Tourist Guide Code of Conduct and Ethics

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

A Professional Tourist Guide:

• Shall be welcoming and demonstrate an enthusiasm for South Africa.
• Shall at all times show willingness to provide optimum support and quality service to all tourists, and will give tourists an opportunity to enjoy or visit a desired destination.
• Shall in no way discriminate in rendering service to any tourist on any basis, e.g. colour, gender, ethnicity, nationality, physical challenge, age, etc.
• Shall be impartial, unbiased and positive, and represent South Africa objectively.
• Shall be suitably dressed and presentable at all times.
• Shall be punctual, reliable, honest, conscientious and tactful at all times.
• Shall be a responsible driver, when driving as a guide.
• Shall carry out the programme/itinerary of a tour to his/her best abilities and be loyal to the company/organization that he/she is representing.
• Shall deal with conflict in a sensitive and responsible manner.
• Shall report any incident of injury or death to a nearby tourist authority or police station.
• Shall be knowledgeable and shall assist tourists and not provide them with misleading information.
• Shall in the event of not being familiar with, or being unable to provide information requested by a tourist, consult with the appropriate authorities for assistance.
• Shall at no time be under the influence of alcohol or a narcotic substance while on duty and shall refrain from administering any medication to a client without proper medical consultation.
• Shall never solicit for clients or gratuities.
• Shall be concerned at all times for the safety of the tourist.
• Shall wear the appropriate tourist guide badge and will carry his/her registration card.
• Shall treat all people, cultures and the environment with respect.