Tourist Guide 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 [EN 13809:2003]
Tourist Guides are representatives of the cities, regions and countries for which they are qualified. It depends largely on them if visitors feel welcome, want to stay longer or decide to come back. They therefore contribute considerably to the perception of the destination. Tourist Guides are able to help travellers understand the culture of the region visited and the way of life of its inhabitants. They have a particular role on the one hand to promote the cultural and natural heritage whilst on the other hand to help ensure its sustainability by making visitors aware of its importance and vulnerability.
A tourist guide is a person who leads groups of people around a town, museum, or other tourist venue. The tourist guide provides a commentary on the features and history of the location, the tours can be from as little as 10-15 minutes to extended periods over many days. Considerable importance is placed on the guide's knowledge of local stories, history and culture depending on the location of the tour
A guide who works at a particular location, such as a museum, may be called a docent and may provide entertaining, relevant, organized and themed heritage interpretation. The role consists of leading groups of visitors around cultural, environmentally, or previously arranged attractions in significant places.
Tour Managers lead groups as part of a package holiday into countries where they speak a different language, they act as interpretors for the group and as representatives of the holiday company. Importance is placed on the guides knowledge of the languages, travel documentation requirements and cultural differences.