Civic Union "Ukrainian Tourist Guides Association"(UTGA)

Who we are

The Ukrainian Tourist Guides Association (UTGA) is a professional community of tourist guides working across all regions of Ukraine, including de-occupied territories and displaced communities.
Our Association is currently developing and operating as a self-regulatory organization in the field of tourism and adult education. Until the adoption of updated national tourism legislation, our qualification system functions as an internal and voluntary framework, created by the professional community for the professional community.
We are building a structured qualification ecosystem for tourist guides, aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). This system includes competency levels:

• Start Competence (EQF 4)
• Base & Specialized Guide (EQF 5)
• Master Guide / Trainer (EQF 6)

At the same time, we are actively implementing digital tools — including a Digital Registry, Open
Badges, and verifiable credentials — to make qualifications transparent and easy to confirm.
Our goal is practical:
to help Ukrainian guides working in Ukraine, as well as those temporarily living abroad, confirm their professional qualifications and maintain their professional identity.
Today, the Association unites 498 members, and we are gradually transferring our data into a Digital
Registry, where over 200 specialists already have verified digital credentials.

What we do

Our main activities focus on supporting guides through education, qualification recognition, and
professional development:
Development of a qualification system
We are creating a voluntary, EQF-aligned qualification framework for tourist guides, which can serve as
a foundation for future national standards.
Qualification and registry system
We maintain a professional registry where each guide receives a unique ID, qualification level, and
status (active, pending, etc.), with digital verification available via QR codes.
Digital learning and verification tools
We are developing a digital ecosystem that includes online learning elements and tools for verifying
skills through digital profiles and Open Badges.
Support for adult learning and recognition
We promote the recognition of non-formal and informal learning, helping guides validate their
experience and competencies.
Support for displaced professionals
A key priority is supporting Ukrainian guides currently living abroad. Many face difficulties accessing
work due to a lack of recognized certification.
Through our system, we help them confirm their qualifications and stay professionally active.

Best practices

Digital Registry & Open Badges (3D verification)
https://uaguides.com/registry/
An open digital registry with QR-based verification and 3D visualization of qualification levels.
AI Assistant for education (pilot phase)
A developing tool to support guides with learning pathways and certification processes.
Inclusive tourism programs
Training programs for guides working with people with disabilities.
Mountain safety standards
Integration of international safety practices through cooperation with the American Mountain Guides
Association (AMGA).

Link to a video that best represents our work

https://us05web.zoom.us/clips/share/RDMgblmtQNq71EPB-NPgJA