NEWS

• Empowering Cab Drivers with Skill Based Training for enhanced passenger experience

Hyderabad, 17 October 2024: The Tourism, Hospitality, Media, MICE, Events, and Entertainment Committee (THMMICEE), an expert committee of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Telangana, and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, today launched the 2nd edition of "Atithi Devo Bhava 2024”.

The program's primary objective is to enhance the skills and knowledge of auto and cab drivers, ensuring a warm welcome and safe journey for tourists. This three-day intensive program will target 1,000 drivers across Hyderabad and surrounding areas. A special feature of this initiative is the collaboration with the Telangana Police Department for safety training, and their QR code will further provide safety and security facilities by the police department of the state.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr Pradeep Panicker, CEO-GHIAL said, “The cultural value of GHIAL is deeply rooted in warmth and respect. We believe every passenger is a guest to our beautiful state and should be warmly welcomed. Cab drivers play a crucial role in this experience being the first passenger touch point when a traveller takes a journey. A good experience for a passenger adds to the perception of what the city has to offer. This program aims to educate cab drivers on imparting those skills and providing hospitable travel experiences so that we become a tourist friendly state.”

Ms. Rakhi Kankaria, Chairperson, THMMICEE said that, “This ground-breaking initiative is aimed to elevate the tourism experience in Telangana by empowering and training 1,000 auto and cab drivers who serve as the first point of contact for tourists visiting our state.”

Suresh Kumar Singhal, President, FTCCI, stated, "Atithi Devo Bhava 2024 is a testament to our commitment to enhancing Telangana's tourism experience. By empowering our auto and cab drivers with essential skills and knowledge, we are ensuring that every visitor to our state receives a warm, safe, and memorable welcome."

The inaugural program was attended by over 100 cab drivers from the RGIA. The session focussed on enhancing their service standards and customer relations. The drivers received training on professional behaviour, including the importance of offering a warm welcome to passengers. They were also encouraged to refrain from overcharging and to prioritize providing a safe, seamless travel experience. Additionally, the Apollo Medical team conducted CPR training, equipping the drivers with life-saving skills to respond effectively in case of emergencies.

The event will take place over three days, with multiple sessions at various locations like Nampally Bus Stand, Kachiguda Bus Stand, MGBS/Imlibun Bus Stand, Secunderabad Bus Stand, Jubilee Bus Stand, Erragadda and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad. One of the key innovations to this program is the introduction of hallmark stickers with QR codes describing the tourism in our city and state along with safety measures that can further secure their visit. The stickers were distributed to participating drivers to be appropriately pasted on their vehicles. These QR codes will also contain essential security information for commuters and travellers. This unique feature underscores the commitment to safety and security in the tourism sector.

The Government of Telangana has extended its full support to this initiative, facilitating permissions for conducting training sessions at various bus stands and railway stations.

The Telangana Police Department's active participation in providing trainers and safety information further strengthens this program.