Professional Guiding Standards

Being a professional tourist guide is much more than sharing knowledge about a destination. A certified guide represents not only their profession, but also the communities, culture and heritage they introduce to visitors.

As a member of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA), SCGA supports the principles of professional and ethical guiding promoted by WFTGA and the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. The following principles provide practical guidance for certified guides in Georgia. They bring together international standards with the everyday work of guides, and aim of supporting respectful, responsible and professional guiding practice.

1. Professionalism & Responsibility

• Work only in the areas and languages in which you are properly trained and qualified
• Keep your professional knowledge and skills up to date
• Provide accurate, objective and fair information to visitors
• Clearly distinguish factual information from personal opinions, interpretations, legends or traditions
• Follow applicable laws, regulations and professional standards
• Take responsibility for your professional conduct and continue developing your skills

2. Respect & Professional Relationships

• Treat visitors, fellow guides, drivers, tour operators, hospitality workers and other tourism professionals with respect and courtesy
• Respect the professional work, agreements and responsibilities of other guides and tourism partners
• Avoid discrimination, harassment, intimidation or inappropriate behaviour towards colleagues or visitors
• Communicate professionally when disagreements or difficult situations arise
• Support fair and respectful working relationships within the tourism sector

3. Guests, Inclusion & Intercultural Respect

• Treat every visitor with dignity, respect and professionalism
• Respect differences in culture, religion, nationality, gender, age, disability, lifestyle and personal beliefs
• Adapt communication to the needs and circumstances of different groups where possible
• Remain professional when visitors have views, customs or lifestyles different from your own
• Help create an environment in which all visitors feel welcome, safe and respected
• When discussing sensitive or controversial subjects, provide balanced and factual information rather than imposing personal views

4. Culture, Heritage & Host Communities

• Respect the culture, traditions, history, religions and values of the communities you work with
• Treat cultural, historical and religious sites with care and respect
• Respect the privacy, dignity and daily life of local communities
• Help visitors understand and respect local customs and practices
• Present Georgian history, culture and heritage accurately and responsibly
• Recognise the role of the guide as a bridge between visitors and the host community

5. Responsible & Sustainable Tourism

• Help protect Georgia’s natural, cultural and historical heritage
• Encourage responsible behaviour among visitors
• Minimise unnecessary waste and environmental impact during tours
• Respect the quality of life and interests of local communities
• Support local businesses, services and communities where appropriate
• Help visitors understand the environmental, cultural and social characteristics of the destinations they visit

6. Safety, Conduct & Professional Image

• Prioritise the safety, wellbeing and dignity of visitors throughout the tour
• Be punctual, prepared and attentive to the needs of the group
• Follow relevant safety requirements and communicate potential risks clearly to visitors
• Maintain a clean, neat and professional appearance appropriate to the type, location and conditions of the tour
• Choose practical clothing and footwear appropriate for the activities and environment of the tour
• Use phones and other personal devices appropriately while working and avoid behaviour that distracts from professional responsibilities
• Represent the profession and the Association responsibly through both professional conduct and personal appearance

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