Scotland’s premier tourist guide organisation has launched a new state of the art website in a drive to attract more visitors to use its members’ services.
The Scottish Tourist Guides Association (STGA) has some 500 professionally qualified members who speak more than 22 languages between them. Every year its members take thousands of visitors on walking tours, day tours and extended tours around Scotland. A number of guides also have their own vehicles or hire vehicles to take visitors on tour.
The enhanced new website will make it easier to quickly find all guides, their interests, language specialisms, pick-up points and travel suggestions, presented in an easily navigable design.
STGA chairman John Duncan said the site will make it even easier for visitors and agencies to choose guides who suit their needs. He said:
– All of our guides have to go through an intensive training course and learn about subjects ranging from Scottish history to how whisky is made.
– But users of the website will now also be able to identify guides who have expertise in particular areas so it makes choosing a guide much easier than before.”
TV presenter and author Neil Oliver who is honorary president of the STGA said he was very impressed by the new website.
Neil, who wrote and presented the History of Scotland TV series as well as many other history based programmes and the extremely popular Coast series, said:
– Our Scottish guides do a great job in telling visitors about Scotland and enhancing their enjoyment when they come here.”
– I think everyone enjoys listening to a good storyteller who can bring a place to life.”
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said:
– The members of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association do a fantastic job of showcasing our beautiful country to visitors from all over the world. Their expert knowledge, professionalism and warm welcome are huge assets to our tourism industry and this new website will make it even easier for people around the globe to plan their trip and explore the real Scotland.”
STGA guides come from a wide range of backgrounds including a retired naval commander, head teachers and even a former ambassador.
John added:
– Each of our guides brings an individual take on Scotland but they all have to make the grade in our professional training scheme.
– Our aim is simple: to provide clients with professional tourist guides who’ll inspire, educate and entertain.”
As well as the website the STGA also has a telephone booking service.
The website can be found HEREÂ
