If you have looked into becoming a Tour Director, you have probably seen the letters CITM. Here is what they mean and why they matter.

What CITM stands for

CITM is the Certified International Tour Manager credential — the certification that graduates of the International Guide Academy (IGA) earn. (Tour Manager is simply another name for Tour Director.) It is proof that its holder has been trained to lead tours to a professional standard.

Why it matters to Tour Operators

Tour Operators entrust their guests and their reputation to the person at the front of the group. A recognized credential tells them, at a glance, that you have been prepared for the work they actually hire for. It moves you from hopeful applicant to trained professional.

How the CITM is earned

IGA has been Training and Certifying Tour Directors since 1973, in person (usually in Denver), with instructors active in the industry. The program is built around the real job, and every graduate is backed by Free Lifetime Placement Assistance — a lasting connection to the companies that hire.

Four letters after a name are only worth what stands behind them. Behind these are a licensed school, an in-person program, instructors still working in the industry, and an examiner willing to fail you. Ready to start? See how to become a Tour Director.

Ready for the next step? Request the free IGA catalog, book a quick call, or enroll when you are ready.

Safe travels,
Daniel Slater, President
International Guide Academy · bepaidtotravel.com · 303.434.7557