6:15 PM - 7:30 PM
[O06-P02] Authorization System of San'in Kaigan Geopark Guide
Keywords:San'in Kaigan Geopark, Geopark guide, Authorization system
San'in Kaigan Geopark Promotion Council established an authorization system which authorizes local guides who fulfill a certain criteria as "San'in Kaigan Geopark Guide", to improve the guide information for visitors and develop the skills of local guides. San'in Kaigan Geopark includes three cities and three towns in three prefectures, and tour guides has been existed since before this area became one of geoparks. Various tour guide services were provided, showing visitors around the town and coastal area, for free or with charge. To add the geological elements to these guide services and fascinate visitors even more, the council and local guides in the San'in Kaigan Geopark spent a lot of time discussing about the training and requirements to set a uniform criteria in 2012-2013, aiming to promote geotourism. There are two levels in the authorization system of San'in Kaigan Geopark Guide. Local guides must guide a specific geosite in the area and explain about the geopark system and overview to receive a level 1 certificate. To receive a level 2 certificate, in addition to the skill of level 1, local guides must help the council's events as representative guides of the San'in Kaigan Geopark. The requirements of level 1 guide are 1) Taking training courses about basic knowledge of geopark, geosite, guide and risk management admitted by the council, 2) Being covered by general liability insurance, and 3) a person who belongs to tourism facilities registered in the council. This certificate is valid for three years. In addition to active experiences as a level 1 guide, the requirement of level 2 guide is passing qualification test conducted by the council.In the near future, by operating this authorization system, we aim to boost the skills of San'in Kaigan Geopark Guide and promote active geopark activities.