Guide Training Ltd Training Scotland's Blue Badge Tourist Guides Prospectus - Accredited by the Scottish Tourist Guides Association
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Guide Training Ltd
Training Scotland’s
Blue Badge Tourist Guides
2020 – 2022
Prospectus
Accredited by the
Scottish Tourist Guides Association
1Thank you for your application!
We are delighted you are interested in joining the Blue Badge course with the view of becoming a
successful, qualified Guide in Scotland as a member of our organisation and family.
Our Organisation
The STGA (Scottish Tourist Guides Association) is the only accrediting body for qualified professional tourist
guides in Scotland. The Training Programme for the Blue Badge level builds on experience gained training
guides in Scotland over the past five decades, and incorporates the most recent National, European and
International Standards:
• STGA Standards of Performance
• STGA Code of Conduct
• EN13809: 2003 Definition of Tourist Guide
• EN15565: 2008 Standard Tourism Services
Our continual commitment to these standards is what makes our Blue Badge Guides stand out as
professionals in the tourism industry in Scotland and ensures visitors have an unforgettable trip to
Scotland.
Blue Badge Guides – about the job.
Upon successfully achieving your Blue Badge, you will be qualified and accredited to guide throughout
Scotland, running your own business as a Scottish Tourist Guide.
This is a rewarding, varied and challenging career that sees you meeting people from all over the world and
from many different walks of life. Different aspects of the job may include:
• Research in-depth information for guided tours of the area of qualification
• Plan and agree itineraries and interpretation for guided tours in the area of qualification
• Interpret the area of qualification in depth
• Lead tour groups or individuals on vehicles, on foot and on sites
• Provide practical information, advice and assistance
• Resolve emergencies and problems
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with clients, colleagues and visitors
• Manage a small business and maintain appropriate records
The job as a Blue Badge guide is a people-orientated profession and the following attributes would be very
advantageous.
Personal Requirements:
Curiosity, enthusiasm, warmth and people skills, self-motivation, physical and emotional stamina,
confidence, flexibility, clarity of speech and excellent communication skills.
2ABOUT OUR TRAINING PROGRAMME
BLUE BADGE COURSE OBJECTIVE
Our objective is to train tourist guides to provide quality and professional services for the Tourism Industry
throughout the whole of Scotland in accordance with the requirements of the STGA, its Standards of
Performance, Code of Conduct and membership needs. Successful participants of this 18-month Training
Programme will be eligible to take the STGA Accreditation Exam at the Blue Badge tourist guide level in Spring
2022.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
This extensive course is put together to recognise that a professional Tourist Guide carefully balances engaging
skills in interpreting culture and landscapes, customer services skills, first class organisational skills and a sound
approach to tourism as a business. This course combines sections on Knowledge, Regional Skills and Professional
skills (details below) to help the student provide the best Tourist Guide services to visitors to Scotland.
CITY OF GLASGOW PARTNERSHIP
The STGA are delighted to be working in partnership with the dynamic City of Glasgow College (CGC) who share
our vision, our commitment to accredited learning and bring expertise in the latest technologies available for
students. From August 2020 the Core Knowledge lecture sessions and assessments will be delivered and marked
by CGC . The College will be streaming the lectures on Wednesday evenings at 6pm as per the schedule below
and we hope this will encourage students from around Scotland to join our Blue Badge Course. Lectures will be
interactive sessions and will then be available to students to revisit as suits their individual availability after the
initial delivery.
Core Knowledge is in four sections – Land, People, Arts and Society, and for each section there will be an essay
assessment issued and marked by the College as part of the STGA Course requirements. Successful completion of
the College section will earn candidates an SCQF Level 7 certificate of education which is independent of the
STGA Course and can be used as evidence towards any future academic qualifications candidates may wish to
pursue.
Business Skills will also be delivered by CGC, the first unit being streamed to the entire class, and the two
following units being delivered to half the class on each of two Saturdays in City of Glasgow College.
The Regional Skills and Professional Skills will be run by STGA and throughout the course CGC and STGA
will be working closely together to achieve our objectives and help you realise your goals.
DATES FOR THE FULL 2020-2022 PROGRAMME
Becoming a Blue Badge Guide for Scotland is a highly rewarding but also challenging experience. It is a big
commitment from both sides and for this reason the selection process will be in several stages, allowing
both potential students and STGA time to consider.
