Manaus Agile Amazonas tourism and cultureIn Brazil, the regulation of the profession by law No. 8.623, of January 28, 1993 was one of the great achievements of the guides, who have been increasingly confirmed as important partners of travelers.
The tour guide is the professional qualified to guide visitors through tourist itineraries. Friendliness and charisma with tourists, as well as knowledge about the culture and history of the places visited are some of the professional's attributes. In Brazil, the regulation of the profession by law number 8.623, from January 28, 1993, was one of the great conquests of the guides, who have been confirming themselves more and more as important partners of the travelers.
"One of the most important links in the tourism production chain is the guide. The professional is a synonym of host and ambassador of hospitality", said the Minister of Tourism, Marx Beltrão, when congratulating the category for its day and recognizing the importance of the tour guide's work. The minister reinforced the role of the professional, indispensable to guarantee a trip with maximum enjoyment. "He is the one who guides, cares for, and gives support to the tourist or group of visitors", he concluded.
According to the Ministry of Tourism's Cadastur (Cadastro dos Prestadores de Serviços Turísticos), 18,563 professionals are officially authorized to work in this field, both in Brazil and abroad. Registration is mandatory and guarantees the tourist that the professional hired meets the requirements for providing the service.
"He is a seller of dreams, smells, tastes, and colors, when he uses the power of his oratory and knows how to make the tourist live unforgettable experiences", says the president of the National Federation of Tourist Guides (Fenagtur), Irma Karla, who is in Natal (RN) celebrating the date with more than 1,500 professionals gathered in the 37th Brazilian congress of the category, which goes on until Sunday (14).
The guides are classified into four categories: regional, national, international, and specialized in natural attractions. There are specific skills for each classification. The professional training course is 800 hours for those with a medium level. On the Cadastur site, tourists can find a list of all the guides by category, language, state, municipality, and area of operation.
Identification
The badge on the chest, more than an obligation, is a source of pride for the active guide. Resourcefulness, love for their country, and a good dose of parochialism are also some of the characteristics inherent to the guide, who leads the tourist along unseen paths. When the guide helps in the communication and transmission of information and knowledge, he/she creates a favorable learning environment that enriches the visit experience, provides safety to the tourist, and makes the trip unforgettable.
The tour guide is also a strong ally in the sustainability of the tourist activity. The defense of the natural environment and of the historical and cultural heritage of destinations is part of the work done. He transmits the awareness of values so that travelers preserve the attractions and maintain the beauty and tradition of the place.
The function of accompanying, guiding, and informing Brazilian and foreign tourists also reinforces the culture and customs of the destination with the production of food and handicrafts, among other products and services of the tourism economy. A job well done that stimulates new trips and makes the tourism wheel turn.
