Professional Ethics in Guiding

• Professional ethics are the core principles in guiding.

Integrity and Honesty

• Guides should provide accurate information and avoid misleading statements by being truthful and transparent.

Respect and Sensitivity

• Guides must show respect for the beliefs, customs, and traditions of local people and tourists.
• Actions that could be offensive or disrespectful should be avoided.

Confidentiality

• Guides should respect the privacy of tourists.
• Personal information should never be disclosed without consent.

Objectivity

• Guides should be impartial and objective.
• Bias or favoritism towards any particular group or individual should be avoided.

Professional Competence and Due Care

• Guides should possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively.
• They should ensure the safety and well-being of tourists.

Professional Behavior

• Guides should maintain a professional demeanor.
• They should be punctual, well-groomed, and courteous with tourists and colleagues.

Environmental Responsibility

• Guides should promote responsible tourism practices.
• Guides should minimize environmental impact and advocate for preservation.

Respect for Local Communities

• Guides should respect the rights and interests of local communities.
• Their tourism practices should benefit the local population.

Conflict of Interest

• Guides should avoid situations where their personal interests could conflict with their professional duties.

Fairness and Justice

• Guides should treat all tourists and colleagues fairly and justly.
• Treatment should be regardless of their background or beliefs.

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

• Actions that could cause harm should be avoided
• Guides should strive to benefit tourists and local communities

Autonomy

• Guides should respect the autonomy of tourists.
• Tourists should be allowed to make their own choices and decisions.

Professionalism and Conduct

• Guides should maintain a professional appearance and be well-groomed.
• Being punctual and reliable shows respect for the time of tourists and tour commitments.
• Guides should be knowledgeable about the local history, culture, and attractions, and provide accurate information.
• Guides should show respect for the beliefs, customs, and traditions of the local people and tourists.
• Maintaining the confidentiality of information shared by tourists is important.
• Misrepresentation and dishonesty should be avoided.
• Soliciting or forcing tips from tourists should be refrained from
• Intoxication of alcohol or drugs while on duty should be avoided.
• Guides should be concerned with the safety and security of the tourists and take necessary precautions.
• Cooperation with other tour guides and tourism professionals is important.
• Any incidents of injury or death is important to report to the appropriate authorities.
• Treat all people with respect and avoid discrimination.
• Do not solicit clients or gratuities.
• It is important to always wear the appropriate tourist guide badge and carry the registration card.
• Maintain friendly relations and cooperation with other tourist guides and the public.
• Always safeguard your reputation and professional image.

Responsibilities to Local Regions

• Tour guides should encourage responsible travel practices.
• Environmental impact should be minimized and natural resources preserved for future generations.
• Respect for local customs, beliefs, and heritage must be demonstrated.
• Actions that could be offensive or disrespectful should be avoided.
• Supporting local businesses should be prioritized.
• Safety and well-being of tourists should be ensured.
• Clear instructions and guidance to ensure a positive and safe experience is important.
• Guides should know the area and share accurate and up-to-date information.
• Promote cultural understanding and appreciation.
• Fostering positive interactions between tourists and locals.

Responsibilities to Society

• Educate tourists about the region's history, culture, and natural environment.
• Promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the Philippines.
• Guides can play a role in advocating for social justice issues.
• Tourists should be raised awareness about marginalized communities
• Fair and equitable tourism practices should be promoted
• Tour guides should be role models for responsible and ethical behavior.
• Demonstrate respect for the environment, culture, and people of the Philippines

Guiding Travelers with Disabilities

• Ensure that destinations, accommodations, transportation, and attractions are accessible.
• Specialized agencies that arrange trips for people with disabilities should be Consulted
• Airlines, hotels, and transportation companies should be notified if assistance is needed (e.g., wheelchair assistance, mobility aids, or accessible seating).
• Ensure that the traveler has all necessary documentation related to their disability. Verify special accommodations with the airline, and access to airport shuttle services that cater to those with disabilities.
• Check if buses, trains, or subways offer wheelchair-accessible options, and provide information on routes and schedules. Rent accessible vehicles if necessary, or book taxis with accommodations for people with disabilities.
• Travelers can confirm accessibility with hotels.
• Choose hotels with accessible rooms that meet the traveler's needs (e.g., roll-in showers, wide doorways, and adjustable furniture).
• Tourist attractions have accessibility services, such as wheelchair rentals, elevators, or special entrances.
• Help is helpful to ask in advance or when arriving.
• Plan the schedule with breaks, considering the traveler's energy levels and any medical needs, preventing exhaustion.
• Be prepared to reach out to local disability support services if additional help is needed during the trip.
• If the traveler has hearing or speech impairments, ensure communication tools are available at various points of contact
• Look for brochures, maps, or apps with features such as audio guides, Braille, or large print for travelers with visual impairments.
• Ensure the traveler has access to necessary medical care and medication during the trip.
• Research nearby hospitals or clinics that offer services for travelers with disabilities.
• Have a plan in place in case of emergencies, with a list of emergency contacts, medical providers, and accessible transport options.
• Ensure mobility aids can be transported. Arrange specialized equipment needed.
• Be aware that different countries and cultures may have varying levels of awareness or acceptance of people with disabilities and have patience and understanding.
• Be respectful, but offer assistance when needed.
• Apps with information on accessible locations, transport routes, and real-time updates can help guide travelers with disabilities
• Navigation assistance can be found for visual impairment

General Guidelines in Working with Travelers with Disabilities

• Be aware of laws and regulations that protect the rights of travelers with disabilities.
• Regulations can evolve, so stay updated on policy changes.
• Ensure that all staff members are trained to understand various disabilities and the appropriate ways to assist travelers.
• Staff should be familiar with emergency protocols tailored to assist travelers with disabilities, ensuring their safety and comfort during unforeseen situations.
• Ensure that physical spaces are accessible to individuals with mobility impairments
• Implement technologies like hearing loops for the hearing impaired or screen readers for those with visual impairments to enhance the travel experience.
• Encourage travelers to inform you of their specific needs before arrival, allowing you to prepare necessary accommodations.
• Provide assistance as needed, whether it's helping with boarding procedures, offering priority seating, or accommodating service animals.
• Offer information in various formats, such as braille, large print, audio, and digital, to cater to different disabilities. Use clear, high-contrast signage with symbols to assist travelers in navigating your facilities independently. Work with organizations that specialize in disability services to receive guidance and feedback on improving your services.
• Engage with industry groups focused on accessible tourism to learn about new initiatives and standards.
• Systems, such as surveys or suggestion boxes, can gather input from travelers with disabilities about their experiences and improve services.

Common Disablities

• Partial or complete vision loss may need sensory experiences, tactile guides, and assistance with navigation can be visual impairments
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing tourists benefit from visual or tactile communication, sign language, written materials, or assistive listening devices.
• Tourists using wheelchairs or walkers need accessible transportation, accommodations, and venues
• Tourist with cognitive impairments may require clear, simple language, patience, and repetition.
• Tourists with speech difficulties may need alternative communication methods, like communication boards or apps.
• Tourists with conditions like epilepsy or Parkinson's disease may require extra attention for medical issues and emergency preparedness

New opportunities for Travelers with Disabilities

• San Antonio International Airport offers the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative and therapy dog programs to assist travelers with disabilities
• Emirates has become the world's first Autism Certified Airline.
• Planet Abled in New Delhi, provides customized travel experiences for people with disabilities and the elderly.
• The "Bright Ideas in Travel 2024" initiative highlights organizations and individuals who enhance accessibility and inclusivity in the travel industry.