The city of Batumi, the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara in Georgia, is hosting an international conference of guides for the first time. The event, which coincides with the International Day of Guides, aims to promote the role of the guide profession and share international experience.
The Importance of the Guide Profession
The conference, which opened today and will end tomorrow, features tourism experts and guides from Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Estonia, Poland and Israel, as well as Georgian speakers. They discuss the importance of the guide profession and the challenges and opportunities it faces in the global tourism market.
The guide profession is essential for the development and promotion of the tourist destination, as guides act as ambassadors and storytellers of the local culture, history and heritage. Guides also contribute to the quality and satisfaction of the tourist experience, as well as the economic and social benefits of the tourism sector.
The Topics and Speakers of the Conference
The conference covers a range of topics related to the guide profession, such as:
- The role of the tour guide in the promotion of the tourist destination – the tour guide as the ambassador of the tourist destination
- Global tourism and guide profession – unique experience, modern technologies and challenges
- Tourism and museums – museum as a repository of cultural heritage and history
Some of the speakers and guests of the conference include:
- Nelson Carvalheiro, the president of the Association of Tourist Guides and Tour Managers of Portugal and a renowned travel blogger and influencer
- Linda Arthur, the vice-president of the World Federation of Associations of Tourist Guides and a certified guide in Scotland
- James Fernie, the founder and director of Uthando, a non-profit organization that supports community development projects in South Africa
- Eve Raeste, the president of the Estonian Association of Tourist Guides and a lecturer at the Tallinn University of Technology
- Piotr Nawrocki, the president of the Polish Federation of Tourist Guide Associations and a guide in Warsaw
- Erez Strasburg, the director of the Israel Tour Guides Association and a guide in Jerusalem
- Nino Kvernadze, the president of the Association of Guides of Georgia and a guide in Tbilisi
- Nino Turmanidze, the president of the Association of Guides of Adjara and a guide in Batumi
The Organizers and Participants of the Conference
The international conference of guides is organized by the Tourism Department of Adjara in Batumi. The event is supported by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the Georgian National Tourism Administration, the Adjara Tourism Agency and the Batumi City Hall.
The conference is open to guides, representatives of thematic associations and educational institutions. Those who wish to attend can pre-register on the conference website. Information about the conference program, speakers and guests can be obtained on the same page.
The conference is expected to attract more than 200 participants from Georgia and abroad. It is also a great opportunity for networking and exchanging best practices among the guide community.
