Yesterday, Sebastian Frankenberger, president of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, addressed a group of DC tour guides at the George Washington School of Business on the Ethical Responsibility of Tourist Guides in the Age of Alternative Truths and Populism.

He explained that tourist guides today, in addition to conveying historical and architectural information, should provide visitors with opportunities to consider contemporary and humanitarian issues. As ambassadors for peace, guides should be knowledgeable of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as cultural and religious foundations of ethics. 

He stressed that guides today must be willing to engage in dialog with their guests and collaborate with their fellow guides from many nations.

Mr. Frankenberger will deliver the keynote address to the National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations in Philadelphia later this week.

Edward Movius, M.D. (Guild of Tourist Guides of Washington DC)