Outstanding Tour Guide
 
In 1998 FACET, the Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco Tourism Inc initiated the concept and developed the FACET Golden Guide Award.
 
The aim of the Award is to acknowledge individual excellence in tour guiding and raise the profile of this important profession. This category recognises the significant contribution quality tour guides make in providing memorable experiences to visitors through interpreting the natural and cultural environment in a responsible manner.
 
It is designed to encourage individual tour guides to create and deliver innovative, accurate, authentic and inspiring tours that will enhance tourism product and enrich the visitor experience.
 
This award is for an individual tour guide demonstrating excellence in tour guiding.
 
Eligibility includes tour guides and coach captains working in the natural, cultural and heritage environments, in either a paid or volunteer capacity. Tour guides who work on multiple tours should preferably focus on one tour, but can provide examples from other tours in addressing the following criteria.

Important Notes:
-    There is no nomination fee to enter this category.
-    Submission will be accepted from guides operating in the private and public sectors in either paid or volunteer capacity.
-    Tour guides who work on multiple tours should preferably focus on one tour, but can provide examples form other tours in addressing the following criteria.
-    There is no entry to the Australian Tourism Awards.
-    This award will not necessarily be recognised annually.

Q1 Overview of the Nominee (25 points)
Describe a recent guiding experience detailing the objectives, theme, message, stories and target audience and the experience generated for the visitor and identify the type of tour, size of group, location, duration, frequency and involvement of others.
 
Q2 Tour Delivery of Nominee (25 points)
Describe how you plan and deliver a culturally, socially and environmentally sustainable and responsible guided tour.
 
Q3 Examples of Innovation (25 points)
What innovations in design and presentation techniques do you use to create a special distinctive and memorable experience for clients?
 
Q4 Examples of Customer Service (25 points)
Explain how you evaluate and ensure a standard of quality in your customer service. Provide evidence of customer satisfaction (eg letters of appreciation, visitor book, comments, surveys etc).
How do you identify and provide for people with special needs?
(Specific needs could include language physical, intellectual and other special needs)
 
The winner will be chosen from a shortlist of finalists selected by the Judging Panel. Finalists will be asked to attend a 30 minute interview or participate in a phone interview should they be in a remoter area. Questions will be supplied to the entrant in advance.
 
Interview 20 points.

 
TOTAL OF 110 POINTS. 
 
  
  

Forum Advocating Cultural & Eco Tourism Inc.
 
To inspire & promote the responsible community use of Western Australia’s Cultural & Natural Heritage through tourism.
 
FACET was established in 1991.  It is a not-for-profit networking and professional development organisation for people with an interest and/or involvement in cultural, nature-based and ecotourism. 
 
FACET Inc. 
PO Box 342,
NORTH BEACH   6920

Tel:  (08) 9448 8150    Email:  facetinc@iinet.net.au    Web:  www.facet.asn.au