The International Tourist Guide Day (ITGD) is celebrated annually on the 21^st February to recognise the skills and contributions of professional tourist guides in their regions.

Launched in 1990 by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) with participation from 15 countries, the event has since grown, with guides worldwide offering free tours and activities for local communities. These initiatives aim to showcase the profession while engaging with people with disabilities, disadvantaged groups, children, industry partners, officials, and the general public.

Additionally, professional development sessions and networking events are organised for guides, enhancing their knowledge and skills. ITGD serves as a key PR opportunity, drawing attention from local authorities, media, and communities to the value of qualified tourist guides.

Each country celebrates in its own way – transport companies provide free buses, attractions and museums waive entry fees, and more organisations contribute to the success of the day. With growing awareness, regional and national governments are increasingly supporting ITGD.

On Tour Guide Day it is customary to congratulate employees of museums and travel agencies, as well as other institutions where excursions are conducted.

Tour Guide Day is an excellent occasion for holding professional conferences, seminars, panel discussions where specialists can exchange experience and discuss problems and prospects. Of course, on this day, tour guides are awarded with certificates, diplomas and prizes.

Who are they, tour guides? Of course, they are people with inexhaustible creativity, connoisseurs of history from ancient times to the present day in a particular sphere. They are a source of information that they are ready to share with attentive listeners.

In addition to excellent knowledge of sights, a tour guide should be able to find a common language with people, be communicative, artistic, be acquainted with psychology and pedagogics.

We congratulate all tour guides on the holiday and wish them creative success and rapid growth of their professional skills! And most importantly – attentive and grateful listeners!

A short video in which we present our wonderful guides is posted in the museum Video Achieve.