Membership DFW Area Tour Guide Association

Membership

MEMBERSHIP DUES
Annual Dues: $50.00 per person

Annual dues are due January 1st of each year. Dues are not pro-rated. Honorary members are exempt from paying dues.

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

There are five membership categories in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area Tour Guide Association (DFWATGA). All new applicants must be sponsored by a current member in good standing and shall file a written membership application with the Membership Secretary. Membership applications will be reviewed by the Executive Board to confirm the correct membership category for all new applicants.

1) Tour Guide
2) Associate
3) Corporate
4) Sustaining
5) Honorary

TOUR GUIDE A Tour Guide Member is:

1. An individual, a non-certified tour guide, who is employed to professionally, accurately and enthusiastically convey to individuals or groups a thorough knowledge of the Dallas and/or Fort Worth area. He/she is entitled to one vote and may hold any elected office within the association. Tour Guide Members may be asked to serve on standing or appointed committees;
OR,
2. An individual, a certified tour guide, who is employed to professionally, accurately and enthusiastically convey to individuals or groups a thorough knowledge of the Dallas and/or Fort Worth area has passed all of the association's requirements of testing for certification. Certified Tour Guide (CTG) Members retain certified status through continuing education. Certified Tour Guide (CTG) Members must attend a minimum of three meetings (between Jan.-Dec.) to remain in good standing. They are entitled to one vote, may hold any elected office and may be asked to serve on standing or appointed committees.

ASSOCIATE An Associate Member is:

1. An individual who desires to become a professional tour guide, but who does not yet meet the definition set forth in the Tour Guide member category. He/she may be asked to serve and vote on standing or appointed committees, but is not entitled to vote in general elections/business meetings or hold any elected office within the association. He/she may take part in all discussions during meetings of the association;
OR,
2. An individual, who works or has worked for a business or organization that supports the objectives of the association, actively participates in and supports the programs of the association, such as, but not limited to: retired guides, and those who provide meet/greet, docent, host/hostess or other tour guide-related services. He/she may be asked to serve and vote on standing or appointed committees, but is not entitled to vote in general elections/business meetings or hold any elected office within the association. He/she may take part in all discussions during meetings of the association.

CORPORATE A Corporate Member is:

A business entity related to the travel and tourism industry, and which regularly works with the tour guide profession such as, but not limited to: destination management companies (DMCs), ground operators, tour operators, receptive operators, incentive operators, travel agents, hotels, attractions and restaurants. Corporations must designate one representative as the member of record. He/she may be asked to serve and vote on standing or appointed committees, but is not entitled to vote in general elections/business meetings or hold any elected office within the association. He/she may take part in all discussions during meetings of the association. The corporation retains ownership of the membership.

SUSTAINING A Sustaining Member is:

An individual, who represents destination marketing organization (DMO), such as a convention & visitors bureau, which is dedicated to providing tour guide members with the tools and information needed to provide visitors with a tour experience of the highest quality and degree of accuracy. He/she may be asked to serve and vote on standing or appointed committees, but is not entitled to vote in general elections/business meetings or hold any elected office within the association. As sustaining members, these individuals pay a higher annual dues as directed by the Dallas/Fort Worth Area Tour Guide Association’s Executive Board and approved by the association voting members. Sustaining memberships are transferable within the organization and will be based on the destination marketing organization’s budget. He/she may take part in all discussions during meetings of the association.

HONORARY An Honorary Member is:

An individual, whose contributions to the tourism industry are exemplary and worthy of special recognition, may be recommended by the Executive Board to receive an Honorary Membership. Honorary members are not entitled to vote or to hold any elected office. They may, however, take part in all discussions during meetings of the association.