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Membership

Welcome to the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild

Joining SFTGG connects you with a community of guides and tourism professionals who care about accurate storytelling, guest care, and a strong visitor experience in the Bay Area. Whether you lead tours yourself or support the industry, there’s a place for you here.

Networking & community Training & professional development Access to industry updates & events
At a glance
2
Membership paths:
Tour Guides or Friends of the Guild.
150+
Active members across the Bay Area
including guides, operators & partners.
40+
Years supporting local guides,
training, ethics & visitor services.
For tour guides

Tour Guide Membership

For people who live or work in the San Francisco Bay Area as tour guides or escorts and want to grow their skills, credibility, and connections in the industry.

Includes Certified and Associate membership categories, with access to training tours, networking, and the option to become Guild-Certified.

For tourism partners

Friends of the Guild

For businesses and individuals who work with guides—such as tour operators, DMCs, motorcoach companies, cruise lines, and meeting planners—or who simply want to support the Guild’s mission.

Friends of the Guild strengthen the local guiding community while gaining access to Guild communications, events, and networking opportunities.

Tour guide membership

Certified & Associate Members

Tour Guide membership is for people who live or work in the Bay Area as tour guides or tour escorts. Members commit to professional standards, ongoing education, and participation in Guild life.

Eligibility

To be a Certified or Associate member, an applicant must:

  • Be accepted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees.
  • Agree to abide by the Guild’s Code of Ethics & Professional Standards .
  • Currently reside or work in or around the San Francisco Bay Area as a tour guide or tour escort.
  • Actively pursue continuing education by attending two Guild events annually (non-compliance may affect active status and job referral eligibility).
  • Have dues paid current.
Membership dues

Tour Guide membership dues are:

  • $80 for the first year.
  • $75 per year thereafter.

Application fees and dues are subject to change by the Board of Trustees.

Certified vs. Associate

All Tour Guide members share the same core eligibility; however, Certified members have completed additional steps to demonstrate deep experience and excellence.

Certified members:

  • Have passed all parts of the Guild’s Certification Examination.
  • Have documented the required tours or hours of experience.
  • Have demonstrated compliance with the Code of Ethics & Professional Standards during at least 12 months of Guild membership.

Learn more on the Education & Certification page.

Benefits of Tour Guide membership
  • Online access to the complete membership directory.
  • Participation in general business and special meetings.
  • Professional contacts and networking with other guides and tourism professionals.
  • Exposure to employers through the Guild’s external directory of members and access to tour-related businesses that are Business Friends of SFTGG.
  • Subscription to the Guild’s newsletter, The Guidepost, plus industry updates via email and forums.
  • Invitations to educational programs, training tours, and events.
  • Access to various industry discounts.
  • Membership in the National Federation of Tour Guide Associations (NFTGA) , including the opportunity to purchase liability insurance.
  • Upon Certification, the option to be listed in the Directory of Certified Guides and to receive preference for referrals for work assignments.
Rights of Tour Guide members
  • Certified and Associate members may vote in elections for Trustees and on Guild business at semi-annual or special membership meetings.
  • Certified and Associate members may attend Guild training tours and other events at members rates.
  • In addition, Certified members may:
    • Use all Guild facilities and services.
    • Use the title “Certified Tour Guide” and the initials “CTG.”
    • Use the Guild emblem on their business cards and marketing materials.

Ready to join? Use the online application form . Once approved, you’ll receive login instructions and can complete your dues payment.

Friends of the Guild

Business & Individual Friends

Friends of the Guild membership is for businesses and individuals who support the Guild’s goals and work alongside guides in the tourism and convention industry. These partners help sustain the Guild while staying connected to local guiding professionals.

Who are Friends of the Guild?

Friends of the Guild may include:

  • Destination Management Companies (DMCs).
  • Tour operators and receptive operators.
  • Motorcoach and limousine companies.
  • Meeting planners and event professionals.
  • Cruise and sail charter companies.
  • Individuals.
Eligibility
  • Accepted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees.
  • Any business or individual that supports the goals of the Guild.
  • Has dues paid current.
Dues

For Individual and Business Friends of the Guild:

  • Application for a new Friend of the Guild: $100.00.
  • Annual dues thereafter: $100.00 per year.

Application fees and dues are subject to change by the Board of Trustees.

Benefits of Friends of the Guild membership
  • Subscription to the Guild’s newsletter, The Guidepost.
  • A complete membership list for networking and outreach.
  • Participation in general business meetings.
  • Professional contacts through networking with guides and fellow partners.
  • Industry updates via email.
  • Invitations to educational programs and selected Guild events, at members rates.
  • Membership in the National Federation of Tour Guide Associations (NFTGA) .

To join as a Friend of the Guild, use the New Member Sign Up form and select the appropriate membership type.