Because there aren't certified tour guides in Samara, Lesdy Villalobos Uvaldo decided to coordinate with INA, the National Learning Institute, to offer a free tour guide certification course at Intercultura in Samara.

With certified tour guides, Villalobos explained that tour operators can apply for certification from ICT, the Costa Rican Institute of tourism. Although certified guides can be brought from other areas, Villalobos noted that they need local people who know the area but have also studied.

INA's tour guide series consists of ten modules. The first module on general tourism and ethics was conducted in Samara in May. The next module will be tourism geography and first aid. Each module is one month long, with classes from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday at Intercultura, and participants earn a certificate after completing each module.

INA requires a minimum of 20 people to offer the course locally. At present 25 have preregistered for the second module, but more are welcome to participate. If you are interested in participating in the next module, contact Villalobos at 2656-0920.