The Cyprus Tourist Guides Association was established in 1964. It is the only organisation that exists in Cyprus for Tourist Guides and has 300 members from all over Cyprus. Its main aims are to improve professional standards, protect and support its members and enhance the image of the Tourist Guide.

It has been a member of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations since 1987 and the European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations since 1990. CTGA is also a member of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

All Tourist Guides of Cyprus are licensed by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation having followed a one year course and successfully passed the relevant exams of the School of the Guides. The School of the Guides is organised by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation in collaboration with the University of Cyprus. The Tourist Guides are licensed annually by C.T.O. It is compulsory that they attend an educational seminar every year in order to update their knowledge on various topics. Some of them have attended an intensive course in Archaeology and Byzantine Art, organised by C.T.O.

C.T.O. licensed Tourist Guides are the only ones permitted to work in Cyprus and while on duty must wear the official guide badge provided by the C.T.O. Tour Managers accompanying groups are not allowed to guide unless they are accompanied by a C.T.O. licensed Tourist Guide.
Tourist Guides have an in depth knowledge of the history and culture of Cyprus and are well trained in guiding techniques and in group management.

Most Tourist guides are at least bi-lingual.

Cyprus Tourist Guides provide guiding for:

• Tours organised by travel agents - up to 55 persons.
• Tours for conference groups or incentive groups.
• Walking tours
• Nature tours
• Tours for special interest groups
• Tours for Individual Business travellers
• Colleges
• Schools
• Tours of Museums
• Tours of historic areas of towns
• Tours for individuals or groups
• Tours conducted in a guide’s car (maximum 6 persons)
• Tours by private vehicle (maximum 6 persons)

Cyprus Tourist Guides guide in the following languages:
Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, Flemish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Roumanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish and Swedish.

Cypriot Tourist Guides may be booked by contacting either individual Guides (see list) or The Cyprus Tourist Guides Association.

There is also a computerized booking system.

Cypriot Tourist Guides invite visitors to enjoy the beauty, history and variety of Cyprus. Let our professional guides open the most exciting window of Cyprus.

Cypriot Tourist Guides provide knowledgeable and competent guiding in the following areas:

Archaeology
Cyprus history stretches back 11000 years. Archaeological sites range from the Neolithic period to the Roman times and are largely near the coast. Archaeological work in progress may often be seen and many sites continue to reveal exciting finds. The Neolithic site of Choirokoitia and the Antiquities of Paphos are listed in the UNESCO catalogue of World’s Heritage Monuments.

Geology
The geological formation of Cyprus is an open challenge to both scientists and amateurs. A huge underwater volcanic eruption formed Troodos 90 million years ago. From geological point of view Troodos consists of plutonic igneous rocks. The rocks became solidified deep in the earth. Such rocks are the serpentines, gabbro and diabase. The central mass of plutonic rocks is surrounded by a very interesting geologic volcanic formation.

Byzantine and Medieval History
The Byzantine and Medieval periods are most easily appreciated by visiting the many mountain churches with their frescoes dated from 9th AD - 18th Century. Nine mountain churches are included in the UNESCO catalogue as World’s heritage monuments.

Flora
Cyprus is a nature - lover’s paradise. Nearly 2000 species and sub-species of flowering flora may be found on the island, 88% of which are endemic to Cyprus. Although late winter/early spring provides an abundance of blossom and flowers, nature trails offer access to many trees and shrubs that can be enjoyed year-round.

Historic Towns
Organised tours are provided by Travel Agents in Nicosia, Larnaca and Ayia Napa on specific days of the week, however there are also walking tours which can be joined to get better acquainted with the towns.

Museums
Guides are happy to provide tours through all the Government and Private museums available in Cyprus.

Outdoor Activities
Tourist Guides can escort visitors to sporting activities including mountain biking and nature trails, boating and boat excursions along the coast and jeep safaris.

Excursions
Tourist Guides can guide on the general excursions which explore various regions of the island.

Traditional life
Tourist Guides can take visitors to villages famous for wine-making, pottery and the traditional crafts. Wine tasting and music and dance at traditional tavernas are also available.

Incentive Tours
Specially tailored tours can be arranged in consultation with the agent to provide a more exciting or exclusive experience than is available in large groups.