Training programme for Immigration officials concludes

New Delhi, Jun 24 : Tourism Secretary Sujit Banerjee today called upon the Immigration officials to maintain highest standards of courtesy and warmth while receiving visitors at the airports.

Speaking at the concluding ceremony of the second ten-day training programme for the Immigration officials in New Delhi, Mr Banerjee said being the first point of interaction for the tourists, immigration officials create first impression about the country and its people and, therefore, they should maintain a tourist-friendly approach and a smiling face all the time.

Mr Banerjee said the CWG 2010 would have a long term impact on the Tourism and Hospitality sector so it should be collective effort of each and everyone to put the best foot forward to showcase the spirit of ''Atithi Devo Bhavah''.

A total of 150 officials attended the programme.

As part of the Ministry of Tourism's endeavour to provide a quality everlasting experience to the tourists in India, a programme to train the immigration officials was envisaged in the year 2009.

The first training programme was held from September 10 to 19, wherein 127 immigration officials were trained.

''Immigration officials play a very important role in the overall experience of the tourists in our country as they represent the first face of the country and we only get one chance to make the first impression,'' he said.

The prime objective of the training was to focus on enhancement in the behavioural aspects of the immigration officials.

The officials work in a very tough environment having duty shifts of 12 hours without off duty time, but they are the public face of ''Incredible India,'' Mr Banerjee said.

So much depends on their appearance, deportment, alertness, sensitivity, and general behaviour, he pointed out.

IITTM has been conducting this training covering important aspects of tourism and behavioural aspects like cross cultural communication, manners, etiquette, positive attitude, group behaviour, handling stress and time management.