Expert tour guide training courses from the premier global training institute in tour and travel education.
For over five decades, ITMI has trained thousands of tour directors and tour guides who share a passion for making a difference in the world through travel and education
Our mission has been to inspire leadership and create memorable travel experiences worldwide.
We are the premier institute in tourism management & travel education. Earn a trusted, industry-respected certification that top-tier tour companies have relied on for decades. Whether you’re tour guiding in your own city, leading tours throughout your country, or leading global expeditions, your ITMI Tour Director / Guide Certification stands as a testament to your skills, confidence, and professionalism. This credential empowers entrepreneurial dreams, opening doors to building your own tour company or niche travel brand.
ITMI’s flexible, self-paced online tour directing and tour guiding program is designed to fit your lifestyle, regardless of your schedule, time zone, or location. You’ll receive individual mentorship and one-on-one coaching from experienced, active tour directors and guides—personalized learning with real human support, and an approach that adapts to how you learn best.
Go beyond theory and simulation. With ITMI, you’ll have the opportunity to step into real-world guiding experiences by joining a live tour with actual guests through exclusive partnerships with leading tour operators.
The training at ITMI is your pathway to success, helping you land jobs with top tour companies and launch your career. Our comprehensive curriculum is built around learning the skills and best practices that tour and travel companies seek, including the psychology of group travel, customer service, logistics, storytelling, problem-solving, and more. Everything is designed to help you thrive in today’s global, evolving travel landscape.
IT’S NOT JUST TRAINING. IT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM LAUNCHPAD.
We are honored to be affiliate members of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, reflecting our commitment to global standards and the power of travel to make a difference in people’s lives around the world.
We’re also proud to be aligned with:
Go beyond the classroom and into the field. The ITMI On-the-Road MasterClass brings your certification to life with real-world training, expert coaching, and immersive experience – on tour, with real guests.
Spanning over five decades, ITMI doesn’t just certify tour directors-we build confident, capable professionals ready to thrive in the global travel industry. As experts in travel management education, our certification prepares you for a diverse range of roles across the industry-including tour directing and guiding, operations, logistics, guest services, and cruise hosting.
Qualify for single-day, multi-day, and international tours with global tour operators.
Choose from self-paced learning with 1:1 instructor mentorship or immersive MasteryTraining with real guests on live tours.
Practice with actual guests-not just simulations-through partnerships across the travel sector.
Receive personalized coaching, feedback, and support from instructors who care about your success.
Whether leading adventure tours, hosting student groups, or guiding niche experiences, ITMI prepares you to serve across every sector of the travel industry.
Learn the business of tour directing-storytelling, logistics, budgeting, guest care, and more.
Join the ITMI alumni community - a global circle of guides, mentors, and hiring partners built over five decades.
"Where yourjourney begins - over 50 years of proven training excellence for aspiring Tour Directors and Guides"
Launch your career with our comprehensive online certification, built for real-world success.
"For aspiring leaders ready to elevate beyond the standard - ITMI's most immersive, career focused certification."
Everything in the Signature Certification - plus exclusive, real-world experience and personal career debrief.
"With your direction, we help elevate the skills of your staff and guides - ensuring a seamless, first-class guest experience."
Turn your internal training into a scalable, branded certification program - tailored for Tour and Motorcoach Operators, Sales Teams, and Admin Staff.
We are a community of dreamers and doers united by our passion for transformative travel experiences. Since 1976, ITMI has been more than a training program - we've been the catalyst for countless extraordinary careers in global tourism.
Pioneering Excellence in Travel since 1976.
Creating stewards of cultural transformation and sustainable tourism.
Setting the standards of professional tour direction worldwide.
Led by award-winning professionals actively shaping the industry.
Step into a vibrant, welcoming community of storytellers, and explorers- our changemakers. At ITMI, training is just the beginning - our graduates become a part of a global family. Whether your guiding a tour through Europe or cheering on new classmates, you're never alone on the journey.
Our Team is here to help every step of the way
From first steps to fulfilling adventures-get inspired by stories and strategies from our community.
Learn how ITMi alumni launch exciting careers across the globe. From motorcoach tours to luxury cruises and so much more!
Discover what it really means to be a Tour Director and how to carve out your unique place in the industry.