CHICAGO TOUR-GUIDE PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

I need a bunch of people to staff arrival and departure transfers, tours and hospitality desks for a big convention. Can the CTPA help me?
-The CTPA is not a placement organization and does NOT match employers with guides. With sufficient notice, we may be able to include your event or program information flyer in our next mailing, send an email to our members online or make an announcement at our next meeting. However, if you become a member of the CTPA, you will receive a copy of the CTPA membership directory, which you can use to learn more about our 160+ Certified Tour Guides and Candidate Members. If you prefer, you can contact one of the local Associate Members listed in the directory to assist with all aspects of your project. 

I don't live in the Metro Chicago area, but I want to attend the next National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations-USA and World Federation of Tourist Guide Assn. conferences. Can I join the CTPA in order to pay the lower "member" participation fees?
-Yes! It is not necessary to live in the Metro Chicago area in order to be a CTPA member. We have several out-of-state members who do not have a nearby local guide organization and pay CTPA dues annually in order to stay in touch with our organization and take advantage of the many benefits of CTPA membership.

I am really a Travel Director (TD) and may never become a Chicago tour guide, but I have experience working meet and greets at the airport and escorting groups on out-of-town trips. Do you recommend that I become a CTPA member?
-Yes! There are several CTPA Associate Members who specialize in escorting student and senior groups out of town and are looking for people just like you. As some of our members are International Tour Management Institute (ITMI) or International Guide Academy (IGA) graduates who work principally as TDs, you may be able to network with them for other out-of-town job leads. 

I just learned about the CTPA and I definitely want to join. What is the next step?
-Download the membership application form, complete it and send your check to our Treasurer. Remember if you are joining after July 1 of the calendar year, you pay only 50% of the appropriate dues fee.

Hosting a CTPA meeting seems like a great way to introduce our business to an influential group of tourism professionals. Do I need to join the CTPA in order to host a meeting?
-No, absolutely not. Several meetings each year are hosted by venues or organizations that are not CTPA members. Click here to contact the CTPA Education/Programs Committee Chairperson. She will be happy to discuss logistics and determine a date that will work for you and the CTPA membership.

I bring a group to Chicago once a year and need to hire a guide to give a city tour. Can the CTPA help me find a guide?
-The CTPA is not a placement organization. It does not book guide services or match employers with guides. If you become a member of the CTPA, you will receive the membership directory that is distributed only to members. The directory includes a 50-word self-written profile of each member. You can use the directory to find an individual or an organization best suited for your needs.

I need a guide later this week. Can you recommend anyone?
-Although the CTPA does not act as a placement service for guides, we will try to help you find a guide just this once. Send an email to the CTPA President or Vice President, noting your tour time frame and requirements as well as your contact information. If you do not hear form one of them within 24 hours, call and make sure they received your email.

CONTACT US!

Get in touch with the CTPA President via e-mail by clicking here: president@tourguidesofchicago.com. If you prefer to communicate by more traditional means, the full contact information President is on our Home Page.