Red Apple Travel, a Global DMC travel company with a presence in APAC, Middle East, Australia & Europe successfully concluded their first training programme for local chauffeurs and tour guides based in Sri Lanka on March 10, 2023, at Jetwing Colombo 07. The recently concluded training is the first in a series that will be a part of an ongoing project to improve tourism services and hospitality for incoming tourists to Sri Lanka.

Speaking with Managing Director, Red Apple Travel and Holidays Lanka (PVT) Ltd – Nipuna Lokuhetty, stated: “The training programmes underway for SL’s Tourism front-liners – chauffeurs and tour guides – is of utmost importance. Sri Lanka and its people are known for their hospitality and kindness, which is innately a part of who we are. It was a no-brainer that with additional training we could provide a leg-up for our local guides in order to equip them on how to handle different nationalities, in order to provide excellent customer service and create a positive experience for tourists.”

The training event which welcomed over 50 chauffeurs and tour guides from across the country, delved into several topics such as Grooming, Historical information, Country information, etc, and even provided attendees with new methodologies and tools in Communication as well as Etiquette (do’s and don’ts) when handling a plethora of foreign nationals.

Concluding, Lokuhetty said: “It is our prerogative to ensure that our tourism front-liners are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to interact with tourists from various nationalities. By providing training on cultural awareness, communication, and customer service, our chauffeurs and tour guides will be able to better understand and meet the needs of tourists. They will also be able to anticipate potential cultural barriers and avoid misunderstandings, which can lead to a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. In addition to improving the customer experience, investing in training of this nature also benefits the industry’s growth in the long run. It helps us to maintain a positive reputation for the country, its people and the industry as a whole, and encourages repeat business from satisfied holiday-goers.”

Red Apple Travel offers packages for Leisure Free Independent Travellers (FIT), Leisure Group Independent Travellers (GITs), MICE and Special Interest Groups. From offering an extensive portfolio of dynamic, customisable and ready packages, contracted & OTA hotels, apartments, villas, attractions, restaurants and in-house fleets, Red Apple Travel is known for its complete spectrum of services across the DMC value chain.