1. A professional tour guide provides a skilled, knowledgeable presentation; informs, interprets, and highlights the surroundings; maintains objectivity and enthusiasm in a courteous and polite manner.
2. A professional tour guide ensures that all information presented is factual and makes a clear distinction between what is true and what are stories, legends, and opinions.
3. A professional tour guide keeps current on changes throughout the area he or she 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 are conducted.
4. A professional tour 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.
5. A professional tour 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.
6. A professional tour guide knows and follows the policies of the company that contracts him or 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, he or she strives to establish a friendly and helpful rapport with the client, using discretion in the conduct of personal business while on tour.
7. A professional tour guide dresses appropriately for the type of tour being conducted.
8. A professional tour 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.
9. A professional tour guide accepts each tour as a serious commitment and cancels only when absolutely necessary, providing as much advance notice as possible.