Bundesverband der Gästeführer in Deutschland e.V., BVGD

Bundesverband der Gästeführer in Deutschland e.V., BVGD

Bundesverband der Gästeführer in Deutschland e.V., BVGD is the umbrella organization for local and regional tourist guide organizations in Germany. Founded in 1994 in Köln, the BVGD represents over 235 cities and regions with more than 7500 tour guides. The organization, led by Maren Richter as Chairwoman, Georg Reichlmayr as Deputy Chairman, and Christian Frick as Treasurer, advocates for the professional interests of tour guides in tourism policy forums at the national and European levels.

The BVGD supports regional cooperation among tour guides, serving as a platform for numerous connections. It ensures the European quality standard in Germany through extensive quality management and training concepts. Emphasizing the promotion of domestic tourism as a significant and promising economic factor, the BVGD is committed to sustainable tourism and the responsible stewardship of cultural and natural heritage.

For its members, the BVGD provides information and advice on professional practice, representation of tour guides in relevant forums and at the political level, a BVGD Academy offering training programs for certification according to DIN EN 15565, professional liability insurance, contract templates, qualification and membership cards, the BVGD magazine Cicerone, a service portal, and a nationwide network through the Deutsche Gästeführertagung (DGFT) and the organization of World Tourist Guide Day in Germany.

Furthermore, the BVGD is a member of four prominent tourism associations: Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus (DZT), Deutscher Tourismusverband (DTV), Deutscher ReiseVerband (DRV), and Internationaler Bustouristik Verband (RDA).