Operators have varying requirements, and tours can be very different. STGA tourist guides offer a variety of services. All are self-employed, and some are VAT-registered. It is therefore unrealistic for STGA to set guiding fees.

The Office of Fair Trading has advised STGA that 280 self-employed guides - small businesses - agreeing collaterally to minimum fees breaches the Competition Act 1998.  We are currently taking advice on this but for the present have regrettably had to remove Guiding Fees from the website.

If you would like further clarification, please call the STGA office on +44 (0) 1786 447784.

 

Our Members have advised us individually of the rates they propose to charge for 2006 and once you make a booking, either through our Booking Service or directly with the guide, you will be given the appropriate guiding rate depending on your specific requirements.

In general, guiding fees are based on a half day rate of up to 4 hours or a full day rate of up to 8 hours.  A supplement to these rates is charged for guiding in a language other than English.  

You should also expect to pay a supplement for full day tours lasting more than 8 hours, and half day tours lasting over 4 hours. A half day tour extending beyond 13.00hrs may require a full day fee.

If you book a guide through our Booking Service, STGA charges a small booking fee to cover admin costs. You will find more information on this charge on the 'Booking Information' page.

Expenses

Guides should be included in meal/accommodation arrangements during the tour, or an allowance should be paid. On full day tours, this will normally be lunch; on extended tours this will include dinner, bed and breakfast, with a lunch or meal allowance. You should also expect to pay for appropriate expenses and time incurred if guides have to travel to join the tour or to return home after a tour.

It is essentials that all fees and expenses are agreed between operator/agent and STGA Guide before the tour starts, ideally at the time of the booking/confirmation.

Operators/agents should also notify STGA Guides immediately of any alterations to their tours or terms and conditions.

Cancellation Charges

	1/2 or Full day tour	Extended Tour
Cancelled within 7 days of tour	50% of fee	To be agreed between Guide and operator usually 28 days
Cancelled within 48 hours of tour	100% of fee

 

Please note that some STGA Guides have unique skills. If they are unable to guide your tour due to illness, accident, etc, it may not be possible to provide a replacement STGA Guide with the same skills (e.g. specialist knowledge, driver guide, or particular language).