The “Driving Forward Together” project was launched to support Sri Lanka’s chauffeur guides and drivers, vital to the tourism industry. Collaboratively initiated by the John Keells Foundation and Whittalls Travels, it aimed to alleviate immediate challenges and foster long-term sustainability. The project offered financial aid, training programs, and workshops to enhance their skills and knowledge. Additionally, it provided counseling services to address mental health concerns. Emphasizing responsible tourism, the project promoted environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Its success garnered recognition and support, showcasing a commitment to the well-being of those shaping Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape.
In July 2021, a fruitful partnership between the John Keells Foundation and Whittalls Travels led to the inception of a project aimed at supporting our chauffeur guides and drivers. Gateway College conducted training sessions to enhance the English language proficiency of these professionals. Two groups of chauffeur guides underwent training, with classes commencing on August 25th, 2021, and lasting four hours per week. A total of 84 chauffeur guides benefited from this program.
At Whittalls Travels, ensuring the safety of our clients and frontline ambassadors, our guides, is paramount. We understand the importance of first aid in creating a secure travel experience. That’s why we prioritize educating our guides on first aid through comprehensive training sessions. Equipping them with this knowledge can greatly assist in handling emergencies effectively.
Our last first-aid training session was conducted in 2018, where 158 chauffeur guides underwent training by professionals from the John Ambulance Association and Brigade in Sri Lanka. Moving forward, these training sessions will be held annually, with the next session scheduled for December 2022. The program will encompass health and safety guidelines, providing our guides with the necessary tools to respond to emergency situations promptly and effectively.
Our guides represent not just Whittalls Travels but also the people, culture, and heritage of Sri Lanka. Additionally, they serve as the guardians of our clients throughout their tours. Therefore, it is our responsibility to enhance their abilities and furnish them with the requisite skills.
To fulfill this objective, Whittalls Travels conducts skill development programs, including general training sessions that cover ethical, safe, and professional tour management aligned with our sustainable tourism objectives. These programs are conducted bi-annually. Furthermore, we organize pocket training sessions and workshops tailored to meet market and agent-specific needs.
Last year, the initial training series took place over four days from late March to early April 2021, focusing primarily on COVID-19 safety measures. The second series, held in December 2021 for two days, concentrated on general guidelines, professionalism, and sustainability. The participation numbers were 144 and 87, respectively.
