Tourist guides must function as cultural ambassadors while interacting with domestic and international visitors and should possess a sound understanding of history based on authentic archaeological and research sources, Vice-Chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi, D.V. Paramashivamurthy said on Tuesday.

He was speaking after inaugurating a month-long foreign language training workshop for tourist guides organised by Kannada University in collaboration with the Karnataka Tourism Department under the SCSP/TSP scheme in Hampi.

The workshop was inaugurated at Bhuvana Vijaya Hall on the university campus.

Describing tourist guides as educators in their own right, Prof. Paramashivamurthy said that guides play a role comparable to that of teachers by disseminating knowledge about history, culture and heritage to visitors. He stressed that knowledge alone is insufficient and that effective communication skills are equally important for becoming a successful guide.

“Tourist guides have the responsibility of conveying maximum information in a limited time. Historical monuments and sculptures must be explained accurately on the basis of documented and authenticated sources without distorting history,” he said.

Highlighting Hampi’s global significance, he noted that the UNESCO World Heritage site has attracted extensive research from scholars across the world. Training guides in foreign languages at such an important historical destination will help them communicate more effectively with overseas visitors, he added.

Vijayanagara Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Tourism Development Committee Kavitha S. Mannikeri, who inaugurated the programme, said that the workshop will equip guides with valuable language skills and enhance their ability to interact with tourists from different countries.

She urged guides to learn multiple foreign languages rather than restricting themselves to one or two languages so that they can effectively communicate the history, culture and achievements of the Vijayanagara Empire to a wider audience. Courteous behaviour, communication skills and command over languages are key attributes of a successful tourist guide, she said.

The Deputy Commissioner also emphasised the need for guides to rely on inscriptions, manuscripts, literary works and other primary sources while explaining history to tourists, thereby ensuring authenticity and credibility.

Delivering the keynote address, V.B. Tarakeshwar of the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad, said that tourist guides function as representatives of history and therefore, their explanations must be rooted in facts and evidence rather than assumptions or unverified narratives.

He said that proficiency in foreign languages, effective communication and professional conduct can significantly improve tourist experience and contribute to attracting more visitors to heritage destinations.

Workshop coordinator S.Y. Somashekhar welcomed the gathering, while Joint Director of the Tourism Department, Kalaburagi Division, S. Tippeswamy delivered the introductory remarks.

Registrar Virupakshi Pujarahalli, Deputy Director of Tourism, Vijayanagara district, Prabhulinga S. Talakeri, faculty members, research scholars, university staff and tourist guides from different parts of the State were present.

The month-long training programme aims to enhance foreign language skills, communication abilities and professional competencies of tourist guides working at major heritage destinations across Karnataka.