Proper licensing for tourist guides

I am writing with reference to John Michael Mizzi's letter Tourism Law Needs Urgent Updating (December 5).

On behalf of the Malta Union of Tourist Guides I would like to state that MUTG fully agrees and supports Jan-Wouter Stigter's comments regarding proper licensing to safeguard quality of service.

Mr Mizzi's assumptions regarding local tourist guides are incorrect. Local qualified guides are specialised in agro tourism and all the subjects mentioned. We obviously have fit guides that are knowledgeable about safe paths, safe beaches, local plants and local legends. Moreover, these guides are able to offer this service in the language of the visitor's choice.

Please refer to the European CEN definition of a tourist guide: "Person who guides visitors in the language of their choice and interprets the cultural and natural heritage of an area, which person normally possesses an area-specific qualification usually issued and/or recognised by the appropriate authority".

Reference can also be made to the European Norm EN 15565:2008 on tourist guides finalised this year. The objective of the European Standard is: "Standardisation of terminology and specification of facilities and services including tourism-related recreational activities offered by the tourism industry, which can be used in information and reservation systems to provide consumers with criteria for making decisions".

Qualification and licensing are instrumental in the process of standardisation. This promotes consumer information within the travel industry, market transparency and quality tourism. This is what "good" value for money is all about.