Professional Tour Leader Standards

A professional tour leader:

• provides skilled presentation of knowledge, interprets and highlights surroundings, informs and maintains objectivity and enthusiasm in an engaging manner.

• is prepared for each tour when the itinerary is furnished in advance. A professional tour leader assumes responsibility for reporting on time and for meeting appointments and all schedules within the tour leader’s control.

•  has a wide range of knowledge of the city, including its history and architecture, its culture and political life, and local folklore. A professional tour leader keeps current on new exhibits, seasonal events, and other changes throughout the city. A professional tour leader does not knowingly give out misinformation.

• is knowledgeable about the best routes for all tours. This includes familiarity with the traffic laws as well as the idiosyncrasies of the destination driving. A professional tour leader informs the driver of the route in a calm, polite, and timely fashion.

• is sensitive to the interests and values of the tour group and does not share his/her views on controversial subjects such as sex, religion, and politics.

• dresses appropriately for the type of tour being conducted.

• is expected to follow the rules and regulations at all sites and facilities where he/she takes visitors and acts accordingly.

• accepts each tour as a serious commitment and cancels only when absolutely necessary and provides as much advance notice as possible.

• knows and follows the policies of the company for whom the tour leader is working at the time. A professional tour leader does not attempt to divert business from the company which has employed him or her to another. A tour leader does not accept or solicit a job from a client met through a company hired by that client without the consent of the company. Personal business cards are not given to any tour participants met through the booking company and business-related communication with the client are made only through the company.

•  does not solicit tips.

• does not initiate patronization of souvenir shops and other places that practice “kickback” payments to the guide and/or drivers; or abuse complimentary meal privileges offered by food establishments.