Mission & Vision

Presentation of the Association — Mission and Vision

The primary activity of the Association of Tourist Guides and Tour Escorts of Macedonia is the coordination and management of qualified personnel, including tourist guides and tour escorts, in accordance with the Law on Tourism Activities. The Association plans to coordinate and cooperate with a range of institutions and organisations in order to improve the quality of tourist guiding services in Macedonia.

The mission of the Association of Tourist Guides and Tour Escorts of Macedonia is to raise awareness of the importance of promoting the cultural heritage of the Republic of Macedonia to both domestic and foreign tourists through the development of human resources.

The Association of Tourist Guides and Tour Escorts of Macedonia is authorised to issue official identification cards under the public authority granted to it by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia.

The profession of tourist guiding has been practised in the Republic of Macedonia since 1978. This profession arose from the need of travel agencies to present to their clients and travellers the distinctive characteristics of the countries and cities they visit abroad. More importantly, it also serves foreign guests who visit our country as tourists, as guests of government institutions and the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, or as participants in various business, sporting, cultural and other events.

Tourist guides are representatives of the country and the lens through which foreign visitors form their impressions of our nation. The quality of their presentation determines whether foreign visitors return to their countries not only with beautiful photographs, pleasant impressions of our cuisine and appreciation for the hospitality of our citizens, but, more importantly, with an accurate and well-informed understanding of the history, geography, social system and cultural heritage of our country. For this reason, the profession of tourist guiding is considered a profession of particular importance to the state.

Consequently, tourist guides should receive high-quality and professionally oriented education. At present, individuals wishing to practise as tourist guides must obtain a certificate confirming that they have passed the required examinations under the examination programme of one of the three tourism faculties: the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality in Ohrid, the University of Tourism and Management in Skopje, or Goce Delčev University.

Recognising the need for the continued professional development of tourist guides, the Association of Tourist Guides and Tour Escorts of Macedonia has developed a programme of practical education and training for guides who already possess a tourist guide certificate and official identification card.