Tour guide associations pass new best practices code

Guides will now face blacklisting if found forcing tourist to shop at particular establishments

Tour guides will face blacklisting if they force tourists to shop at a particular establishment, according to a code of best practices approved today by bodies representing tour operators and guides.

The code was signed by Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and Tourist Guides Federation of India (TGFI).

"We have introduced the code while revising the professional fees which are paid to guides. A guide is often the first point of contact for a tourist. We do the  sales and marketing  function but guides interact and handle the tourists. They have to be professional in their job. We have been receiving complaints of guides being unprofessional in their conduct,'' said Gour Kanjilal, IATO's  executive director. He said the guides who entice tourists to shop at a particular establishment could face blacklist.

There are about 2,000-3,000 tourist guides approved by tourism ministry who are members of TGFI, said Kanjilal.

According to the code "All TGFI members must be professionally attired during assignments or in the presence of clients at all times....Clients will not be forced for shopping at any point. If the client does wish to shop they will only be taken to establishments predetermined by the IATO member who has given the assignment. If the client wishes to go to an alternate shopping establishment the TGFI member will inform the IATO member..''

He said the guides who entice tourists to shop at a particular establishment could face blacklist. Complaints against guides or tour operators will be referred to a joint committee comprising members of two bodies.

“We aimed at moving away from only talking about rates to also talking about TGFI members treat our members and vice versa. Both associations will instruct its members to adhere to these laid down principles in the spirit of cooperation.  Mechanisms will set up to address any complaints based on this. Much in line with our existing Legal & Grievances committee, a IATO-TGFI monitoring committee will be set up for close coordination and to ensure healthy relationships between guides and tour operators”, said Mr. Rajiv Kohli, Vice President, IATO.