Tourist Guide Certification Scheme helps Goan youth build a career in tourism by offering fee reimbursement for the Basic course and sponsoring an Advanced training module. This support enables participants to become certified professional guides, opening new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across the state.
Tourist Guide Certification Scheme - Introduction
Tourist Guide Certification Scheme, launched by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, helps local youth become professional tourist guides. By blending rigorous training with financial support, this scheme improves the quality of hospitality and promotes professional growth within Goa's tourism sector.
This initiative helps you by providing, first, a reimbursement of fees for the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (Basic) Certification Programme, and second, by fully sponsoring the Advanced Tourist Guide Curriculum. It is a very good step toward building a sustainable career as a qualified guide in the state.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Tourist Guide Certification Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Goa |
| Category | Travel & Tourism, Skills & Employment |
| Nodal Department | Tourism Department |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
Benefits
You receive several forms of support to kickstart your career as a professional guide:
| Benefit Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Course Reimbursement | You get a refund of the fees paid for the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (Basic) Certification Programme. |
| Advanced Training | The Department of Tourism sponsors your entire Advanced Tourist Guide Curriculum, which includes history, heritage, culture, and soft skills. |
| Official Certification | After passing the Advanced curriculum, you receive an official Tourist Guide Certificate from the Department. |
| Language Specialisation | You are encouraged to pursue foreign language courses at your own expense to boost your professional value. |
Note: While the government supports your learning, remember that the ₹ 500 examination fee for the IITF Basic course must be paid by you.
Eligibility
To participate, you should meet the following criteria:
You must hold a valid Goan domicile certificate and be between 18 and 40 years of age. You should have successfully passed your 10+2 (or equivalent) examination. Additionally, you need to complete the IITF (Basic) Certification Programme. If you are already a registered tourist guide with the Department of Tourism, you are eligible to join the Advanced curriculum directly.
For instance, if Ravi is a 25-year-old resident of Panaji who has cleared his 12th standard and finished the basic certificate, he is eligible to apply for the reimbursement and the advanced training.
Application Process
You should follow these simple offline steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Register for the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (Basic) Certification Programme.
STEP 2 - Once you complete the course, keep your fee receipt and completion certificate safe. Fill out the application form at the Department of Tourism office in Goa to claim your reimbursement.
STEP 3 - The department will verify your details and process the refund directly to your bank account.
STEP 4 - After completing the basic module, register for the Advanced Tourist Guide Curriculum. You can download the registration form from the Department of Tourism, Goa website.
STEP 5 - Submit your completed registration form along with all required documents to the Department of Tourism to receive your official certification.
Documents
When applying for fee reimbursement or registration, you should have the following documents ready:
- Residence Certificate of Goa
- Aadhaar Card
- 10+2 or equivalent passing certificate
- Bank Passbook for direct transfers
- Certificate of completion for IITF (Basic) and Advanced Curriculum
- Original fee receipts or challans
References
You can read the official guidelines here: Official Scheme Guidelines.
FAQ's
Is this scheme open to people living outside Goa?
No, this scheme is strictly for individuals who hold a valid Goan domicile certificate.
What is the age limit for participants?
You must be between 18 and 40 years of age at the time of your application.
Do I need a specific educational qualification?
Yes, you must have successfully completed your 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognised Indian board.
Can existing tourist guides join the Advanced training?
Absolutely. If you are already registered with the Department of Tourism, you can enrol in the Advanced Tourist Guide Curriculum for free.
Do I need to pay the ₹ 500 exam fee myself?
Yes, you should bear the ₹ 500 examination fee for the IITF Basic course, as this is not covered by the reimbursement.
How do I become an officially certified guide?
After finishing both the Basic and the Advanced training modules, you should submit your registration form and documents to the Department of Tourism to get your official certificate.