Today, the 21st of February, we celebrate International Tourist Guide Day. It was established during the Convention of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) in Cyprus in 1989.
The first celebration was held in 1990. It was proposed by the president of the WFTGA Titina Loizides. This day is aimed at raising public awareness about the fact that tourist guides are cultural ambassadors of the regions they represent.
The idea of this holiday is to show the work of the professional tourist guide. Many times there are free tours held on this day for local people to showcase their skills in their own communities.
The first celebation was attended by 15 countries. Over the years the awareness of this holiday has increased and today it‘s organized in more than 70 countries around the world.
With a little exaggeration, it can be said that the job of a tourist guide is as old as travel itself.
In the 19th century, with the development of the transport, travel stopped to be the privilege of the wealthier social classes, adventurous travellers or vagabonds and became a mass affair.
The English discover Switzerland and tourism in the modern sense of the word was born. The Alps become the sporting ground of Europe. Alpine clubs were formed. In 1841, Thomas Cook organised the first mass tour from Leicester to Loughborough, attended by 570 people. The trip was a success and Cook began to organise others.
The beginning of the 21st century is characterized by the influence of the internet. However, modern tourism cannot be imagined without the work of tourist guides. Guides are known to be cultural ambassadors to their country and community. They provide safe, enjoyable and fun travel experiences for their guest. The great guide is being able to perfectly blend the professionalism needed for the job with the hospitality and welcoming spirit of friendship that makes the guest feel like they have spent the day with a close friend.
Guides are our story tellers. They share the historical story and connect it with our present lives for tourists who come to hear it.
We would like to thank all of them for a great job they are doing.
