Guide & Tour Operator (GORP) Program

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GORP is a recognition and training program for guides and outfitters offered by Oregon Sea Grant /Oregon State University Extension. The courses can be customized for any location in the world.

Experienced guides and outfitters, GORP will provide knowledge of wide range of topics and industry organizations as well as international best practices and raise the value of your guiding services.

Aspiring guides, the Guide & Outfitters Recognized Professional (GORP) training program will give you a great foundation for your future business and raise the value of your guide services.

GORP Guide Training adds value

GORP training is for guides, tour operators and outfitters operating in Oregon.

Your services are a key component of the tourism and outdoor recreation industry. Your business provides a valuable contribution to the local economy!

The GORP program provides knowledge and skills training through a blend of for short online courses you complete from home on your own schedule, webinars and custom scheduled in-person workshops. Content includes knowledge of local history, natural resource agencies, tourism organizations and economic impact, group management, customer service, sustainability, marketing, identification of 101 local species of plants and animals, and personal interpretation skills. All this helps prepare you to meet the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s International Adventure Travel Guide Qualifications and Performance Standard (The ATTA Guide Standard). ATTA is a private industry organization for guides and tour operators. 

Online training

The content is organized into four sections: local, state, national and global regions. There is no required days or times each week to complete your coursework. It is flexible. You decide where to fit it into your work schedule. When you finish the online program you are awarded a certification and a package of marketing benefits including; GORP branded shirt, GORP logo vinyl for boat/truck, special listing on the OCVA website, and other online marketing services.