Pakistan’s tourism sector is taking an important step toward professionalization with the launch of a
National Tour Guides Training Program. A high-level consultative meeting was held at the
head office of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) on
24 February 2026 to finalize the framework for this national initiative along with a
proposed Tourism Leadership Training Program.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders including the heads of
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC),
College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM),
Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP),
Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO), and the
Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department.
Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of PTDC, presented a comprehensive draft of the
training framework for tour guides. The proposal includes:
- An entry-level certificate course for tour guides aligned with international competency standards (essential for all tour guides)
- An advanced mountain guide certificate course aligned with international standards
- Standardized curriculum and structured certification levels
- On-the-job practical training with logbook-based performance evaluation
- Licensing of trained tour guides through the Department of Tourist Services (DTS)
Participants emphasized that professional tour guides must develop strong
communication and storytelling skills,
tour group management skills, and knowledge about
visitor safety and emergency rescue procedures.
Environmental stewardship, responsible tourism practices, tourism laws and regulations,
and the professional responsibilities of tour guides were also highlighted as key components
of the training.
It was agreed that the training model will consist of
30% theoretical instruction and
70% practical field training, ensuring that guides gain real-world experience
along with classroom knowledge.
The CEO of COTHM also proposed a Tourism Leadership Program aimed at strengthening
institutional capacity and enhancing the overall performance of Pakistan’s tourism sector.
This proposal was welcomed and appreciated by all participants.
Under the agreed framework, PTDC, ACP, COTHM, PATO and the
provincial tourism departments will jointly launch this National Tour Guides
Training Program by pooling expertise and financial resources. In the first phase,
approximately 1,000 tour guides will be trained across Pakistan.
This nationwide initiative will be rolled out by PTDC in collaboration with partner
organizations, marking an important milestone toward building a
professional, sustainable and internationally credible tourism ecosystem in Pakistan.
Earlier Initiatives in Sindh
It is important to note that efforts to professionalize tour guiding had already begun
at the provincial level. The Pakistan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (PITHAM)
earlier launched a Tour Guide Training Course in Sindh.
The course was conducted by experienced tourism professional and guide
Jamal Panhwar, who has been working in the tourism sector since 1989.
The program focused on practical guiding skills, cultural interpretation, visitor
management, and professional standards required for modern tour guiding.
Such initiatives highlight the growing recognition that
well-trained and knowledgeable tour guides are the ambassadors of Pakistan’s tourism industry.
