Tamil Nadu - Cuddalore   

“Taxi, autorickshaw drivers should be tourist ambassadors”

CUDDALORE: Taxi and autorickshaw drivers should act as “tourist ambassadors” to promote the image of the State. Because the visitors happen to have the first interface with them, a lot hinges on their behaviour, V. Iraianbu, Secretary, Tourism Department, told taxi and auto drivers here on Thursday.

He stressed the need for certain amount of sophistication and honesty in their interaction with the visitors. Rude behaviour such as wearing dirty clothes, smoking and paying least attention to appearance would turn away the visitors.

Mr. Iraianbu said the visitors abhorred the practice of excess fare being taken and a detour through narrow lanes and bylanes, instead of the main thoroughfares. He told them that with a little bit of sophistication and hospitality, they create a lasting impression on the visitors.

Mr. Iraianbu said the drivers should be familiar with places of interests in their area of operation and during transit they could inform them about the significance of the historic places and the landmark events that took place.

This would kindle the interest of the tourists to visit those places and make them extend their stay. For instance, Cuddalore had many interesting tourist spots such as Pichavaram and Silver Beach, and several ancient and renowned temples, including Thiruvahindrapuram and Chidambaram.

The Tourism Department was promoting the concept of “tourism vehicle” that were tastefully painted, with drivers wearing neat and clean uniform. In Chennai, 39 vehicles were plying now and the system would soon be extended to the districts.

The drivers thus short-listed would be given training in spoken English and a route map to locate the places.

Mr. Iraianbu also said that tourism promotion would trigger economic development and therefore the drivers had a vital role to play in this regard.

He administered an oath to the drivers declaring that from now on they would act honestly and kindly and render all sorts of assistance to the visitors. Collector Rajendra Ratnoo said that 33 drivers had been short-listed in the district for driving the tourist vehicles.

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