About Us

Mission Statement
The purpose of the National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations-USA (NFTGA-USA) is to represent, promote and protect the common interests of tourist guide associations in the United States of America by:

Providing a national forum to promote the highest degree of professionalism for tourist guides Establishing contacts among associations to share information and reinforce professional ties Raising private, public and governmental awareness, locally and nationally, of the tourist guides’ role Maintaining membership in related national tourism industry associations

Ethics & Standards

A professional tourist guide provides a skilled, knowledgeable presentation; informs, interprets and highlights the surroundings; maintains objectivity and enthusiasm in a courteous and polite manner. A professional tourist guide ensures that all information presented is factual, and makes a clear distinction between what is true and what are stories, legends and opinions. A professional tourist guide keeps current on changes throughout the area s/he works, including but not limited to seasonal events, new exhibits, traffic laws and facilities, and follows the rules and regulations at all sites where tours will be conducted. A professional tourist guide is prepared for each tour when the itinerary is furnished in advance; reports on time and is responsible for facilitating the smooth, safe, efficient and timely movement of the tour. A professional tourist guide is sensitive to the interests and values of the tour group and does not share his/her personal views on controversial subjects such as religion, politics or lifestyles. A professional tourist guide knows and follows the policies of the company that contracts him/her and does not solicit a job from that company’s client without the consent of the company; maintains loyalty to the company and protects the confidentiality of proprietary information. Also, s/he strives to establish a friendly and helpful rapport with the client, and uses discretion in the conduct of the personal business while on tour. A professional tourist guide dresses appropriately for the type of tour being conducted. A professional tourist guide extends professional respect and a spirit of cooperation to fellow guides, and strives to establish a good working relationship with all service providers on the tour route. A professional tourist guide accepts each tour as a serious commitment and cancels only when absolutely necessary, providing as much advance notice as possible.

Roster of Officers

The NFTGA-USA Officers are volunteers and serve two-year terms.

NFTGA Elected Officers For 2006-07:

• President
  Bobbie Gattuso, New Orleans
• Vice President
  Esther Banike, Chicago
• Treasurer
  Kevin Doran, Miami
• Secretary
  Joan Pagliuca, Boston
• Director-at-Large
  Art Chesmore, Las Vegas
• Director-at-Large
  Jo Curran, Seattle
• Director-at-Large
  Julie Ross, Boston

To download a summary brochure About the NFTGA (which can be printed on two sides of an 8.5" x 14" sheet of paper), click here: