Coimbatore: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with Skål International Coimbatore, organised a sensitization workshop for taxi drivers in Coimbatore to enhance visitor experience and create awareness about the role of drivers as tourism ambassadors.

Over 200 chauffeurs from Coimbatore and nearby regions including Valparai, Pollachi, Tiruppur and Namakkal participated in the programme.

Addressing the event, Regional Director (South), Ministry of Tourism, D. Venkatesan, who was the chief guest, stressed the pivotal role of taxi drivers in shaping a tourist's first impression of India. He urged them to practise safe driving, courteous behaviour and cleanliness as part of responsible and sustainable tourism.

District Tourist Officer, Coimbatore, Jegatheswari, attending as special invitee, encouraged participants to take pride in being front-line representatives of Tamil Nadu's hospitality.

The training session, led by Ravi Arjun, Managing Director, Arjun Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., covered communication, customer service and tourism etiquette. A first aid session conducted by the First Heart Foundation trained drivers in basic life-saving and emergency response techniques.

The initiative is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to promote responsible tourism and improve service quality in the travel and transport sector. Participants received certificates and pledged to uphold the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava in their daily service.