Kyushu is suffering a lack of licensed Chinese-speaking Guide Interpreters. The Guide Interpreter system was established about 60 years ago to ensure the quality of tourism-related services offered to foreign tourists; however, the influx of Chinese tourists on cruise ship tours has seen the number of unlicensed guides soar. Reports have been received that some of the more unscrupulous tour operators are hard-selling high priced jewelry and health foods on tour buses, and some of these companies are using these sales to pay their unlicensed guides, some of whom are exchange students. Only 81 people nationwide passed the national examination to become licensed Chinese-speaking Guide Interpreters last year, and at present, there are only 124 licensed Chinese-speaking Guide Interpreters in Kyushu. As the laws are currently written, there are not enough guides to meet the demand. Meanwhile, some companies are using written pamphlets and CDs on buses without licensed guides. However, even some officials are forced to admit that too strict of a government crackdown on unlicensed guides could adversely impact cruise ship tours. The central government set up a special panel last December to review the Guide Interpreter system, and it is scheduled to present a new policy direction by year’s end. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 9/29
