Gujarat’s initiative to train tourist guides is providing employment opportunities for local youth and enhancing the visitor experience at the Statue of Unity and other attractions in Ekta Nagar. Professionally trained guides are now stationed at major tourist sites, offering detailed information about the world’s tallest statue and nearby attractions like the Jungle Safari, Miyawaki Forest, and Arogya Van, making visits more engaging and informative.
Previously, tourists faced challenges accessing proper information about the attractions, but the state government’s training initiative for local youth as professional guides has addressed this gap effectively. Visitors have appreciated the initiative, noting that the guides present the history, significance, and unique features of each attraction in a simple and interactive manner.
Tourist Dimple, who visited the Statue of Unity, praised the initiative for enhancing the overall travel experience. She mentioned that the trained guides at various attractions explain everything clearly, using simple language and providing detailed explanations about medicinal plants. The initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure and create employment opportunities through skill development.
Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, Gujarat has designated 2026 as ‘Gujarat Tourism Year’ and initiated a program to train nearly 1,000 tourist guides. Approximately 150 trained guides have already been stationed at the Statue of Unity, offering livelihood opportunities to youth from Ekta Nagar and nearby areas. Trained guide Mahendra Tadvi highlighted that the free training program has not only enhanced the confidence and communication skills of local youth but also brought financial stability to their families.
Apart from hospitality and tourist interaction, guides are being trained in Hindi, English, and Gujarati to effectively communicate with visitors from different parts of the country. The program aims to create a skilled workforce for Gujarat’s growing tourism sector and ensure that tourists receive professional assistance at major destinations. The initiative has been expanded to heritage sites like Dholavira and Lothal, as well as various religious destinations across the state, with the goal of boosting tourism and creating sustainable employment for local communities.