The selection process is in several stages which will include:
1. November 2019 Applications received and reviewed.
2. Early - Mid December 2019 - Successful candidates will be invited to attend the next stage of the
selection process - 'Introduction to Guiding' day.
33. 18th and 19th January 2020 - candidates will attend one of the two 'Introduction to Guiding' days, which
will involve applicants in some written tasks and various exercises and discussions relating to guiding skills
such as: working with others, presenting information, and giving/receiving feedback.
4. Some candidates may be called to an individual interview in the week commencing 17th February 2020.
5. Successful candidates will be invited to the final part of the selection process - 'Introduction to the
Course' on weekend of 25th and 26th April 2020. Candidates will be given a short written task to be
submitted before 25th April.
7. End of April/Early May– formal offer of places on Course. Summer assignment issued.
8. Payment of full Course Fee by 1st August to STGA Office.
Throughout the process candidates will be assessed on essential skills, activity and behaviour – e.g.
• professional manner and appearance
• interest and concern for people
• understanding of, and interest in all things Scottish
• ability to speak, understand and write in English to an appropriate level
• other language skills where applicable
• teamworking
TRAINING PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Blue Badge Training Course will begin on 14th August 2020 and will run as per the provisional
timetable below.
14th August 2020 Student Enrolment at City of Glasgow College –
Online systems - model, MyCity, Student numbers/cards, Library online resources,
‘BOB’ education tool and introduction to Tourism in Scotland
15-16th August Meet the whole class of 2020-2022. On this day as part of the opening weekend,
there will be a variety of activities including Meeting the Team and introduction to
the programme. There will also be a session on an assignment which students will
work on over Summer 2020.
29-30th August Training Programme begins and runs for 18 months. Provisional training dates are
listed below.
Course contact days are mostly at weekends, but two study weeks are included in October 2020, and also,
with some overnight hotel accommodation, in July 2021.
Accommodation for the July study week is included in the course fee on a shared twin room basis; single
rooms will incur supplement payments.
4Please note students will meet in various locations in Scotland during the Training Programme.
Dates in red are City of Glasgow College dates, those in blue are Course class teaching. Remember, the
Wednesday college lectures are being streamed.
2020-2022 – provisional dates
COURSE COLLEGE
2020 AUGUST 15,16,29,30 14 - enrolment
SEPTEMBER 19,20 2,9,16,23,30
OCTOBER 10,11, 7,14,28,
19,20, 21,22,23, 31
NOVEMBER 1, 21,22 4,11,18,25
DECEMBER 12,13 2,9,16
2021 JANUARY 9,10,30,31 13,20,27
FEBRUARY 20,21 Prog Ints 3,10,13,17, 20,
24, 27
MARCH 6,7,27,28 3,10,17,24,31
APRIL 24,25 7, 21,28
MAY 15,16 5,12,19,26
JUNE 5,6,26 5
JULY 17,18,19,20,21,22
SEPTEMBER 4,5,18,19,
OCTOBER 2,3,16,17
NOVEMBER 6,7,20,21
DECEMBER 4,5 Prog Ints
11,12
2022 JANUARY 8,9,22
FEBRUARY 5,6,12,13,20,21
MARCH / STGA FINAL
APRIL EXAMS
Most dates will run from 09:00 until 17:00 or 18:00. Timings will be confirmed closer to each date.
The above dates are provisional at present, the calendar will be finalised before the course commences
in August 2020.
5STGA BLUE BADGE ACCREDITATION – FINAL EXAMS TO BECOME A BLUE BADGE GUIDE
March - April 2022 STGA Blue Badge Accreditation Exams under the control of the STGA Board of
Examiners.
Approximately one month after the Final Examination, candidates will be informed of their results. Upon
qualification, successful candidates will have their names added to the online list of STGA Full Members and
will receive the STGA Blue Badge.
COSTS FOR FULL 2020-2022 CYCLE
INTRODUCTORY WEEKEND
Candidates who have been chosen to proceed to the final selection will be invited to attend the
Introductory Weekend in April 2020 for which there is a non-refundable charge of £160.00.
The candidates who are then offered and go on to accept places will have the cost offset against their full
Course fees. Unfortunately, if you are unsuccessful, or if you choose not to accept your offered place on the
full course, then this payment is not refundable.
