THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL TOURIST GUIDES is the professional body of London's Blue Badge guides, many of whom are registered with other tourist boards in the UK. It is an autonomous branch of the trade union, Amicus. APTG is non party political.
APTG seeks to promote the highest possible standards in tourism in general and guiding in particular.
To this end the APTG:
publishes each year minimum fees which are set following a thorough examination of independent data, and a postal ballot of its members, and which members are expected to uphold.
holds monthly meetings at which members debate and vote on policy issues
publishes a monthly magazine, Guidelines, in which members are invited to share their knowledge and opinions, and which includes a diary of the opening times, special events, exhibitions and closures at key tourist sites
campaigns on safety issues, in particular the ban on coach drivers guiding while driving
campaigns to ensure that the Blue Badge (including the training and examination for the Blue Badge) is upheld as a standard of excellence in guiding
lobbies Ministers, MPs, MEPs and civil servants as well as tourist authorities and tour operators to achieve these ends
runs a training and development programme for its members so that they may constantly expand and update their knowledge
plays an active role in the Federation of European Guides
provides public liability insurance for its members
