About Us


In 1998, the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau and other historical preservation associations and tourism industry professionals coordinated a series of educational seminars and a certification test for guides.

Many area tour guides completed the first step towards this certification process, but the program was not continued.

The Dallas/Fort Worth Area Tour Guide Association (DFWATGA), at the request of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, took on the challenge of implementing, updating and expanding a certification program under the DFWATGA.

In addition to the Dallas CVB’s support, a number of local destination management companies (DMCs) expressed the desire for a training and certification program due to their clients’ requests for certified tour guides for their tour programs.

The “Seven Steps to Certification” program provided by this association is the official certification guide program recognized in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and by the Dallas and Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

This association was founded in 1999 to implement this certification program as well as to provide continuing education.

Education
Numerous educational programs are offered to all members throughout the year. The association’s monthly programs are designed to enhance knowledge, provide training assistance and increase skills through various programs such as the optional field practice; invitation to participate in related events conducted through area organizations (i.e., historical tours, lectures, tourism events, etc.) which can provide our members with the opportunity to further advance their expertise in their field of profession.

Certification
The Certification Committee, since January 2000, explored many options—established the existing certification program that would be fair to both experienced and novice guides alike. Introduction of the “Seven Steps to Certification” to the DFWATGA membership was at the 2002 November Business Meeting with final approval by the Executive Board in December 2002. The first educational workshop, testing and field evaluation were conducted between the months of May-November 2003. The first graduating class of Certified Tour Guides (CTGs) was presented at the Four Seasons Resort & Club-Las Colinas in Irving, Texas with 11 certified tour guides. The association continues to obtain graduates of the certification program increasing the number of CTGs within the association.

The DFWATGA is a member of the National Federation of the Tourist Guide Association and the World Federation of the Tourist Guide Association, which both organizations support certification programs within member tour guide associations.

ASSOCIATION PURPOSE

To increase the level of professionalism through continuing education of its members.

To establish a professional standard by which individuals and organizations involved in the guided tour segment of the tourism industry can be measured.

To promote dedication, information accuracy, professionalism and commitment as hallmarks of association members.

To raise public and private awareness of the tour guide profession.

To address issues regarding the tourism industry with appropriate groups.

CODE OF ETHICS

All members of the association pledge to maintain the maximum degree of professionalism by adhering to the association’s Code of Ethics.

1. To strive for excellence in all aspects of the tour guiding profession and personally guarantee the integrity and accuracy of the material presented.

2. To extend professional respect and a spirit of mutual cooperation to fellow guides.

3. To maintain loyalty to the companies and fellow guides that contract guide services and to protect the confidentiality of proprietary information entrusted to guides as employees of those said companies/individuals.

4. To uphold the association’s philosophy of aspiring to excellence through continuing education.