For those proceeding to join the course, a reading list and an assignment will be set for independent, non-
timetabled preparation over the summer of 2020.
STGA STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
STGA Student Membership subscription will be due upon successful acceptance onto the Training
Programme. Student membership provides the necessary insurance you will require during the Training
Programme.
July 2020 £160.00 for 2020-21 membership
June 2021 £160.00 for 2021-22 membership
TRAINING PROGRAMME FEES
£6866 for Training Programme fees, payable in full by 1st August.
The Training Programme fees include teaching and training on all timetabled training dates (in class or on
tour with coaches), overnight accommodation for the July study week (on a shared room basis, single
rooms will incur a supplement), training materials (including Handbooks, Tour Notes, lecture notes) and
access to Student Dashboard.
No refunds will be given if a student withdraws from the Training Programme (or any part of it), nor for
non-use of services provided. The STGA reserves the right to cancel and refund all fees paid or to offer the
programme at a higher fee if insufficient enrolments are received.
STGA BLUE BADGE ACCREDITATION
Please note that the STGA Blue Badge external exams in March / April 2022 are not included in the course
fees. Students will be advised of the course fees in advance of the exam period. The required First Aid
certifications are also not included as many students have their First Aid certificate independently.
Students may wish to present for their STGA Blue Badge in an additional language to English which will
require an additional language exam fee. To qualify as a Blue Badge Guide in a language other than English,
the language exam must be passed regardless of the student’s mother tongue.
6CONTENT OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME
The 18-month STGA Blue Badge Training Programme will be delivered through three integrated modules
• Core Knowledge
• Regional Studies
• Professional Skills
These three modules will be taught through interactive courses. The delivery of these courses will
incorporate PowerPoint presentations, talks, seminars, group work, individual presentations, role playing,
practical training on walks, sites and moving vehicles, online resources, study away-days, personal
development goal-setting, written and practical assessments as well as on-going feedback and discussion.
It is essential that students have access to a computer, e-mail and a printer, and are fully competent in their
use.
As Core Knowledge lectures will be streamed, it is also essential that students have home access to high
speed broadband before the beginning of the course.
Regional Studies and Professional Skills will only be delivered by active accredited Blue Badge tourist
guides. Most have also undergone training to become accredited trainers for the STGA, and some are
accredited trainers for the WFTGA as well. Core Knowledge will be delivered by City of Glasgow College as
outlined above.
Please note, to continuously review and improve training, we will regularly record students during regional
skills sessions. STGA may retain videos for helping future Blue Badge students with their training.
Course content breakdown is listed on the following page.
7MODULES COURSES SUBJECTS HOURS
Geology 130 contact hours approximately
LAND Natural History 260 self-directed study hours
Geography approximately
Archaeology
PEOPLE (The delivery of some Core
History
Knowledge will be integrated
Architecture with the delivery of Regional
Visual Art Studies and Professional Skills)
Literature
ARTS
Music
CORE
Film and TV
KNOWLEDGE
Lore
Religion
Education
Law
SOCIETY
Politics
Sports
Food and Drink
Languages
190 contact hours approximately
in a classroom setting and in the
The whole of Scotland:
field.
