By James Leyson, Chief Adventure Manager at SpiceRoads
In late June of 2016, here SpiceRoads guides gathered in downtown Bangkok for a 3-day meeting event including the annual company update and professional training. The theme for this year’s guide meeting was “Building Global Competencies for World-Class Cycling Guides, bronchitis ” in accordance with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) guide training standards.
The adventure travel sector has grown steadily in recent decades, and records show that four out of ten international travelers incorporate adventure activities into their travel plans, so it’s important for SpiceRoads to ensure that our cycling guides are at the forefront of the adventure travel experience. Not only do our guides provide a safe cycling environment, but they also give valuable cultural and historical insight about the places where SpiceRoads adventure cycling tours take place. On top of that, our guides must ensure that their guests have a top quality travel and cycling experience that’s true to the SpiceRoads spirit.
Day 1
Day 1 began with a keynote speech from SpiceRoads General Manager, Daniel Moylan, as well as talks from other members of SpiceRoads management. The day’s training included advanced English communication and Customer Service and Group Management skills.
Day 2
On Day 2, our partners from TEATA began with a talk about Natural & Cultural History Interpretation plus Tourism Sustainability in the morning. The day wrapped up with a special introduction for the latest SpiceRoads Bangkok City tour. Our guides enjoyed a cycling ride and together on this first glimpse into the new tour and a new side of Bangkok.
Day 3
On Day 3, our guides received a full days training and certification in emergency first-aid from Kluaynamthai Hospital. The safety of all riders and staff is a top priority at SpiceRoads, and professional, first-aid-certified guides are an essential part of ensuring safety standards are met.
More pictures:
The guides enjoyed dinner and a celebration with the SpiceRoads Bangkok office staff.
The guides and staff have fun on the latest SpiceRoads day tour, Bangkok Hidden Treasures
This year’s SpiceRoads guide meeting was a great success and we’re proud to provide up-to-date training to all of our guides every year. Here’s to another year of World Class Cycling Guides!