Tourist Guide and Travel Agency Bill Approved
The profession of tourist guiding in Turkey is undergoing changes with the recent amendment to the Tourist Guide Profession Law. According to the new regulations, the exam to determine foreign language proficiency for admission to the profession will now be conducted by ÖSYM, the Student Selection and Placement Center. In cases where the required language is not included in the ÖSYM exam calendar, exams may be conducted by expert and impartial institutions.
Individuals who meet all the necessary conditions for admission to the profession will be granted the opportunity to become tourist guides in the foreign language they pass in the profession admission exam. This exam will be carried out by specialized public institutions and organizations, as requested by the Ministry.
For candidates in the Far Eastern languages, particularly Chinese, new provisions have been put in place. Graduates of tourist guiding departments from universities, as well as those who have graduated from other departments at least at the undergraduate level, will have the opportunity to become regional or national Turkish tourist guides, depending on their success in the profession admission exam.
The Ministry will oversee the application process for admission to the profession, conducting necessary examinations and issuing licenses within 30 days for successful applicants. Those who do not meet the admission conditions, have criminal records, or face obstacles to the profession will be dismissed from the profession by the Ministry.
Disciplinary penalties have also been outlined for tourist guides who commit offenses, with temporary bans and dismissals from the profession depending on the frequency of the offenses. Fees for tourist guides will be determined by the Ministry, ensuring that at least 70 percent of the base wage is maintained when working in Turkish.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism will have the authority to inspect professional organizations and their affiliates, ensuring compliance with the regulations. Members and staff of professional organizations will be held accountable for any criminal acts or negligence in their duties. In cases where national security is at risk, temporary suspensions of duty may be imposed by the Ministry.
Overall, these new regulations aim to standardize and regulate the tourist guiding profession in Turkey, ensuring quality services and ethical practices in line with the law.