Borders, South-West Scotland, Edinburgh,
At least 400 hours of self-
Lothian, Glasgow, Fife, Angus, Stirling,
REGIONAL directed study is recommended
Trossachs, Argyll, Grampian, Central Highlands,
STUDIES
Northern Highlands, Hebrides, Orkney and
(The delivery of some Regional
Shetland
Studies will be integrated with
the delivery of Core Knowledge
Note: Field visits will be mainland Scotland only
and Professional Skills.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS 120 contact hours approximately
GUIDING TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS in a classroom setting and in the
GROUP MANAGEMENT field
BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
At least 230 hours of self-
directed study is recommended
PROFESSIONAL
SKILLS (FIRST AID done by individual trainee in their (The delivery of some
own time – STGA will require to see evidence of Professional Skills will be
completion of a First Aid Course, e.g. a First Aid integrated with the delivery of
at Work one-day course, before the candidates Core Knowledge and Regional
sit their Final Examination.) Studies)
8LEARNING OUTCOMES
CORE KNOWLEDGE LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Demonstrate a broad awareness of the disciplines informing and shaping knowledge of Scotland’s
archaeology, history, culture, arts and landscapes
• Analyse and critically evaluate the debates on the natural and cultural identity of Scotland and
deploy this knowledge clearly in an academic form as well as in a practical manner
• Show the capacity to understand the chronological sequence of natural and social developments
and make links across different domains of knowledge
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Select the most appropriate routes, sites, stopping places: show understanding of the various
aspects of the area, the interests of the participants; maintain an appropriate time schedule; have
regard for the health and safety of both visitors and colleagues
• Present an effective commentary: show understanding of the various aspects of the area, the
interests of the participants; maintain an appropriate time schedule; have regard for the health and
safety of both visitors and colleagues
• Deliver administrative measures for the running of a small business
• Demonstrate ability to work both independently and as a member or leader of a team
• Demonstrate relevant management skills
• Demonstrate a range of effective communication skills, including the ability to deliver a balanced,
non-didactic tour
• Understand how to develop and deliver different types of services as a professional tourist guide
• Understand ethics, responsibilities and regulations affecting the work of a Scottish tourist guide
REGIONAL STUDIES LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Demonstrate the capacity to identify and explain the significance of various physical,
archaeological, historical and cultural features of the different regions of Scotland
• Understand the links across the different regions of Scotland through the knowledge and
understanding developed in Core Knowledge
• Interpret the physical and human landscapes and cities of Scotland through the knowledge and
understanding developed in Core Knowledge
• Analyse and critically evaluate the knowledge and understanding developed in Core Knowledge in
order to be able to select appropriate information, make comparisons and develop themes for the
detailed interpretation of the different regions of Scotland
• Use the insights gained in Professional Skills to successfully interpret the different regions of
Scotland with reference to the needs and understanding of different visitors
9ASSESSMENTS DURING THE TRAINING PROGRAMME
All ongoing assessments during the 18 months of training will be under the control and supervision of the
Course Director. All assessments during this Programme will be in English. Core Knowledge essays and in-
course tests will be dealt with online by City of Glasgow College.
Other written work - for example Tour Plans - will require to be delivered in hard copy to the STGA Office
Training Support Administrator and e-mailed to the Course Director. Students must therefore have
confident and fluent speaking, reading and writing skills in English.
MODULE ASSESSMENT FORMAT PASS MARK
Core 1. One Essay on LAND 2000 words 50% pass mark
Knowledge 2. One Essay on PEOPLE for each of the four Core
3. One Essay on ARTS Knowledge elements
4. One Essay on SOCIETY
Regional 1. Edinburgh SOPs for coach, walk 50% pass mark
Studies 2. Glasgow and site tours for all five Regional Studies
3. Area 3 TBD elements
4. Area 4 TBD
5. One practice (marked 2000 words
but not graded) and
one 3- or 4- day Tour
Plan
Professional • Interview/viva Ongoing during practical Pass or fail
Skills • Standard for every and class work
Regional Study
assessment to be met
• Standard for behaviour
and attitude
throughout the Course
Overall • Unseen written tests 1 to 3 hours in class – 50% pass mark
CK RS PS blank map, short
answers, 300-word
essays
10FINAL STGA ACCREDITATION EXAMINATION
The final STGA Accreditation Examination will be under the control and supervision of the STGA Board of
Examiners and the STGA Training Manager. The STGA Board of Examiners is a separate and independent
body from the Training Programme process. This exam will be conducted in English and other languages in
which the candidate wishes to guide.
The pass mark required to qualify as a Blue Badge tourist guide at the Final STGA Accreditation Exam is
60%.
The STGA exam will contain:
1. Practical guiding skills on a coach, walk and site
There will be two examinations of different routes.
Guiding through the built-up environment and in the countryside.
2. Tour Plan Submission
An open book assignment.
Followed by a viva with the examiner.
3. Written Exam
Written exam of three papers to include Regional Studies questions, map exercise and short
essays on prepared topics.
4. Interview with Examiner
Covering Professional Skills and Scottish Menu items.
Please note Language competency for non-native speakers of English will be tested during the
coach/walk/site routes
FINAL STGA ACCREDITATION LANGUAGE EXAMINATION
Some candidates may wish to present for their STGA Blue Badge in an additional language to English (See
cost information above). To qualify as a Blue Badge Guide in a language other than English, the language
exam must be passed regardless of the student’s mother tongue.
The Language Assessment is not part of the general STGA examination above.
