Tour leaders liaise between clients and tourist agencies. They may work throughout Italy. They take care of the formalities relative to transport, hotel reception and the various services provided by agencies. They may give basic descriptions of the place visited but may not act as tourist guides.
Both professionals speak at least one foreign language.
NEW RULES FOR TOUR GUIDES AND TOUR LEADERS
1) Provincial Authorities in order to authorise candidates for the profession of tour guide have to check their curriculum. They need to have a degree in Art History, Archaeology or equivalent qualifications (a specialist degree in archaeology – class 2S or a specialist degree in History of Art – class 95S certificate – from a University). This authorisation for tour guides in a specific province is given after a test where they are asked to write a thesis on a site of historical, artistic, archaeological or environmental interest in their territory in the foreign language concerned.
The work submitted is discussed in an interview. To evaluate their curriculum and work each Provincial Authority has a Permanent Commission which carries out checks every six months.
The Provinces then provide candidates with their results within 30 days of the interview.
2) In order to authorise candidates with degrees in art history, archaeology or the equivalent qualifications for the profession of tour leader Provincial Authorities check their knowledge through a special interview. This check is carried out by each Provincial Authority through its permanent Commission mentioned in point 1) with the same means and modalities described there.
The equivalence of qualifications mentioned in points 1) and 2) if already checked by the University and Research Ministry may be declared by candidates indicating the reference code of the relative legislation.
For further information you can address the Ufficio Professioni Turistiche della Provincia di Roma on the following numbers: +39 06 67668645 - 8651 – 8628- 8591