Savannah Guides is a network of professional tour guides and tour operators based in the tropical savannahs of northern Australia.

History

Savannah Guides Limited was established as a non-profit company in 1988 to provide access for tourists to unique natural features on private, leased or public property in a sustainable way. Members were initially drawn from local Gulf Savannah communities and the network has since expanded to encompass the tropical savannahs of northern Australia. Savannah Guides and its members continue to contribute to the development of regional tourism, enhancing visitor experiences and generating employment opportunities while conserving our natural and cultural heritage.

In 2009 Savannah Guides Limited began delivering projects supporting regional businesses and tourism development, drawing on its strong network and  expertise within its membership.

Pursuing Quality

Savannah Guides membership provides a accreditation framework for individuals or Enterprises:

Savannah Guides Sites and Stations have been developed by privately and publicly owned enterprises at specific locations, while mobile Savannah Guides Operators and Master Operators conduct roving tours within and through the region. All Savannah Guides enterprises feature natural or cultural interpretive activities, demonstrate a commitment to conservation values and meet a high standard of delivery.

Individual Site or Roving Interpreters are accredited after the completion of qualifications and a Peer Assessment. These are expert guides who can progress to the level of Savannah Guide if they demonstrate leadership within the membership.

Enterprise and individual members must meet strict standards of operation and abide by professional Codes of Conduct.

Two training schools are conducted each year, at varying locations across the savannahs, featuring experts in related fields including ecology, land management and tourism. Knowledge and professionalism is fundamental to Savannah Guides’ operating philosophy, and the schools provide valuable professional development as well as a strong networking opportunity for members and non-members.

Savannah Guides’ benchmark in quality tourism has been maintained for over 25 years.  This has underpinned the career development of many individuals and the success of many businesses, both members and non-members.

Through Queensland, Northern Territory and Commonwealth grant projects, Savannah Guides has now mentored several indigenous and regional businesses, developed a range of support resources and assisted in the development of the Wet Tropics Tour Guide Program, including the delivery of Field Schools.

Operations

Savannah Guides Ltd is managed by a six-member Board of Directors who meet at Schools and by teleconference. There are three executive positions; President, Vice President & Secretary and three non-executive positions. All positions are honorary and the Constitution requires one third of the Board to retire each year at the Annual General Meeting. The Board is supported by a part-time Manager, currently based in Cairns.  Our financial resources are sourced from membership fees, government grants and corporate sponsorships.

Recognition

Savannah Guides received worldwide recognition when they were lauded as Best Tourism Organisation (World) and were the Australian Divisional Winner in the 2000 British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The organisation has received numerous Tropical North Queensland, Queensland and Northern Territory Tourism Awards for Industry Training in the Private Sector and Tourism Services.

Goals

Savannah Guides work with many of Australia’s leading tourism, environmental and community organisations to pursue its mission of being an economically sound, community based, professional body which maintains high standards of:

• Interpretation and public education
• Training and guiding leadership
• Natural and cultural resource management

and, through the promotion of ecologically sustainable tourism principles, enhances regional lifestyles and encourages the protection and conservation of the natural and cultural resources of the Tropical Savannahs of Northern Australia.