Do you enjoy discovering history and culture? Do you like to go “beneath the surface” when you travel? This is exactly the kind of challenge with which we approached people from our town and the surrounding area who wish to become certified tour guides. A major step in the development of tourism in Pezinok and the Malé Karpaty region is taking place under the umbrella of the CoDeMoRe project (Common Development of the Model Regions), for which our town is the lead partner. The training of local tourism guides for educational and guiding activities is aligned with the implementation of the INTERREG SK-AT project /Common Development of the Model Regions Geopark Malé Karpaty, Biosphärenpark Wienerwald, Naturpark Rosalia-Kogelberg/ CoDe MoRe.
As part of the Interreg Slovakia – Austria 2024 – 2027 project, an accredited course is being delivered for future female and male tour guides, aligned with European standards and offering broad career opportunities upon completion. The course is attended by 13 participants with backgrounds ranging from the IT sector through education and project management to environmental fields. Their diversity ensures a varied approach to tour guiding, with each participant bringing unique knowledge and skills.
The aim of the project is to prepare a new generation of professionals who will represent Pezinok and its history and, thanks to their expertise, also promote the attractions of the entire Malé Karpaty region. The training includes cooperation with the non-profit organization Barbora (Geopark Malé Karpaty), which emphasizes the interpretation of natural heritage and ecotourism. Future guides will thus learn how to present, in an engaging and professional manner, unique places that have so far remained in the shadow of better-known tourist destinations.
The courses cover a total of 300 teaching hours under the guidance of expert instructors. In addition to theoretical knowledge in history, geography, marketing, and communication, the skill set is complemented by practical field trips and simulated scenarios. One of the lessons was a recent field practice, during which participants completed demanding training at selected locations in the Malé Karpaty: from Červený Kameň Castle through the Harmónia recreation area to the towns of Modra and Svätý Jur. Each guide prepared their own presentations and tested guiding in practice under various conditions.
In the second half of February 2025, participants will take a professional exam and present their own itinerary with a three-day programme. After completing the course, they will become qualified guides and will be able to work as professionals representing the rich history, culture, and attractions of Pezinok. Their main goal will be not only to inform, but also to create a positive impression on visitors that motivates them to return.
The CoDeMoRe project thus gives Pezinok a unique opportunity to become a leading destination for cultural and nature tourism and creates solid foundations for its sustainable development.
