A tourist guide is often called a cultural ambassador of the nation, thus a guide is acting as a sort of living encyclopaedia that directly links the tourist with the culture, history and social heritage of the country visited. Professional tourist guides give a voice and have been able to achieve a much higher profile for tourist guides in Europe and have itself become recognised and respected as a relevant lobby for its professionals

Historically Tourist Guiding has developed for decades as a distinct profession within the tourism industry alongside other complementary professions that also contribute to the visitors’ overall experience. Professional qualifications for tourist guides in European Countries have helped raise quality and standards and in a number, they are needed to practice the profession.

Any tourist company who sends their tour guides to Portugal to promote Portuguese culture and if the company holds a special certification from the Ministry of culture and tourism with the help of the 3months tourism course anyone can apply for a residence in Portugal.

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