Today, the world celebrates International Tourist Guide Day, a professional holiday honoring guides – essential figures in the tourism industry. They introduce travelers to historical and cultural landmarks and significantly develop their country’s tourism potential.

The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) established the holiday to raise public awareness of the importance and significance of tourist guides’ work. WFTGA was founded in 1985 during the first International Convention of Tourist Guides and currently has more than 200,000 members from 87 countries. The professional holiday has been celebrated since 1990.

It isn’t easy to pinpoint the exact origins of this profession, but it is evident that it is closely linked to the development of international relations. As people began traveling more frequently, visiting different cities and countries, the need for professional guides became essential. In the mid-20th century, anyone with a good knowledge of a city’s history could work as a tour guide. Philologists, history teachers, and students of related faculties often took on this role. However, in the 1970s, professional standards for guides became more rigorous, and only individuals with specialized training were recognized as official tour guides. Two additional requirements became essential: a basic understanding of psychology and clear, articulate speech. Today, in Uzbekistan, professional colleges and universities with a specialization in tourism provide training for tour guides. 

On International Tourist Guide Day, various events are held in cities worldwide to celebrate the profession. 

Roman Bondarchuk, UzA