Most tourist guides take groups of visitors to sacred sites and places of worship as part of a normal working day. These sites are usually of high historic, artistic and cultural value. Some are now museums when originally were redeveloped for totally different purposes. Many are still in active use and the tourist guide faces the greatest challenges when conducting a tour on this kind of site.
The “Guiding in Sacred Places & Places of Worship” seminar looks at practical issues. How do deliver a large amount of information on the history, architecture, art and cultural significance? How to ensure that group members’ behaviour is appropriate and sensitive to the place?
The guide has a duty to deliver an objective, well-informed commentary. How can the guide fulfil these obligations? How can the guide bring a place to life for visitors who have little or no knowledge of certain religions? “Guiding in Sacred Places & Places of Worship” seminar considers these questions with special reference to the growing South Asia and the Far East markets.
FEG AGM guided tour in Panagia Kera church 2018 in Crete © FEG by Efi Kalampoukidou
All qualified tourist guides are eligible to attend.
What will the course participants will gain?
- Learning of what is considered as a “Place of Worship” site
- Understanding of the niche market of the religious visitors
- Gaining knowledge of ethical tourism of different origins
- Introducing the Code of Guiding Practice
- Demonstrating skills and knowledge to guide on sacred sites
- Providing sensitive interpretation
- Understanding of religious issues and traditions for Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh visitors
- Contributing into visitors’ understanding to compare religions
FEG AGM guided tour in Arcadi monastery, 2018 in Crete © FEG by Efi Kalampoukidou
General Information
The programme consists of 4 hours directed learning in a classroom. It covers a range of development activities, essential in any guide training programme. The skills gained are transferable to many tourist guiding situations.
Programme trainers are FEG accredited. To achieve best possible results the number of the course participants is limited.
All trainees of the “Guiding in Sacred Places & Places of Worship ” seminar will be awarded a FEG e-certificate of attendance.
The price of this course, and all other FEG courses, varies depending on cost and demand. If you are interested in one or more courses listed on our website, please get in touch with our office for more information at training@feg-touristguides.org
