Cyprus Tourist Guides Association

The Cyprus Tourist Guides Association was established in 1964. It is the only organisation that exists in Cyprus for Tourist Guides and has 300 members from all over Cyprus. Its main aims are to improve professional standards, protect and support its members and enhance the image of the Tourist Guide. It has been a member of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations since 1987 and the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations since 1990. CTGA is also a member of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry. All Tourist Guides of Cyprus are licensed by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation having followed a one year course and successfully passed the relevant exams of the School of the Guides. The School of the Guides is organised by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation in collaboration with the University of Cyprus. The Tourist Guides are licensed annually by C.T.O. It is compulsory that they attend an educational seminar every year in order to update their knowledge on various topics. Some of them have attended an intensive course in Archaeology and Byzantine Art, organised by C.T.O. C.T.O. licensed Tourist Guides are the only ones permitted to work in Cyprus and while on duty must wear the official guide badge provided by the C.T.O. Tour Managers accompa