World Tour Guide Day (21/02)

Every year on February 21, many cities around the world — especially those that are centers of tourism, — celebrate World Guide Day or World Tourist Guide Day. It was established by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) — to raise awareness among the general public about the importance and significance of the work of tour guides.

WFTGA was founded in 1985 at the first International Guide Convention, and currently has more than 200,000 members from more than 70 countries. And the holiday itself has been celebrated since 1990.

It is impossible to say for sure when this profession appeared, but it is obvious that it is connected with the development of interstate relations. Since people began to actively travel, visit different cities and countries, it has become difficult for them to do without the help of professional guides.

Back in the middle of the last century, any educated person familiar with the history of a particular city could feel like a tour guide. Philologists, history teachers, as well as students of relevant faculties often worked in this capacity. However, in the 70s of the 20th century, the requirements for the professionalism of guides increased, and only people who had undergone special training began to be called tour guides.

Currently, guides are trained by universities specializing in «tourism» and «excursion and museum studies». Educated people, often even those with a scientific degree, act as guides. Two more indispensable conditions — knowledge of the basics of psychology and correct speech.

On Guide's Day, many cities around the world hold a variety of events dedicated to the holiday. For example, by this date the Slovak Society of Tour Guides was conducting walking along unusual routes. The Latvian Association offered free excursions around Riga to everyone. And in the United Arab Emirates, the opening of a sightseeing tour of one of the most beautiful mosques in the world was timed to coincide with Guide Day.

Russian tourism industry workers also celebrate World Guide Day. In honor of the holiday, as a rule, thematic excursions, forums and seminars are held at which specialists discuss the problems and prospects of their industry, share experiences and ideas. Since 2017, the Russian Geographical Society has been holding the All-Russian competition «Best Guide of Russia». Its participants present videos with original video tours of the most picturesque and interesting places in Russia. The winners of the competition are residents of different Russian regions, and thanks to the «My Planet» TV channel, the whole country can see the excursions of the winners.

Many guides celebrate another big holiday on International Museum Day.



Postcard «21 February — Guide Day» Story «When wife guide»

1364