The National Federation of Tourism Guides of Romania, FNGTR, has developed, alongside its partners, a series of concrete and effective measures for tourism guide activities to be conducted under maximum safety conditions for both themselves and tourists. Some of these measures have been accepted by the Ministry of Economy, Energy, and Business Environment (MMACA), according to a press release from the organization.
Among the agreed measures are general protocols (wearing masks, hand washing, sneezing into paper tissues, physical distancing of at least 1.5 m) valid throughout the accompaniment period. Communicating these via visible displays and/or verbal warnings is the guide’s responsibility. Furthermore, for tourist attractions with enclosed spaces, the guide is responsible for informing the group about visiting rules. Regarding accompaniment activities booked directly with the tourism guide, it is specified that the guide is obligated to inform the tourist/group in writing (depending on their nationality), in Romanian or an international language, about the rules and measures to be followed during the activity before it begins.
For accompaniment activities booked through a travel agency, the obligation to inform lies with the travel agency.
Another measure states that accompanying groups larger than 20 people is not recommended (with the possibility of increasing this number depending on the evolution of relaxation measures).
For groups larger than 20 people, the use of wireless audio communication systems is recommended, while strictly adhering to physical distancing norms at all times, including inside tourist attractions.
At the same time, the tourism guide is required to respect personal and public hygiene measures when interacting with tourists. In the case of using any type of equipment, it must be sanitized after each use.
The use of online means for reservations, ticketing, and payments is recommended to minimize physical contact and cash payments.
It is the tourist’s obligation to immediately inform the tourism guide if they notice that they or other participants in the tourist activity show symptoms of COVID-19, reports the organization representing tourism guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended maximum group size for guided tours?According to the new measures, it is recommended that groups do not exceed 20 people, a number that may be adjusted later based on the evolution of relaxation measures.
Who is responsible for informing tourists about health and safety rules?The guide is responsible for direct bookings, while the travel agency assumes this obligation for packages sold through their services.
What happens if a tourist shows COVID-19 symptoms?The tourist is obligated to immediately inform the guide if they or other participants exhibit symptoms, ensuring the safety of the entire group.