The candidate is assessed in the language of their choice.
The Language Assessment has five elements:
Interview with the Language Assessor
1. General Conversation – travel, food and drink, health and safety
2. Prepared Talk – Two-minute presentation on a subject chosen from a list of ten
3. Sight translation from a written text
4. Gist translation from an oral source
5. Practical guiding skills on a coach, walk and site
There will be one coach, walk and site route assessed.
One of the routes from the accreditation examination will be used.
11CONTACTS
Scottish Tourist Guides Association (Training), training@stga.co.uk
Norie’s House, 18b Broad Street, Stirling Scotland FK8 1EF website www.stga.co.uk
For all Blue Badge Training Programme matters contact the Course Director:
Sheila Stuart coursedirector@stga.co.uk 07765 241166
For the STGA Accreditation Examination contact the STGA Training Manager:
Patricia Blain training@stga.co.uk 07944 470 371
For all STGA membership matters contact the STGA Training Support Administrator:
Helen Doherty trainingsupportadmin@stga.co.uk 01786 447784
For all payment matters contact the STGA Bookkeeper:
Alison Norman accounts@stga.co.uk 01786 451953
PLEASE ensure you tell all four of the above if you change YOUR CONTACT DETAILS!!!
12ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION / BEING A BLUE BADGE GUIDE
THE SCOTTISH TOURIST GUIDES ASSOCIATION
The STGA is the accrediting body and membership organisation for professional tourist guides in Scotland. The
STGA is a company limited by guarantee and has a voluntary Board of Directors and an office in Stirling with a
Business Support Administrator, an Office Manager and a part-time Bookkeeper. The STGA also employs a
Training Manager.
STGA Membership:
• Ordinary Members (Blue Badge Guides) – qualified to guide throughout Scotland
• Regional Affiliates (Green Badge Guides) - qualified to guide in a specific operational area of
Scotland
• Site Affiliates (Yellow Badge Guides) - qualified to guide in specific sites or on fixed routes
• Student Members – students training for the Blue or Green Badge
• Non-practising Members – Blue Badge guides not currently working
• Retired Ordinary Members – Blue Badge guides who have retired
• Honorary Members – individuals who have given outstanding service to STGA
• Associates – organisations who wish to be associated with STGA
Quality Standards
The STGA is a member of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) and the European
Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG) and subscribes to the FEG Quality Charter and the WFTGA
Code of Practice. All members and affiliates of STGA subscribe to the STGA Code of Conduct and Standards
or Performance. The STGA training programmes comply with European and International Standards for the
qualification and training of tourist guides, especially EN/BS15565 Tourism Services – Requirements for the
provision of professional tourist guide training and qualification programmes. STGA operates a voluntary
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) scheme for members.
Accreditation Levels
The STGA accreditation is benchmarked to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) as
follows:
• Blue Badge: SCQF Level 7 (Higher National Certificate equivalent)
• Green Badge: SCQF Level 7 (Higher National Certificate equivalent)
• Yellow Badge: SCQF Level 5 (National 5 equivalent)
Definition of a Tourist Guide:
EN13809 of the European Committee of Standardisation (CEN)
A person who guides visitors in the language of their choice and interprets the cultural and natural
heritage of an area which person normally possesses an area-specific qualification usually issued and/or
recognised by the appropriate authority.
13In Scotland the STGA is the only authority under the terms of the definition.
The above definition is distinct from that of a tour manager, tour director or escort as defined by CEN as
follows:
Person who manages an itinerary on behalf of the tour operator ensuring the programme is carried out
as described in the tour operator's literature and sold to the traveller/consumer and who gives local
practical information. Tour managers may or may not be tourist guides as well. They are not trained or
licensed to work in specific areas unless they have the proper requirements or legal right, depending on
the region.
Employment for Tourist Guides in Scotland:
Scottish Tourist Guides (Blue and Green Badge) are self-employed, freelance guides and work for a variety
of clients including tour operators, cruise ship ground-handlers, conference organisers, corporate clients,
public bodies and individual visitors. Blue Badge guides are qualified to guide throughout Scotland and
Green Badge guides are qualified within a specific region of Scotland. STGA members and affiliates are
usually self-employed and as such are responsible for generating their own income. The amount and type
of work undertaken by individual members varies considerably. The majority of members travel with
visitors on extended tours of a general or specialist nature. Some members do only part-time or local
guiding from choice. Guides need to be flexible and some combine guiding with other work. It must be
appreciated that demand for guides fluctuates markedly with the seasons and global economic changes.
