CTGA of BC - Code of Ethics & Standards
A professional Tour Guide provides skilled presentation of knowledge, interprets and highlights surroundings, informs and maintains objectivity and enthusiasm in an engaging manner.
A professional Tour Guide is prepared for each tour when the itinerary is furnished in advance. A professional Tour Guide assumes responsibility for reporting on time and for meeting appointments and schedules with the guide's control. A professional Tour Guide is sensitive to the interests and values of the tour group and does not share his/her personal views on controversial subjects such as sex, religion and politics.
A professional Tour Guide has a wide range of knowledge of the area including its history and architecture, cultural and political life and local folklore. A professional Tour Guide keeps current on new exhibits, seasonal events and other changes throughout the area. A professional Tour Guide does not knowingly give out misinformation.
A professional Tour Guide is expected to follow the rules and regulations at all sites and facilities where he / she takes visitors.
A professional Tour Guide knows and follows the policies of the company for whom the Tour Guide is working at the time. A Tour Guide does not solicit a job from a client of the company that has hired the Tour Guide without the consent of the company which has hired the Tour Guide. Therefore, personal business cards should not be distributed for these purposes. All business-related communication with the client should be made through the company only. It is the responsibility of the Tour Guide to communicate with the tour company as to future employment in regard to continued service with a repeat client.
A professional Tour Guide is knowledgeable about the best routes for all tours. This includes familiarity with the traffic laws as well as the idiosyncrasies of city driving. A professional Tour Guide informs the driver of the route in a calm, polite and timely fashion.
A professional Tour Guide dresses appropriately for the type of tour being conducted.
A professional Tour Guide accepts each tour as a serious commitment and cancels only when absolutely necessary and provides as much advance notice as possible.
A professional Tour Guide does not solicit gratuities.
A professional Tour Guide does not initiate patronage of souvenir shops and other places that practice "kickback" payments to the Tour Guide and / or drivers.
A professional Tour Guide does not abuse complementary and/or discounted meals or shopping or entrance privileges offered by establishments visited or offered on behalf of establishments visited.
A professional Tour Guide cooperates with other tour groups and maintains ethical and professional conduct at all times and cultivates a positive relationship with all colleagues.
A professional Tour Guide respects the research and the intellectual property of other guides and does not plagiarize, without permission, their entire guide's commentary or individual presentation technique.