In accordance with internationally recognised standards, including ISO 18513:2003, EN 13809:2003, and EN 15565:2008, the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) adopts the following definitions and distinctions to ensure clarity and promote professional excellence within the tourism industry.
- Tourist Guide
A Tourist Guide is a person who guides visitors in the language of their choice and interprets the cultural and natural heritage of an area. Tourist Guides normally possess an area-specific qualification, usually issued and/or recognised by the appropriate authority. This definition reflects the standard set out in ISO 18513:2003 and EN 13809:2003, and serves as the core professional identity supported by the WFTGA.
Tourist Guides are trained professionals who:
- Operate on location, providing interpretative services at sites of cultural, historical, environmental, or regional significance
- Are often licensed or certified in their country or region
- Play a key role in preserving heritage, supporting sustainable tourism, and facilitating cultural understanding
- Tour Manager / Tour Director / Tour Escort
A Tour Manager is a person who manages and supervises an itinerary on behalf of a tour operator. They ensure that the programme is carried out as sold, handle logistics, assist with group welfare, and provide practical information during travel. They do not provide in-depth guiding or interpretation of local sites unless also qualified as a Tourist Guide.
Tour Managers are responsible for:
- Coordinating transport, accommodation, and schedules
- Supporting travellers throughout the journey
- Managing emergencies and logistics, particularly across regions or countries
- Tour Leader
A Tour Leader accompanies a group throughout a tour, focusing on overall group management and support. They may assist with logistics and general group needs but do not normally interpret heritage sites unless also acting as a Tourist Guide.
- Driver-Guide
A Driver-Guide is a professional who provides both transportation and guiding services in a combined role, where legally permitted and appropriately certified. This role is especially common in regions where small groups or individualised services are offered. Driver-Guides must meet the same professional standards for guiding as Tourist Guides and comply with the traffic and insurance rules of the specific country or region they are operating in.
- Local Guide
A Local Guide is a Tourist Guide who operates within a limited geographical area, often specialising in one city, region, or site.
- Multiple Roles and Professional Boundaries
The WFTGA recognises that in some cases, individuals may carry out multiple roles simultaneously—particularly in small markets or remote areas. However, to maintain professional clarity and quality, the Federation emphasises the distinction between guiding and managing functions and promotes:
- Clear role definitions
- Separate and appropriate training for each role
- Respectful cooperation among all professionals involved in tourism
All WFTGA members are expected to understand, uphold, and communicate these distinctions in their work and representation.
Tourist guide vs tour guide: frequently asked questions
What is a tourist guide?
A tourist guide is a professional who guides visitors in the language of their choice and interprets the cultural and natural heritage of an area. Tourist guides normally hold an area-specific qualification recognised by the appropriate authority (ISO 18513:2003 / EN 13809:2003).
What is the difference between a tourist guide and a tour guide?
“Tourist guide” is the internationally recognised professional term for a qualified — and in many places licensed — guide with in-depth local knowledge. “Tour guide” is an informal term often used for people without a recognised qualification or local licence. WFTGA represents professional tourist guides worldwide.
How is a tourist guide different from a tour manager?
A tour manager accompanies and looks after a group throughout a trip and handles its logistics, but does not necessarily provide expert local guiding. At each destination, a qualified local tourist guide should lead the guiding.
Do tourist guides need a qualification or licence?
In many countries tourist guiding is a regulated profession requiring training, examination and a licence. WFTGA promotes recognised training standards such as EN 15565 and represents 90 associations across more than 50 countries.