Guide training, certification and legality
Robert “El Gringo, received his first tour guide certification in the second group of guides trained by Corsatur/MiTur in 2008, this shortly after El Salvador’s Ministry of Tourism (MiTur) was formed in 2005. As you can imagen, we are considered by many, pioneers in tourism in El Salvador where we have been active promoting Suchitoto and El Salvador since early 2003, long before we knew or even imagined that we would be working in the industry.
Since our company opened in 2007 we continue to consider ourselves new to the industry and we are constantly learning and implementing new ideas in an effort to improve on what we offer to those visiting El Salvador.
We strive to provide the best possible tours and services, and we truly believe what we offer to be among the best in El Salvador.
Legalizing with the Tax Board-Ministry of Hacienda
In 2019, we started the process to legalize Gringo Tours. this after more than 10 years criticizing how difficult the process was in El Salvador, especially for the small and micro businesses. El Salvador over the past few years started to make the process easier with many elements now, like monthly tax declarations now possible online and not waiting in long lines at local banks.
Well with support from CONAMYPE an extension service of the Ministry of Economy we finally decided to take the plunge. So in late 2019 we started the process, slowed by the Christmas vacations, then high season with tourists and then Covid-19.
In mid-2022, we made contact with our advisor and started up the process with the goal of having things legalized by the end of the year. Now since November of 2022 we have been in full compliance with our equivalence of the IRS, as well as locally with the municipality of Suchitoto, which became a reality in January of 2023.
National Registry of Tourism
In 2023 we continued and started the process to become part of the Ministry of Tourism/Corporation of Tourisms, National Registry and now since February 20th 2023 we not only are listed as an authorized Receptive Tour Operator RNT-TOUR OPERATORS as well as Robert continuing to make up part of the registry as an independent certified guide RNT-GUIDES.
Drivers Licence and Permit to provide services to the public
In 2023 although it is not common for Robert to drive the larger vans we many times hire for families and larger groups, he decided to go through the training and submit other legal requirements to obtain his Carnet and a driver providing service to the Public. This opens up the possibility to rent vans or even consider buying a 10 or 15-seat van.
We are always in training
Robert's first Guide Certification
Protocol for receiving passengers arriving on Cruise ships
Course on Accessible Tourism-Robert
Course on Accessible Tourism-Tita
Course on Inbound Tourism
New Guide Certification and Carnets were extended in 2021
Robert is currently in the process of having his certification extended and changed to indicate Nationl Guide with specialty in Birding, Cultural and Nature
