When choosing a free walking tour, it's important to consider not just the experience but also the ethical and responsible impact of your booking. While platforms like Guruwalk and Freetour.com act as online marketplaces, the Free Tour Community (FTC) is a non-profit association built by local tour operators. Here’s why booking with FTC members is a more responsible choice.

1. Supporting Ethical, Locally Owned Businesses

The Free Tour Community consists of independent, locally owned tour companies that have a proven track record of quality and ethical business practices. Unlike Guruwalk and Freetour.com, which primarily act as booking platforms for individual guides or small operators, FTC members:

• Are legally registered businesses in their respective countries.
• Follow local tour guide licensing regulations.
• Are committed to reinvesting in their local communities rather than sending commissions to large international platforms.

Guruwalk and Freetour.com, on the other hand, take significant commissions from guides and businesses, often prioritizing profit over fair business practices.

2. Higher Quality Standards and Accountability

Booking through the FTC guarantees high-quality tours because:

• Every member must maintain a 5-star rating based on a substantial number of reviews.
• Members are required to treat their guides fairly, ensuring ethical collaboration and working conditions.
• Regular internal audits ensure that members provide the best experiences possible.

Platforms like Guruwalk and Freetour.com do not have strict quality control mechanisms. They allow nearly anyone to list a tour, meaning the risk of inconsistent quality, misleading descriptions, or poor guiding practices is much higher.

3. No Hidden Fees or Unfair Commissions

Many customers are unaware that Guruwalk and Freetour.com charge guides and companies high commissions—often as much as 2-3 euros per person. This means that the money you think is going directly to your guide or small business is instead being funneled to an international platform.

FTC members, in contrast:

• Operate independently and keep 100% of their earnings.
• Use the funds to support local communities, reinvest in their businesses, and ensure fair compensation for guides.
• Do not rely on third-party platforms that take a cut from each booking.

4. Fair Competition & No Exploitation

One of FTC’s key principles is ensuring fair competition among its members. This means:

• No FTC company will open a branch in another member’s city to undermine local businesses.
• FTC members do not engage in unethical tactics like fake reviews, misleading advertising, or predatory pricing.

Guruwalk and Freetour.com, on the other hand, actively encourage competition between guides—even within the same city—often leading to price undercutting, poor working conditions, and guides struggling to make a living wage.

5. A Community-Driven, Non-Profit Model

Unlike commercial platforms, Free Tour Community is a non-profit organization that exists to support local operators. Its goals include:

• Reducing dependence on large online travel agencies (OTAs).
• Helping members collaborate rather than compete.
• Ensuring sustainable tourism growth that benefits local economies rather than foreign corporations.

6. Born from a Crisis, Built for Independence

The Free Tour Community was created in 2020 during the pandemic, a time when free tour operators worldwide were horrified by the sudden loss of business due to closed borders and restrictions. Most could not work, and rather than rely on external platforms that took advantage of the crisis, they chose to build their own independent network.

During this difficult period, FTC members realized the need for an association that would empower local businesses instead of making them dependent on third-party booking platforms. By forming a collaborative, independent network, they ensured that tour operators could support one another and regain control over their businesses. Today, the FTC continues to uphold these values, offering a responsible alternative for travelers who care about ethical tourism.

Conclusion: A More Ethical, Responsible Choice

By booking through the Free Tour Community, you’re not just choosing a free tour—you’re making an ethical decision to support local businesses, fair working conditions, and high-quality experiences. While platforms like Guruwalk and Freetour.com operate as profit-driven marketplaces, FTC is a global community of responsible tour operators that prioritize fairness, quality, and sustainability.

So, next time you're booking a free tour, make a responsible choice—choose a tour with Free Tour Community and support ethical, locally owned businesses.