From the official Institute of Tourist Guiding press release, June 23, 2026:

In 1949, The Daily Telegraph advertised a new professional guide training course with the memorable headline: Register to beat spivs and touts.’ The aim was simple but powerful: to ensure visitors received “the truth and nothing but the truth.” That vision became reality in 1950, first with the creation of the membership organisation now called the British Guild of Tourist Guides (‘the Guild’), then through the establishment of the profession’s standard setting body, the Institute of Tourist Guiding (‘the Institute’).

The contribution of the Institute’s 1700 members to the modern visitor economy has never been greater. The Institute of Tourist Guiding is proud to celebrate the award in His Majesty King Charles III’s Birthday Honours of an MBE to Blue Badge Tourist Guide Mark King for Services to Tourism. The setting of the accompanying photograph, at the Royal Festival Hall on London’s Southbank, highlights the evolution of professional tourist guiding in the UK from its origins in the run up to the Festival of Britain in 1951.

The Festival of Britain left behind tangible and intangible legacies. The Royal Festival Hall, still standing at the heart of the Southbank Centre, remains a powerful physical symbol of that moment of national renewal. Alongside it exists a less visible, equally enduring legacy: the development of modern professional tourist guiding standards exemplified by the Blue, Green and White Badge qualifications. 

Mark King’s citation states: ‘Fellow of the Institute of Tourist Guiding, Life Fellow and lately Chair of the British Guild of Tourist Guides. For services to Tourism.’ Mark’s award is a source of great pride as it recognises sustained voluntary service – given generously over many years to the tourist guiding profession and to the wider visitor economy. His contribution reflects a deep personal commitment to supporting others, strengthening standards, celebrating heritage and advancing our profession.

Mark exemplifies the values on which professional guiding was built. His service has been to:
• The truthful telling of our nation’s histories and stories
• The care of visitors and the clients of our trade partners
• The many sites and places where he guides
• The community of badged guides across the country

Mark King said: “I am proud beyond words to be honoured with this award of an MBE. I am passionate about what I choose to do with my time, ideas and expertise. On entering what – amusingly – I once thought would be the wind-down phase of my working career, I find today that I have never been busier with various forms of community service. It is hugely rewarding for me to help strengthen the market profile and resilience of the country’s tourist guides holding professional qualifications from the Institute of Tourist Guiding, or to welcome visitors on tours in London, or to spend time at Kenwood working with the Friends of Kenwood and English Heritage on how to achieve Kenwood’s full potential. It came as a surprise to be singled out in this way when so many colleagues serve selflessly and with impressive determination to help Britain’s Tourism and heritage sectors to thrive in these exciting, if challenging times. I wish to thank those who nominated me at the Institute of Tourist Guiding, with the support of the British Guild of Tourist Guides and the Friends of Kenwood. I also wish particularly to acknowledge the inspiration and professional formation provided by course tutors preparing me for the London Blue Badge and City of London Green Badge qualifications”

The full press release can be read here. 

Congratulations, Mark, on this well-deserved honor!