The Institute of Tourist Guiding

Anne Bartlett, the proprietor of Tour and Explore is a member of the Institute of Tourist Guides which was founded in 2002 as a professional institution for tourist guides in the U.K. It is seen as a standard setting organisation, particularly in respect of guide training.  The training is detailed and comprehensive, the examinations rigorous and registration an achievement.  As such the Blue Badge is Britain’s highest national professional tourist guiding qualification.  It is recognised by quality tour operators and travel companies throughout the world as a bench mark of excellence.

The Guild of Registered Tourist Guides

Anne Bartlett is a member of the Guild of Registered Tourist Guides which is the national professional association for Blue Badge Tourist Guides working throughout the British Isles.  Since its foundation in 1950, the Guild has been dedicated to maintaining the highest professional standards of its members.  Guild membership ensures the Blue Badge Tour Guides are fully trained and are fully insured with Public Liability Insurance for up to £5million.  A copy of the policy is kept at Guild House and the office staff can assist with any enquiries relating to this.

The Federation of Small Businesses

Blue Badge Tourist Guides are self-employed people, running their own businesses.  Tour and Explore is a member of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) which was formed in 1974 to promote the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms.  Today the FSB has grown to 185,000 members and is the largest independent voice for small businesses in the U.K.

Cotswold Tourism

Cotswolds Tourism is all about tourism businesses working in partnership across the region to give you, the visitor, a website containing the information and contacts you need for discovering and enjoying the Cotswolds and surrounding area.

Visit Wiltshire

VisitWiltshire is a business led and partner based organisation, responsible for promoting Wiltshire outside of the county by raising awareness and in doing so attract more visitors and guests who stay longer, spend more and recommend the county to other potential visitors. We became a company limited by guarantee in August 2011 and Wiltshire Council, who are our primary funders, recognise us as the official tourism marketing organisation for the county as do the national tourism agencies including VisitEngland and VisitBritain.

The British Quality Foundation

The British Quality Foundation (BQF) is Europe’s largest corporate membership organisation promoting performance improvement and excellence in business.

I worked with selected tourism businesses in the South West region on projects with the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) and the British Quality Foundation (BQF) to achieve the Commitment to Excellence standard.