03/09/2025
From Guides to Nomads: SITGOA ADVOCATES TECH-TOURISM
SITGOA will be launching the E-Guide Program to its members advocating TECH-TOURISM on the island on September 16, 2025.
BACKGROUND:
Tour guides are essential cultural ambassadors of Siargao, sustaining the local economy through tourism. Yet, their livelihoods remain vulnerable to seasonal downturns, environmental challenges, and global crises. With the digital age reshaping tourism, guides now have the opportunity to expand beyond traditional roles by embracing technology and online platforms.
The E-GUIDE Initiative (Empowering Guides through Upgraded Innovation & Digital Engagement) responds to this need by equipping tour guides with digital skills, enabling them to remain resilient, adaptable, and future-ready professionals.
KEY GOALS:
1. Resilience in Times of Uncertainty—E-GUIDE provides tour guides with new competencies to withstand economic shocks, ensuring that their income is not solely dependent on tourist arrivals.
2. Diversification of Livelihoods—By engaging in digital work such as virtual assistance, content creation, and remote freelancing, guides can supplement their income while continuing to thrive as tourism professionals.
3. Empowerment through Technology – The program equips guides with digital literacy, online professionalism, and platform navigation skills, making them more confident in accessing the digital economy.
4. Sustainable Tourism and Community Growth—As digitally empowered individuals, guides can contribute not only to local tourism but also to the global knowledge economy, creating ripple effects for their families and communities.
In collaboration with the Digital Nomad Association Philippines, SITGOA is set to equip its members for the digital workplace, and they will be given full support for online job employment by the trainers who will be their future employers. This will mark a remarkable beginning to their new journey in digital nomadism.