One benefit of membership is a full-page listing online for every Full Member through the STGA website.
The STGA has a centralised booking service as a facility for its members and the travel trade, but our
members receive over 90% of their work from other sources. The majority of members develop good
working relationships with various agents and obtain direct repeat bookings. STGA also markets all Full
Members through industry contacts and government organisations and attends appropriate international
trade fairs and promotional activities.
Benefits of STGA Membership
• A Blue Badge issued by the STGA
• Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance through the STGA
• Listing online on the STGA website
• Automatic inclusion in STGA Booking System through online enhanced entries
• Access to STGA online Resources
• Access to the Continuous Professional Development scheme
• Participation in activities organised by the STGA and its Regional Branches
• Representation at all levels of the Tourism Industry in Scotland and beyond
• Membership of FEG (European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations) and the WFTGA (World
Federation of Tourist Guide Associations).
• Marketing opportunities
• Networking opportunities
• Advice and support on professional guiding matters from colleagues and through the Board of
Directors, all of whom are active tourist guides
• Kudos, through UK and world-wide recognition of the quality of a Blue Badge tourist guide
qualification
Some additional words of advice Personal Requirements:
Curiosity, enthusiasm, warmth and people skills, self-motivation, physical and emotional stamina,
confidence, flexibility, clarity of speech and excellent communication skills.
• Job Requirements (Blue and Green Badge):
• Research in-depth information for guided tours of the area of qualification
• Plan and agree itineraries and interpretation for guided tours in the area of qualification
• Interpret the area of qualification in depth
14• Lead tour groups or individuals on vehicles, on foot and on sites
• Provide practical information, advice and assistance
• Resolve emergencies and problems
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with clients, colleagues and visitors
Manage a small business and maintain appropriate records
Stamina and good health are essential for tourist guides. The work of a tourist guide is very demanding.
Hours can be long, e.g. starting with the arrival of the first aircraft at the airport and ending with a Scottish
Evening ceilidh, with guiding commentary and courteous customer service throughout the day. Your next
job might then involve getting up early in the morning, travelling for hours to get to the Highlands where
you meet cruise ship guests for another full day excursion. Are you up for this?
It is absolutely essential that you enjoy working with people. Understanding the stresses and strains of the
traveller – jet lag, lack of sleep, sickness, unfamiliar environment and language, hotel and transport
problems, and loss of valuables/luggage – is all part of the job of a tourist guide. The guide may be the only
direct local contact for the visitor.
Competition is considerable. This applies in particular to guides who only work in English. There are about
400 self-employed STGA Tourist Guides in Scotland and many more non-qualified guides too. The income of
Blue and Green Badge Guides can be precarious. Your work may be seasonal, with long quiet periods, and it
will fluctuate according to world events. Furthermore, each self-employed guide must also consider
accident and sickness insurance, personal pension plans, National Insurance and Income Tax requirements.
The Blue Badge Guide Training Course covers a lot of fascinating knowledge. However, it extends far
beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge to the selection, presentation and delivery of that knowledge as
well as tour management and customer service. Almost half of the course will involve the practical
application of the knowledge you acquire.
THE WORLD FEDERATION OF TOURIST GUIDE ASSOCIATIONS
MACAU 2013 DECLARATION FOR TOURIST GUIDES AROUND THE WORLD
1. WFTGA declares that its member tourist guides act as ambassadors of their countries and regions and as
caretakers of their area’s traditions, history, culture and environment.
2. WFTGA supports the definition of tourist guiding as an area-specific qualification, usually issued and/or
recognised by the appropriate authority. WFTGA believes that any person without a qualification is not
competent to interpret and explain the cultural and natural heritage and specialities of that area.
3. WFTGA declares it is not ethical or appropriate for anyone to work as a tourist guide without having the
above qualifications.
4. WFTGA declares that tourist guides are essential to the tourism industry and should be acknowledged as
professionals by tour operators, tourism stakeholders and local and/or national authorities and be fairly
compensated.
5. WFTGA and its member tourist guides stand by our declaration that “We are the Professionals’’ who
work in the best professional manner to achieve high standards of service and contribute to society.
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