The Office of Tourism of the Consell de Formentera is pleased to announce an upcoming course in languages and another allowing participants to obtain accreditation as Formentera-based tourist guides.
Alejandra Ferrer, vice president and tourism councillor, described the training as "crucial to quality service and making Formentera more accessible for visitors" and highlighted the new figure of Formentera Guide, which "will make it possible to offer new activities and give added value to our routes, trails and activities".
Formentera's tourism marketing division has sought to open the second course to the entire local tourism sector. Vice President Ferrer said that this year's course would be "adapted" and have a smaller, practical syllabus designed for applicability to the sector. Besides expanding their knowledge base and improving the service they provide visitors, participants, who will include employers and employees alike, will receive Consell de Formentera-issued certificates that serve to apply for benefits, take part in promotions on the Office of Tourism website, and be considered for recruitment in marketing actions. The course will take place evenings in May and participants can attend in person or online. In the days ahead, enrolment will open on the Consell de Formentera website, Virtual Citizen Information Office (OVAC) and Citizen Information Office (OAC).
As Vice President Ferrer put it, "entrepreneurs in the active tourism sector will be able to improve their customer service and guides will be able to offer visitors complete information about what to do on their stay. This is a chance to work here on Formentera to publicise the island, our culture, history, nature and traditions".
Prerequisites for guides
Aspiring guides must have at least a post-secondary level of vocational training; diploma; bachelor's or master's degree, or any other equivalent, officially recognised accreditation. Foreign-born participants must have obtained a 5 on the European Qualifications Framework scale.
Registration ends 28 April and can be completed at the OVAC and OAC. Exams will be held 30 May.
Preparatory course
The theory-based and practical course to become a guide on Formentera will be held evenings in May and can be done in person or online. Exams will take place 30 May. Examinees also have the option of preparing for tests on their own.
Successful participants in the participatory course will obtain credit for section one (Cultural and Natural Heritage) of the exam. Questions will cover local history, culture, heritage, natural and culinary heritage, and more. Guides must also demonstrate knowledge of Catalan, Spanish and at least two foreign languages.
Nationally recognised accreditation for foreign guides
Another call will allow guides with foreign-issued accreditation to apply for the nationally recognised title of Formentera-based tourist guide. Registration ends 28 April and can be completed at the OVAC and OAC. Exams will be held 30 May.
5 April 2023
Office of Communication
Consell de Formentera
The Office of Tourism and Office of Culture of the Consell de Formentera are pleased to report that the ninth Formentera Jazz Festival will take place from 1 to 4 June 2023. Backed by the island's government, the festival started in 2015 with aspirations as an open musical encounter for jazz lovers and an attraction featuring various genres and backgrounds that both residents and visitors could enjoy.
Alejandra Ferrer, vice-president and tourism councillor, and Carlos Bernús, chief of marketing, have met with a dozen local companies focused on active tourism and other offers with a view to preparing a calendar of Formentera's year-round offer.
The Office of Tourism of the Consell de Formentera is pleased to report that marketing activities will be staged Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the Portuguese cities of Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon, respectively, where Formentera will promote its pre- and post-season offer to travel agents and tour operators.
The Office of Tourism of the Consell de Formentera is pleased to report that Formentera is participating at two promotional fairs which started today in Barcelona. The island has its own stand at both: B-Travel, a travel expo for the end public at the Montjuïc exhibition centre of Barcelona, and the Mediterranean Diving Show, for professional and amateur divers, at the exhibition centre in Cornellà. The fairs end this Sunday, 26 March.
