Professional Tour Guide
Association of Australia
- Benefits
- Categories and Fees
- Code of Guiding Practice
The PTGAA welcomes new members.
We provide a great network for Tour Guides thanks to our members, links and contacts in the Tourism industry.
Through the PTGAA you can enjoy:
- new job opportunities
- industry discounts
- Professional Development sessions and workshops
- networking opportunities
- access to accreditation as a Guide of Australia (GOA - the National Tour Guide Accreditation Framework)
- plus many other benefits
To join us please:
- Complete the online application form or print the form, fill in, sign and post.
- Email scanned attachments or post copies of relevant certificates, licences and a photo.
- A senior PTGAA representative will make contact with you to arrange an informal meeting. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about the PTGAA, and for us to get to know you and your skills, experiences and needs.
- An invoice for membership payment will be forwarded to you.
- Once your application has been completed, your PTGAA photo ID will be posted to you.
WELCOME to the Professional Tour Guide Association!
Full Member
Annual Fee $120
Tour Guides and/or tour managers who have, in a professional capacity, performed Meet and Greets, City Sights, Day tours, and/or tour manager guides on a State or National Level. They must have been engaged for a minimum of 60 (SIXTY) days over the last year OR been active as guides in the industry for at least two years. Specialist guides will be considered.
Associate Member - Owner / Operator
Annual Fee $120
Someone who works with inbound agents and corporations and employs guides.
Associate Member - Corporate
Annual Fee $250
Senior representatives of companies engaged in the tourism industry and whose occupation of business is associated with management of tours, conferences, and special events. This includes State Tourism organisations, guide agencies and professional associations.
Provisional Member *
Annual Fee $105
Persons who are engaged in providing a service in the tourism industry, which requires factual knowledge as a tour guide. Site guides who have worked for a minimum of 1 (ONE) year to a satisfactory standard of professionalism can apply. Persons who have successfully completed and obtained a certificate from a recognised tour management training program but are not currently working in the industry, may also apply and will be considered. Participation in Association events will be determined by the committee.
* Provisional Members may UPGRADE to FULL, conditions apply.
Student Member
Annual Fee $20
Available to Tourism Students, studying a Cert. III or above in Tourism, at a recognised tertiary education facility.
Student members will gain access to networking opportunities with qualified Professional Tour Guides, Professional Development sessions and familiarisation tours (famils) at reduced prices.
Upon course completion student members may become Provisional members.
Site Guide
Annual Fee $60
Persons who are engaged to work as a guide at a particular site such as an Art Gallery, Museum, Sports Complex or Tourist Attraction.
Distance Membership
Annual Fee $60
Tour guides who meet the criteria for one of the above categories and who live OUTSIDE the State of Victoria.
Everyone when they join must sign the following code of conduct:
As a member of the PTGAA I agree to abide by the Australian Tour Guides' Code of Guiding Practice as set out below:
- 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.
- 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.
- To act honestly, fairly and professionally in all dealings with all those who engage the services of guides and with colleagues working in all aspects of tourism.
- Ensure that guided groups treat with respect the natural, cultural and heritage environments, and minimise impacts on these at all times.
- 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.
- Regularly update and upgrade my guiding skills and knowledge through training and professional development activities.
- Declare to customers any relevant personal commercial interests, including commissions, and never force visitor purchases or solicit tips.
- Be mindful at all times of duty of care and other health and safety issues.
- Provide all goods and services as presented in the tour itinerary and promotional material.
- Abide by all national, state or territory legislation governing the operation and conduct of tours, tour operators and tour guides.
As a Member of the PTGAA 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.
For more details about membership please contact the committee.