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SFTGG History

In March of 1984, a small group of visionary guides formed the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild. A minimum standard of knowledge and experience for guides in the Bay Area was established. The Guild developed a program for Certification, and gradually, tourism-related businesses and organizations recognized the importance of the Guild’s efforts. Now in its fourth decade, the Guild is proud to be a leader among the tour guide associations throughout the United States.

Mission

The mission of the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild is to foster a standard of quality, ethics and professionalism among tour guides and escorts working in the San Francisco Bay Area. We do this through a certification program, continuing education, and promotion of a Code of Ethics. We serve as a resource for both our members and tour operators, helping tour operators find qualified guides, as well as offering programs of training tours, lectures and special events for the continuing education of our membership.

SFTGG Members

We have over 200 members, including professional Tour Guides, Travel Directors, Transportation Specialists, and both business and individual Friends of the Guild. Our members are former teachers, business professionals, lawyers, film directors, and others of varied backgrounds. Friends include destination management companies, cruise and sail charter companies, and representatives from restaurants, attractions, and tourist publications.