Samarkand has hosted another stage of certification of guides

At the end of the last week the second round of qualifying of guides and guide-interpreters was organized at the initiative of O’zbekturizm NC in Samarqand. Over 135 excursion specialists confirmed and upgraded their professional status.

This year the national tourism administration of Uzbekistan holds the certification of excursion specialists from all leading tour centers of the country. The first group of guides and interpreters passed qualification round in February this year in Tashkent.

The commission consists of heads and specialists from the National Tourism administration, Republican Scientific-Education Consulting Center of O’zbekturizm, Association of Private Tourist Organizations of Uzbekistan, renowned academics in history and archeology, specialists on local history, linguists and philologists, and experienced guide-interpreters.

“The key task of the certification that on the regular basis takes place in Uzbekistan ones in two years, is the arrangement of the work of these significant specialists in tourism sphere, increasing the quality of excursion services and provision tourists with scientific and, the most important, reliable information not only about rich history and cultural heritage of the country, but about its modern life,” noted the representative of the center Raisa Ibragimova.

Now, within two years, yet on the indispensable conditions guides should advance their qualification. And depending on the level confirmed they can conduct tours for local and foreign tourists in towns of the country.

“Certified tour guides and tour guides and interpreters have the right to self-guided tours throughout the country, in one or several towns of the Great Silk Road that in the old past crossed the territory of modern Uzbekistan,” said Raisa Ibragimova. “Moreover, certified specialists can work in museums and sightseeing places where the internal rules envisage independent excursions.”

According to the certification order, developed by O’zbekturizm, excursion guides and interpreters of the country should pass three-level system certification. Those confirmed the second and first level of professional competence receive a temporary certificate, while top-level professionals with no less than ten years experience in tourism get permanent certificate, which does not require further confirmation.