Cyprus Tour Guides Association annual event “Discover Cyprus”, which has been held since 1978, was the inspiration for the establishment of World Tour Guide Day by the World Federation, in its effort to strengthen the image of the tour guide worldwide and help the profession, the Association says in an announcement on the occasion of World Tour Guide Day which is celebrated every year on February 21st.
Tour Guide Day was established in 1990, a few months after the 3rd international congress of the World Federation, which was hosted by Cyprus.
The Association says that Tour Guide Day was established to give due importance and emphasis to the skills of professional tour guides. It also points out that the profession of a certified tour guide plays a crucial role in the tourism industry of each country.
Cyprus’ certified tour guides, the announcement says, having excellent training, contribute significantly to the promotion of the natural, historical and cultural heritage of Cyprus, strengthen the tourism product by offering a pleasant cognitive activity.
The practice of the profession of tour guide in Cyprus is only permitted to graduates of the School of Tour Guides of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and after the issuance of a professional license, the Association notes.
However, it refers to illegal tours which pose multiple risks for the future of the industry, as well as quality tourism.
The Cyprus Tour Guides Association, on the occasion of International Tour Guide Day, is organizing two walks within the walls of Nicosia on Friday, to get public acquainted with the history of the city from antiquity to the present day.
The first tour will be given by the Honorary President of the Cyprus Tour Guides Association and Honorary President of the World Federation of Tour Guides Associations, Titina Loizidou, at 10 am.
The second tour will be led by the General Secretary of the Association’s Board of Directors, Maria Piggoura, at 3 pm.
Both tours start at the Paphos Gate and end at the Ledra crossing point.
