In the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (1995) defines a tour guide as “an individual who guides tourists, both foreign and domestic, for a fee.”

According to the DOT’s Rules and Regulation to Govern the Accreditation of Travel and Tour Services (1995), the requirements for issuance of accreditation to a tour guide are the following.

1. Proof that the applicant has passed a seminar for tour guides duly conducted by the Department, or other agencies duly authorized by the Department to conduct the seminar. But this requirement may be waived by the DOT where the applicant possesses special academic or professional qualifications relevant to tourism.
2. Certificate of good health issued by any duly accredited government physician
3. Clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
4. In case of alien applicants, valid visa from the Bureau of Immigration and proper permit from DOLE
5. Mayor’s permit/municipal license
6. Latest Income Tax Return
7. Such other documents that the DOT may require from time to time.

The mayor’s permit identifies the place where the tour guide works. As mentioned in the WFTGA definition, a tour guide’s qualification should be area-specific.