On Monday, May 15th, a class of pilots and staff from Tropic Air received their certificates for completing the National Tour Guide Training Program. After a short ceremony starting at 6:30PM at the company’s corporate headquarters, representatives from the Belize Tourism Board and trainer Philip ‘Billy’ Leslie handed out certificates to the participants. The program saw 13 pilots completing the course, allowing them to apply for their Tour Guide license. In addition, ten participants also completed training in first aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The tour guide training course is a three-and-a-half to four-month program offered across Belize to anyone wishing to become a certified guide. The course focuses on proper tour guide techniques and behavior and provides information on tourist sites in Belize. Program trainer Leslie congratulated everyone taking and completing the course, wishing them the best in their future endeavours with their newly acquired skills. He emphasized the importance of doing the job well to showcase the country’s tourism product.
Over the years, Leslie has had the opportunity to train many islanders with a passion for tourism. The program has reached students, professionals, and even those who did not have the chance to get certified.
Tropic Air’s Chief Executive Officer Maximillian Grief thanked Leslie and BTB for allowing them to improve their staff’s skill set. He also congratulated his staff for taking on the challenge. Greif says this certification is part of their ongoing commitment to ensure that guests taking tours, such as the Blue Hole flyover, have an exceptional experience. With this training, Tropic Air’s pilots will have vast information about Belize’s World Heritage Site at their disposal, allowing them to answer client questions and offer an exceptional tour experience.
Tropic Air flies to 12 destinations in Belize, including Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico, with 17 aircraft. The Belizean airline is a Latin American Airlines Association member and has completed IATA’s Industry Standard Safety Audit for the fifth time since joining the program in 2015. Apart from their regular flight schedule, Tropic Air also offers aerial tours of the Belize Barrier Reef and Archaeological Sites.
The public is always advised to book tours with certified tour guides to ensure professional service, proper safety measures, and an overall fun experience.
