2. Overview: Introduction to the Tourist Guide Profession Introduction to the Tourist Guide Profession The European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG) The European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG) Tourist Guiding as a Unique and Distinct Profession Tourist Guiding as a Unique and Distinct Profession Characteristics and Challenges of the Tourist Guide Profession Characteristics and Challenges of the Tourist Guide Profession Conclusion Conclusion

3. Tourist Guides: The Orphans of the Travel Industry Within the Travel Industry confusion abounds. Tourist Guides have been aptly called the Orphans of the travel industry, somewhat hidden within the trade.

4. Case Study: Tourist Guides Principle Elements that encourage one to pursue a career in Tourist Guiding: A passion for History and Culture A passion for History and Culture Enthusiasm to work with people Enthusiasm to work with people Willingness to serve others and proud to serve Willingness to serve others and proud to serve

5. Vital Elements that keep the Profession Alive Innovation Innovation Creativity Creativity Diversity Diversity

6. Key Questions Is Tourist Guiding a lucrative job? Is Tourist Guiding a lucrative job? Is it sustainable? Is it sustainable? Is the Profession appreciated and valued? Is the Profession appreciated and valued?

7. History has shown that Training, Evaluation and Regulation of Tourist Guides yields great rewards not only for Travellers and Tourist Guides, but for Sites, Cities, and whole Societies as well.

8. European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Founded in 1986 Founded in 1986 Mission Statement: Mission Statement: To represent the profession, to publicise and improve the quality of service offered to all visitors to Europe

9. FEG Member Associations

10. Tourist Guiding as a unique and distinct Profession

11. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TOURIST GUIDE PROFESSION 1. Qualification 2. Heritage Interpretation 3. Training 4. Area-specificity 5. Professionalism

12. Tourist Guide Qualifications: Awarded in all EU Member States

13. European Norm EN 13809 of 2003 EN 15565 of 2008

14. Heritage Interpretation Pride in telling their region’s story

15. Training Emphasis on Quality and Standards

16. Area Specificity Due to considerable concentration of Heritage and Diveristy of peoples, beliefs, art, traditions and customs

17. Professionalism The Term Professionalism is closely linked to ongoing Training, Updating and Continuing Professional Development

18. Conclusion: Guiding a Dynamic Profession For anyone who wishes to thrive personally and professionally, it is vital to attempt to understand new trends and flow with changes rather than fight them.

20. Job satisfaction in Tourism has no limits Job offer variety, human communication and opportunity to develop new ideas. Job seekers need to find their raison d’être in Tourism

21. How can one stimulate interest? Recognition of the Tourist Guide Profession as a unique and area specific profession Recognition of the Tourist Guide Profession as a unique and area specific profession Regulate the Profession Regulate the Profession Effectively Pursue the adoption of CEN15565 Effectively Pursue the adoption of CEN15565 Revisit Tourist Guide Courses – integration of ‘romance’ in Tourist Guide Courses - the learning process has to be largely stimulating Revisit Tourist Guide Courses – integration of ‘romance’ in Tourist Guide Courses - the learning process has to be largely stimulating

22. How can one stimulate interest? Motivation Motivation Involvement in discussions concerning tourism Involvement in discussions concerning tourism Value the work of Tourist Guides - listen to their voice Value the work of Tourist Guides - listen to their voice Instruct people in the Art of Serving Instruct people in the Art of Serving

23. THANK YOU – DěKUJI ! Glorianne Mizzi FEG Executive Council Officer E-mail: info@feg-touristguides.org info@feg-touristguides.org Website: www.feg-touristguides.org www.feg-touristguides.org