The Tourism Department has roped in non-government and service organisations to provide ‘Tourist Guide’ training to transpersons in Coimbatore district.In continuation of tourism-related capacity-building training being imparted to cab drivers, and house-keeping staff since 2025, the department has taken the support of Skal International Association, the Pollachi Chamber of Commerce and other like-minded entities for rolling out the ‘Tourism Guide’ training module for transpersons, with the guidance of Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar.District Tourism Officer Jagadeeswari said a decision on whether to give the training at district, regional, or State levels would be taken based on the response from candidates.The training, to be conducted in phases, will be designed to transform the candidates into entrepreneurs capable of starting and managing their own travel agencies and tour operations with professional ethics, Ms. Jagadeeswari said.The government will arrange for their stay and food during the training period, and provide them with certificates and identity cards.Though upper age limit has not been fixed, the minimum qualification has been fixed as a pass in Class 12, in consonance with Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy 2023.Welcoming the initiative as a step in the right direction, social scientist and transgender rights activist Kalki Subramaniam said the training programme, which will enable the community to lead lives with dignity and respect, is bound to receive the desired patronage from the transgender community. However, the government should relax the minimum qualification standards. Fixing a pass in Class 7 or 8 will be ideal, the transgender rights activist said. Published - August 27, 2026 12:16 am IST