Severodvinsk, a city in Russia’s Arkhangelsk Oblast, is gaining recognition for its growing tourism sector, and one local guide is now receiving national attention. Tatiana Gribanova, a Severodvinsk-based tour guide, recently participated in a popular intellectual quiz show on Russia’s Channel One, timed to coincide with International Tourist Guide Day on .
Gribanova’s appearance on the program stemmed from her involvement with “Provodniki Smyslov. Ekskursovody” (Guides of Meaning. Tour Guides), a community of guides from across Russia that she connected with at the “Russia” exhibition at VDNKh. “We still communicate: we discuss successes, analyze mistakes, and support each other,” Gribanova shared, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the Russian guiding community.
The team, representing Severodvinsk and the broader northeastern region, faced off against “Guides of Russia” from the southwestern part of the country. The quiz proved to be a challenging contest of knowledge, wit, and passion for the profession. “It’s gratifying to be part of such a friendly all-Russian team,” Gribanova said. “Ours is from the northeast, our opponents are from the southwest.”
According to Gribanova, success in the quiz wasn’t solely about possessing factual knowledge. “In the game, it’s not only important to know the facts, but also to react quickly, think outside the box, and guess what people most often answer to questions.” This emphasizes the multifaceted skillset required of a modern tour guide – a blend of historical understanding, quick thinking, and audience engagement.
International Tourist Guide Day, celebrated annually on or around , was established by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) to commemorate the organization’s founding and to showcase the skills of professional guides. Since the 1990s, guide associations worldwide have used the day to offer free tours and events to local communities, demonstrating the value of their expertise. The day’s origins trace back to 1990, when the first International Tourist Guide Day was held with participation from 15 countries, spearheaded by then-WFTGA President Titina Loizides.
The WFTGA’s initiative has grown significantly over the decades, with guides in an increasing number of countries actively engaging in community outreach, offering tours tailored to diverse audiences – including those with disabilities, disadvantaged groups, and children – and participating in professional development opportunities. The event serves as a public relations platform, drawing attention from local authorities, citizens, and the media to the quality and importance of professional guiding.
The 2024 International Tourist Guide Day theme, as announced by the WFTGA, focused on “Tourist Guides; Our Guardians in promoting and encouraging Green Tourism.” This reflects a growing global emphasis on sustainable tourism practices and recognizes the role guides play in raising awareness about environmental issues and responsible travel. The WFTGA believes guides are uniquely positioned to act as “green guardians,” educating tourists about both natural and man-made environments.
While the global celebration of International Tourist Guide Day is well-established, the recognition of local guides like Tatiana Gribanova highlights the importance of the profession at the regional level. Her participation in the national quiz show not only brought attention to Severodvinsk’s tourism offerings but also fostered connections with fellow guides across Russia.
Gribanova’s experience underscores the evolving role of the tour guide. Beyond simply reciting historical facts, modern guides are expected to be engaging storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and advocates for responsible tourism. Her return to Severodvinsk with “new impressions and inspiration” suggests a renewed commitment to sharing the city’s history and traditions with visitors, and to continuing to build relationships within the wider guiding community.
The success of events like the quiz show, and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the WFTGA, demonstrate a growing appreciation for the vital role tour guides play in connecting people with places and promoting cultural understanding. As tourism continues to evolve, the profession of guiding will undoubtedly remain a crucial component of the travel experience.
In Georgia, the SAGA association has established an annual tradition of celebrating International Tourist Guide Day since 2010. Beyond official SAGA-organized events, Georgian tourist guides independently celebrate the day with various activities, demonstrating a strong sense of community and pride in their profession.
