Public Debate on Tourist Guide Profession Regulations
On Monday, November 21, a public debate regarding the draft Government Decision for approving the Norms on the certification and use of tourist guides took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MAT). The meeting was chaired by Secretary General Darius Vodă.
The draft normative act aims to regulate, among other things, the conditions for exercising the tourist guide profession on our country’s territory, whether temporary or occasional, for EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation citizens. Based on a declaration submitted to MAT, accompanied by documents proving professional qualification, they could receive a badge, free of charge, valid for a maximum period of one year. This initiative aligns with European Commission recommendations. However, for visiting certain domestic tourist sites, the introduction of a requirement to contract tourist guides certified in Romania is desired.
The categories of tourist guides, according to proposals made during the public meeting, could be redefined as follows: domestic tourist guide (qualification), international tourist guide (advanced training), and specialized tourist guide (specialization). Other suggestions and opinions formulated by the associative environment will be analyzed by MAT specialists to complete/modify the draft normative act.
La dezbaterea publică au fost prezenți reprezentanți ai Federației Patronatelor din Turismul Românesc (FPTR), Comitetului Sectorial Turism Hoteluri Restaurante (CSTHR), Federației Naționale a Ghizilor de Turism din România (FNGTR), Asociației Incoming Romania (AIR), Asociației Ghizilor Montani din România, Asociației Alpin Sport, Asociației Turistice Ghizii României, Asociației Naționale a Agențiilor de Turism (ANAT) și Info Travel Romania.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the proposed new categories for tourist guides?
The proposals include domestic tourist guide (qualification), international tourist guide (advanced training), and specialized tourist guide (specialization).
How will EU/EEA tourist guides be regulated in Romania?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can obtain a free, one-year badge for temporary or occasional work based on a declaration and proof of qualification.
Will Romanian-certified guides be mandatory for local sites?
Yes, the draft act aims to make it mandatory to hire Romanian-certified guides when visiting specific domestic tourist attractions.