Georgia proposes to ban foreigners from working as guides

Representatives of business structures, which got acquainted with the draft law “On Tourism” last week, proposed to introduce a clause into this bill, according to which only a citizen of Georgia or a holder of a Georgian residence permit can work as a guide. Irina Ivanidze, executive director of the Association of Guides of Georgia, announced this on the air of the TV show “Business Formula”. According to her, the recommendation was sent to the authors before the development of the draft, but it has not yet been included in the bill.

“The guide must be a citizen of Georgia or have a residence permit, he must also know the Georgian language. Before the development of the draft, we sent this recommendation to the authors, although it is not reflected in the draft law. It is not only about national values, but also about finances – foreigners coming to the country deprive Georgian guides of their income,” Irina Ivanidze explained.

According to her, the bill does not specify how exactly the qualifications of those wishing to become a guide should be controlled and according to what scheme they will be issued a certificate:

“Our recommendation is to use existing resources, guide associations, schools, training centers that provide qualified knowledge to interested persons. Qualifications must be confirmed by examinations.

According to Ivanidze, the tourism administration has not yet answered the questions of the Association and business representatives.

The draft law “On Tourism” should regulate the qualification requirements for guides and involves the introduction of their voluntary certification.

According to the authors of the bill, a person who has reached the age of 18 and has not been convicted of a serious or especially serious crime can work as a guide.

The law describes the official badge issued by the National Tourism Administration of Georgia. A guide with such a token will be exempt from entry fees to state museums and protected areas. Only the holder of this official token will be allowed to work.

According to the bill, the competition agency will control tour operators, which the agency itself does not agree with.

The tourism project should probably be initiated in parliament before the end of the autumn session, although the chairman of the committee on sectoral economics and economic policy does not rule out that the project will be registered in parliament in the spring.