 | This article includes a list ofgeneral references, butit lacks sufficient correspondinginline citations. Please help toimprove this article byintroducing more precise citations.(January 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Atourist guide is a person who guides visitors in the language of their choice and interprets the cultural and natural heritage of an area. Tourist guides normally possess an area-specific qualification, usually issued and/or recognised by the appropriate authority.[1][2]The term "tourist guide" is the internationally recognised professional designation, established by major international standards and supported by professional organisations worldwide.[3] In the United States, the colloquial term "tour guide" is commonly used, though this does not align with international professional standards.[4]Tourist guides provide assistance and information on cultural,historical and contemporary heritage to people on organizedsightseeing and individual clients at educational establishments, religious and historical sites such asmuseums, and at various venues oftourist attraction resorts.[5] Tourist guides also take clients on outdoor guided trips, including hiking, whitewater rafting, mountaineering, alpine climbing, rock climbing, ski and snowboarding in the backcountry, fishing, and biking.[6]
.jpg)
The profession of tourist guiding has ancient origins, with historical records indicating that guides accompanied travellers in classical antiquity. In 18th-century Japan, a traveler could pay for a tourist guide or consultguide books such asKaibara Ekken'sKeijō Shōran (The Excellent Views of Kyoto).[7]The modern profession emerged during the 19th century alongside the development of organised tourism. The establishment ofThomas Cook's travel company in 1841 marked the beginning of professionalised tourist services, including organised guiding.Professional standards for tourist guides began developing in the 20th century as tourism became a significant economic sector. TheWorld Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) was founded in 1985 to represent the profession globally and establish unified standards. The organisation has since grown to represent over 200,000 tourist guides through 87 member associations in more than 100 countries.[8]
The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) is the global representative body for the tourist guide profession. Founded in 1985, the organisation represents over 200,000 tourist guides through member associations worldwide. WFTGA has consultative status withUNESCO as a Non-Governmental Organisation and is an affiliate member ofUN Tourism (formerly UNWTO).[9][better source needed]
Three key international standards govern the tourist guide profession:EN 13809:2003: This European standard defines tourist guiding services and establishes the fundamental distinction between tourist guides and other tourism professionals. The CEN (European Committee for Standardization) definition for "tourist guide" is a "person who guides visitors in the language of their choice and interprets thecultural andnatural heritage of an area, which person normally possesses an area-specific qualification usually issued and/or recognized by the appropriate authority".[10]ISO 18513:2003: The International Organization for Standardization's tourism vocabulary standard includes definitions for tourist guiding services, providing global consistency in terminology.EN 15565:2008: This standard specifies requirements for professional tourist guide training and qualification programmes. It ensures that training programmes meet consistent quality standards and cover essential competencies required for professional practice.[11]
InEurope, tourist guides are represented by FEG, the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, which represents over 60,000 tourist guides.[12] In Europe, the tourist guiding qualification is specific to each country; in some cases the qualification is national, in some cases it is broken up into regions. In all cases, it is embedded in the educational and training ethic of that country. EN15565 is a European Standard for the Training and Qualification of Tourist Guides.
InAustralia, tourist guides may be qualified with a Certificate III Guiding although this is not compulsory.[13] They may belong to organisations such asTour Guides Australia [TGA] and theInstitute of Australian Tour Guides [IATG].According to the Tour Guides Australia Code of Conduct, guides must commit to providing professional service, objective interpretations, environmental education, promoting the country as a destination, ongoing professional development, maintaining first aid certification, and carrying appropriate insurance.[14]
InJapan, tourist guides are required to pass a certification exam by the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency and register with the relevant prefectures. Non-licensed guides caught performing guide-interpreter activities can face a fine of up to 500,000 Yen.[15]
InIndia it is mandatory to have a license approved by theMinistry of Tourism (India) to work officially as a tourist guide. The government provides the license to regional-level tourist guides and also runs a Regional Level Guide Training Program (RLGTP). These programs and training sessions are conducted under the guidance ofIndian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) or other government-recognized institutes.[16]
InSouth Africa tourist guides are required to register in terms of the Tourism Act 3, 2014. Training must be done through a trainer accredited by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority.[17]
World Federation of Tourist Guide AssociationsEuropean Federation of Tourist Guide Associations
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
