How do I become a tour guide in London?

How do I become a tour guide in London?

To become a registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide working in London, you will need to take a course and gain accreditation from the Institute of Tourist Guiding. The Course: The course typically lasts about 18 months and involves lectures in London and practical site visits, along with periods of self study.

Can anyone be a tour guide in London?

Anyone else may or may not have the necessary knowledge and insurance to ´deliver the goods´. Blue Badge Guides are the only ones “allowed” to guide in certain sites such as Westminster Abbey and The Tower of London although strangely not St Paul’s Cathedral.

How do you become a certified tour guide?

To become an approved guide, you have to pass entrance exams. The Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management conducts guide training on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism. They advertise in the papers once in 2 years or so. You have to apply once the ad appears.

What do Blue Badge guides do?

Blue Badge Tourist Guides do not operate fixed itineraries or fixed commentaries – they are flexible and will tailor-make the tour to suit the occasion. They manage group sizes from individuals all the way up to large incentive groups and conduct tours on coaches, on foot, in cars or even on public transport.

What is a Blue Badge tour?

Blue Badge Tourist Guides are the official, professional tourist guides of the United Kingdom. They wear a Blue Badge to indicate their professionalism. They are recognised by local tourist bodies throughout the UK, and by Visit Britain as Britain’s official tourist guides.

What kind of training does a tour guide need?

What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Tour Guide? There are no formal education requirements for tour guides, though most have at least a high school diploma. Training and certification programs are available from a variety of travel guide associations, such as the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations.