese language, establishments are also encouraged to employ personnel who can speak and understand Japanese, Korean and Russia languages.

“Not only Chinese speaking employees but Japanese, Korean, Russian speaking as well. This would enhance the experience of our visitors,” Tamano added.

China emerged as the fastest growing tourism market for the region. Chinese travelers are now the second largest foreign tourists market for Cebu, overtaking Japan.  Chinese arrivals grew by 75 percent to 429,306 from 244,925 in 2016.  Next fast growing market is the Taiwanese tourists visiting Cebu with arrival growth of 69.75 percent.

Although some establishments are already doing this, Tamano said Cebu in particular needs to improve in deploying tourism frontliners who are fluent in Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Korean languages.