The following prerequisites are in effect to be able to apply for the culinary tourist guide certification offered by the World Food Travel Association:
EXISTING TOURIST GUIDES (INCLUDING TOUR DIRECTORS & MANAGERS)
If you are already a member of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA), your enrollment can be fast-tracked.
If you are not a member of WFTGA, then you are welcome to apply if you are already a licensed tourist guide where you operate. By licensed, we mean as a tourist guide, not as a business.
We also accept applications from tour directors and tour managers. For tour directors and managers, evidence of your successful completion of a training course (such as a certificate of completion or diploma) is acceptable evidence.
NEW TOURIST GUIDES
If you are new to guiding, or you do not meet the criteria above, then you may still be able to apply if you can provide the following evidence:
Proof that you have been operating as an active tourist guide for at least two full years. Evidence is required (for example, incorporation date in government documents, client/customer reviews dating back 2+ years, etc.)Social proof in the form of customer ratings and testimonials in a public form or review website, or any other way you feel best represents your business.
You can provide at least two letters of recommendation from the industry. This could be vendors you have worked with, such as tour operators that contracted you or sites where you brought your guests regularly, your local government, etc.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We certify only your knowledge and experience to lead a successful food or beverage tour. We do not license you to become a tourist guide in your area.
In addition to food tours of all kinds, leaders of beverage tours of all kinds are also eligible for certification. This means wine, beer, distilled spirits, even mineral waters, fruit juices, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
The certification is designed for individual tourist guides, not companies. Companies should explore our Culinary Tour Operator certification instead.