Mandarin-speaking guides to enhance Chinese tourist experience

18/8/03
Chinese visitors to Western Australia will benefit from specially trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides, Tourism Minister Bob Kucera said today.
During a ceremony at Central TAFE, Mr Kucera presented 20 graduates with a Certificate IV in Tourism (Guiding Mandarin) - the first of its kind in Australia.
"The course was established to ensure local tour operators will be better equipped to maximise the potential of the emerging Chinese tourism market," he said.
"It all part of our commitment to making WA one of the world's great tourism destinations.
"According to the Tourism Forecasting Council of Australia, China will generate more than $1.3billion in tourist expenditure for Australia by 2012, becoming the country's number one source market.
"It is important that we provide a tourism experience that caters for the Chinese tourist and Mandarin-speaking tour guides are integral in achieving this.
"These tour guides will also assist visitors from Taiwan, Hong Kong and other parts of Asia where Mandarin is spoken."
Guiding Mandarin is a joint initiative of the WA Tourism Commission, Central TAFE and the Australian Tourism Export Council WA Branch.

The course attracted Mandarin speakers looking for a new choice of career or re-entering the workplace, Asian university students and tour guides already operating in the industry who speak the language but had no formal qualifications.
Four graduates have already gained employment in the Chinese tourism sector and it is hoped that other graduates will soon be employed in the wider tourism sector.
Minister's office: 9213 7000