Code of Guiding Practice

This Code of Guiding Practice outlines the responsibilities and standards of behaviour expected of Tour Guides working within Australia.

  1. To provide a professional service to visitors -professional in care and commitment, and professional in providing an objective understanding of the place visited - free from prejudice or propaganda.
  2. To ensure that every effort is made to present true and accurate facts and ensure that a clear distinction is made between this truth and stories, legends, traditions, or opinions.
  3. To act honestly, fairly and rprofesionally in all dealings with all those who engage the services of guides and with colleagues working in all aspects of tourism.
  4. Ensure that guided groups treat with respect the natural, cultural and heritage environments, and minimise impacts on these at all times.
  5. As representatives of Australia, to welcome visitors and act in such a way as to bring credit to the country and promote it as a tourist destination.
  6. Regularly update and upgrade my guiding skills and knowledge through training and professional development activities.
  7. Declare to customers any relevant personal commercial interests, including commissions, and never force visitor purchases or solicit tips.
  8. Be mindful at all times of duty of care and other health and safety issues.
  9. Provide all goods and services as presented in the tour itinerary and promotional material.
  10. Abide by all national, state or territory legislation governing the operation and conduct of tours, tour operators and tour guides.
  11. Be aware that GOA has a Complaints Handling Policy that covers issues that may be brought to our attention in realtion to accredited tour guides
  12. A requirement for accredited tour guides is to establish their own Complaints Handling procedure.

I will demonstrate the Australian Tour Guides' Code of Guiding Practice in my own actions and encourage its implementation across the industry through my interactions with tourism businesses, organisations and other Tour Guides.

This code can be downloaded and printed from the below file.

Download file